CPAESS Scientist IV

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental

Retirement plan

Leave plans

Tuition assistance

Employee assistance programs

Parental leave

Job summary

UCAR is seeking a Scientist IV within CPAESS to advance ocean-ice data assimilation for the GFS, integrating Level-1b radiances and sea-ice observations to improve forecast skill. The role emphasizes mentorship, collaboration with agencies, and impactful research in Earth system science.

The position is a one-year term appointment with possible extension, offering in-person, hybrid (3 days on-site/2 days remote), or fully remote options in Boulder, CO or College Park, MD, and requires U.S.

Qualifications

• Education requirements: BS + 10y, MS + 6y, or PhD + 2y in a scientific field.
• Advanced knowledge of scientific principles, methods, and observation/modeling techniques.
• Strong mentorship, communication, and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex scientific investigations addressing interdisciplinary problems.
• Develop or refine models, algorithms, and observational techniques with current methodologies.
• Lead components of projects, coordinate collaborators, and deliver results and reports.

Skills

Data analysis

Numerical modeling

Programming

Mentorship

Scientific communication

Education

Bachelor of Science + 10y

Master’s degree + 6y

PhD + 2y

Tools

JEDI framework

Data assimilation

Job description

Position Type: Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term) Visa Sponsored Job: Yes Relocation Assistance Eligible: Yes Hiring Range: 98,900.00 USD - 128,600.00 USD *Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role. Application Closes at 12:00am MST on: 2026-09-05

About the Role

UCAR is excited to announce the job opening for the Scientist IV role with the Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System Science (CPAESS) working with NOAA's Office of Model Development (OMD). This position will focus on enhancing coupled ocean and sea ice JEDI-based data assimilation system for the Global Forecasting System (GFS) by integrating critical marine observations. This may include transition from retrieved products to direct assimilation of Level 1b radiances for sea-surface-sensitive channels to improve atmosphere-ocean balance and sea surface temperature conditions, and integrating sea ice freeboard observations to address model biases and significantly improve sea-ice forecast skill. CPAESS serves the Earth System Science community in three distinct areas of service. We partner with federal agencies and businesses to hire critical scientific staff enabling a more robust workforce. Through our scientific programs we seek to edify new research with our postdoctoral programs, our visiting scientist and internship programs, along with our interagency support programs. We also help build the Earth system science community by convening and managing summer schools and institutes, conferences, and advisory committees.

Job Description

Designs and executes scientific projects of significant complexity, advancing understanding in theoretical, observational, and/or applied domains. Manages technical direction for projects, contributes findings in a variety of ways, and supports institutional and sponsor engagement. Provides mentorship, enhances research quality, and plays a part in shaping team and program outcomes. Engages in mission-aligned activities both within the organization and throughout the broader scientific community. Contributes through a combination of scientific expertise, professional service, and education and outreach efforts.

Responsibilities

• Designing and executing complex scientific and/or technical investigations, to address complex, often interdisciplinary problems.
• Developing or refining scientific models, algorithms, experimental methods, observational techniques, or analytical tools, applying advanced technical principles and incorporating recent developments in the field.
• Leading or coordinating scientific components of projects or programs, including establishing goals, methodologies, timelines, and overseeing deliverables across internal and external collaborators.
• Applying advanced data analysis and interpretation techniques, including statistical, computational, or simulation-based approaches to extract insights and validate results.
• Contributing to and/or co-leading peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, data sets, findings, proposals, and documentation, and presenting findings at national and international conferences, workshops, and stakeholder briefings.
• Supporting less experienced staff and team members by providing technical guidance, fostering scientific growth, and supporting collaborative working environments.
• Contributing to scientific proposal development and strategic planning.
• Engaging with internal and external stakeholders, translating complex scientific findings for diverse audiences and helping to shape project direction or programmatic priorities.
• Leading development of products, tools, instruments and/or technologies for projects and programs.

Requirements

• Education Specifically requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree and 10 years related experience, or a Master’s degree and 6 years of experience, or a PhD in a scientific discipline and 2 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge Has advanced knowledge of scientific principles, methods, and observational and/or modelling techniques in a primary discipline, with a sound understanding of related fields.
• Skills and Abilities Possesses good mentorship and interpersonal skills for supporting less experienced staff and fostering collaboration and scientific development. Is skilled in developing or refining scientific models, algorithms, techniques, or tools, with attention to technical accuracy, usability, and applicability. Possesses advanced skills in data analysis and synthesis, including statistical, computational, or simulation-based approaches using relevant tools or domain-specific platforms. Is capable of making contributions to strategic planning and proposal development, aligning research efforts with organizational goals and sponsor needs. Demonstrates the ability to lead components of scientific projects, manage deliverables, coordinate across collaborators, and contribute to successful outcomes. Is an effective communicator, capable of producing peer-reviewed publications and sponsor reports, and presenting results to scientific and non-technical audiences. Has a proven ability to design, execute, and interpret complex scientific investigations using both established and evolving methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience with atmospheric or oceanic numerical modeling.
• Advanced knowledge of data assimilation methods, especially coupled data assimilation.
• Proficiency with JEDI or a similar data assimilation framework.
• Excellent scientific communication skills for documenting research findings and coordinating with partners.
• Advanced programming skills for scientific model development and data analysis.

Specific Responsibilities for this Role

• Validation and Impact Assessment: Conducting rigorous validation of the global data assimilation system through an iterative process. This includes analyzing model output, and evaluating the impact of assimilation techniques on model biases to drive system improvements.
• System Configuration and Iterative Development: Developing and configuring the JEDI system for coupled data assimilation with GFS. This involves an iterative cycle of adding new observations to the data assimilation system (e.g., direct radiance assimilation for sea surface temperature, sea ice freeboard) and refining the system based on ongoing performance feedback.
• Documentation and Stakeholder Coordination: Documenting research findings and coordinating with stakeholders at NWS/OMD and partner agencies to ensure the new capabilities are ready for operational integration into the GFS system.

Term Appointment

This position is a one-year term appointment with the possibility of extension, funding permitted.

Work Location Expectations

This position offers in-person, hybrid (3 days on-site/2 days remote), or fully remote options. On-site and hybrid roles are based in Boulder, CO or College Park, MD. UCAR requires all work to be performed within the U.S. (excluding U.S. Territories). Staff deployed to federal agencies must follow that agency's specific remote/flexible work policies.

Visa Sponsorship Note

Due to this project's time restraints, as well as this position requiring a federal screen in addition to a UCAR background check, visa sponsorship can be considered only for candidates who have already passed a National Weather Service (NWS) background check. UCAR can sponsor individuals for H-1B status only if they are already in the U.S. in H-1B status or another visa status that allows them to change to H-1B status within the U.S. UCAR is unable to sponsor new H-1B visas for individuals who are outside the U.S. and need to obtain H-1B status through Consular Processing.

Benefits Overview

• Health insurance
• Dental
• Retirement plan
• Leave plans
• Tuition assistance
• Employee assistance programs: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Generous retirement plan - UCAR contributes of 10% of base salary
• Minimum 20 days of annual PTO
• 10 paid holidays
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• FAMLI Leave
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants are not required to provide age-related information (like date of birth or graduation dates) in initial submissions. For sponsored positions: UCAR can sponsor individuals for H-1B status only if they are already in the U.S. in H-1B status or another visa status that allows them to change to H-1B status within the U.S. UCAR is unable to sponsor new H-1B visas for individuals who are outside the U.S. and need to obtain H-1B status through Consular Processing. While UCAR does not prohibit the use of AI tools in job applications, we strongly recommend that applicants submit primarily original work. All roles require compliance with U.S. export control regulations and work location requirements.

Work Environment

Work may be performed in a combination of office, laboratory, industrial, and research environments depending on project assignments. Office-based work typically involves maintaining concentration and focus on assigned tasks, extended periods of computer use, prolonged periods of sitting or standing, reviewing information on screens or documents, applying established protocols in a timely manner, communication with others regarding project assignments, and participating in meetings or collaborative activities. This role and assigned projects may also include laboratory or field research activities that involve travel, work in variable environmental conditions such as weather and altitude (including extreme temperature changes, heat exposure, cold exposure, and other exposure to severe weather), and the use of specialized scientific instrumentation or equipment. Field assignments may occur in remote locations and may involve navigating uneven terrain, accessing elevated platforms, performing high-intensity manual tasks, or positioning oneself in constrictive spaces such as vehicles or aircraft. Work may involve interaction with hazardous equipment and processes including electrical systems, heavy machinery, or chemicals that may lead to exposure to irritants or pollutants. Participation in workplace safety training is mandatory, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on the assignment. Staff assigned to this role are expected to follow all applicable safety policies and procedures and must not pose a threat to the safety or wellbeing of themselves or others. Employees must be able to perform all mental and physical requirements necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position and project assignments as outlined in the job description, which are considered essential functions of this position. All essential functions of the position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Information

At NCAR - the National Center for Atmospheric Research - we study weather, water, climate, air quality, and space weather to help protect lives and livelihoods, grow the economy, and enhance our nation’s security and well-being. We collaborate with research partners to advance the science that makes predictions better and with end users to develop applications for forecasters, farmers, resource managers, retailers, the military, and many other stakeholders. UCAR - the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research - manages NCAR on behalf of the National Science Foundation. We are a nonprofit consortium of more than 115 colleges and universities with research and training programs in Earth system science. We bring together the academic community and provide the operational management that are both essential to NCAR’s success. UCAR’s community programs, from educational resources to data delivery and other services, extend the reach and impact of NCAR’s world-class research to the community and society. We seek talented people with diverse backgrounds, training, and skills to join us in our mission of science in service to society. Want to learn more? Visit ucar.edu.