CPAESS Scientist V

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR); Princeton (NJ); Sur place; USD 112 000 - 145 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

UCAR is seeking a CPAESS Scientist V to lead the ocean and biogeochemical modeling efforts with NOAA's GFDL. The role focuses on modernizing codes, workflows, and configurations across regional prediction systems, impacting coastal resource management and industry support.

The position emphasizes cross-disciplinary leadership, mentorship, and outreach to scientific communities, with a term of six months or more and a fixed-term contract.

Qualifications

• Minimum degrees and years of experience as specified.
• Mentor and team builder with collaboration across projects.
• Strong communication with senior stakeholders and sponsors.
• Proven publications and presentations in the field.
• Emerging leader in scientific communities through service or national initiatives.

Responsabilités

• Lead scientific and innovation initiatives across disciplines.
• Develop and refine models, tools, instrumentation, or approaches.
• Direct projects with scope, risks, and resources across teams.
• Mentor staff and guide program planning and execution.
• Engage with senior leadership and sponsors to shape strategy.
• Represent the organization in external engagements and collaborations.
• Publish papers, reports, data, and proposals as appropriate.

Connaissances

Mentoring

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Team building

Publications

Emerging leader

Formation

Bachelor's degree + 15 years

Master's degree + 11 years

PhD + 7 years

Description du poste

Position Type:

Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)

Visa Sponsored Job:

No

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Hiring Range:

111,790.00 USD - 145,350.00 USD

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

Application Closes at 12:00am MST on:

2026-11-04

About the Role

UCAR is excited to announce the job opening for the CPAESS Scientist V working with NOAA's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL). In this role, the incumbent will strengthen, modernize and manage ocean and biogeochemical modeling and prediction codes, configurations and workflows associated with NOAA's Changing Ecosystems and Fisheries Initiative (CEFI) and National Ecosystem Assessment Program (NEAP). This national program includes prediction systems for the Northwest Atlantic, Northeast Pacific, Arctic Ocean, Hawaiian Islands and Great Lakes. It is built upon GFDL's Modular Ocean Model 6 (MOM6) ocean and Carbon, Ocean Biogeochemistry and Lower Trophics (COBALT) models and follows open-development paradigms to accelerate improvements. The NEAP/CEFI ocean modeling and prediction system generates regional retrospective simulations to understand past ecosystem variability, and seasonal to multi-decadal outlooks to help meet NOAA's coastal resource mandates and broadly support coastal industries and communities.

Job Description

Develops novel hypotheses, tools, instruments, models, methodologies, and/or frameworks. Integrates contributions across teams and disciplines, and advances scientific and/or technical understanding with tangible impact. Leads scientific teams or programs, defining strategic directions aligned with institutional and sponsor priorities. Mentors less experienced staff, drives program innovation, and represents the organization in high-level scientific, operational, and collaborative engagements across sectors. 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

• Leading, designing, and executing scientific and innovation initiatives, contributing to theoretical advancements, methodological developments, or practical applications within specialized or interdisciplinary domains.
• Developing and refining novel models, tools, instrumentation, or analytical approaches. Integrating insights from multiple disciplines to address uniquely complex scientific or operational questions.
• Directing project teams by managing scope, risks, resources, and coordination across contributors, sponsors, and partner organizations.
• Applying independent judgment and subject matter expertise to define objectives, prioritize activities, and identify high-impact opportunities for future research, innovation, or application.
• Engaging with senior leadership and sponsors to shape scientific strategies, align goals with broader priorities, and guide proposal development and program planning.
• Supporting the professional growth of less experienced scientists and technical staff, mentoring, fostering collaboration and team performance.
• Contributing actively to, leading, and/or co‑leading papers, reports, technical documentation, data sets and findings, and proposals as appropriate.
• Disseminating significant outcomes through peer‑reviewed publications, technical tools, invited talks, stakeholder briefings, and thought leadership that influence science and practice.
• Representing the organization in external engagements, participating in advisory roles, national panels, or collaborative initiatives with emerging influence at strategic levels.
• Leading development of complex products, tools, instruments and/or technologies for projects and programs.

Requirements

Education

Typically requires a minimum of a Bachelors of Science degree and 15 years related experience, or a Master's degree and 11 years of experience, or a PhD in a scientific discipline and 7 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge

Has expert knowledge of scientific or technical theories, methods, and/or modeling techniques within a specialized field, along with broad understanding of related domains.

Skills and Abilities

• Is a skilled mentor and team builder, capable of supporting technical development, strong collaboration, and cross‑project alignment.
• Has good communication skills to engage senior stakeholders, support program development, and translate scientific insights into real‑world strategies or products.
• Is skilled in leadership, mentoring, and developing teams, with a focus on fostering collaborative and high‑performing environments.
• Possesses excellent analytical and strategic planning capabilities to set priorities, navigate trade‑offs, and define impactful scientific or technological directions.
• Demonstrates the ability to develop innovative hypotheses, methods, tools, models, or frameworks that address complex scientific, operational, or applied challenges.
• Has proven capability in delivering publications, presentations, or externally recognized outputs that reflect meaningful contributions to the field.
• Is recognized as an emerging leader in scientific communities through service, collaborative influence, or participation in national initiatives.

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