Postdoctoral Fellow I

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR); Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

UCAR seeks a motivated postdoctoral fellow to contribute to research in coupled atmosphere-aerosol-land data assimilation and forecasting within NSF NCAR MMM Laboratory. The fellow will advance satellite data assimilation capabilities and conduct cycling analysis and forecast experiments using the MMM system.

The role involves exploring AI/ML methods, developing data processing and cycling workflows, and collaborating on interdisciplinary projects.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree within the last 5 years or expected within 6 months in atmospheric science, computer science, statistics, or related area.
• Knowledge of data assimilation algorithms and cycling experiments; ability to design experiments and interpret results.
• Experience scripting for HPC workflows (Python/Shell).
• Excellent communication and collaboration in a research setting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in satellite data assimilation and coupled analysis and forecasting.
• Design and run cycling analysis and forecast experiments using the MMM system to evaluate remote sensing observations.
• Develop data collection, processing, postprocessing, visualization, and end-to-end cycling workflows.

Skills

Data assimilation

Python / Shell

Satellite meteorology

Independent work

Time management

Communication skills

NWP modeling

Education

Ph.D. in atmospheric science / related field

Tools

MPAS-GOCART2G-JEDI

Job description

Position Type:

Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)

Visa Sponsored Job:

Yes

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Hiring Range:

82,650.00 USD - 82,650.00 USD

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

Application Closes at 12:00am MST on:

2026-08-30

About the Role

We seek a motivated postdoctoral fellow to contribute to cutting-edge research in coupled atmosphere-aerosol-land data assimilation and forecasting within NSF NCAR's Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology (MMM) Laboratory. The fellow will help advance satellite data assimilation capabilities and conduct cycling analysis and forecast experiments using a variety of real-world observations.

The primary research platform will be our next-generation, online-coupled community analysis and forecasting system, based on the Model for Prediction Across Scales and interfaced with the Joint Effort for Data Assimilation Integration. The fellow will also be encouraged to explore various algorithms, including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence and machine-learning approaches, through targeted case studies.

Depending on project needs and the fellow's expertise and interests, the work may involve collecting and processing observational and model datasets; advancing data assimilation algorithms and observation operators; and developing postprocessing tools, cycling infrastructure, and workflow scripts. The fellow will also have opportunities to contribute to the implementation of coupling capabilities in the system and innovative approaches to satellite data assimilation.

The new hire will work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment, apply sound scientific interpretation to experimental results, advance the use of satellite observations in atmospheric composition and/or weather forecasting, and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Job Description

Application Deadline:

• This position will be posted until 11:59:59 pm MDT on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

Required application materials: (preferably uploaded as a PDF)

• Resume
• Cover Letter - Please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information, please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections of this job posting).
• Questionnaire - embedded in application

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

Work Location: Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

What You Will Do

Conduct independent and collaborative research in satellite data assimilation and coupled analysis and forecasting. Design and perform cycling analysis and forecast experiments using the MPAS-GOCART2G-JEDI system to evaluate the impact of remote sensing observations. This work may include developing or improving capabilities for data collection, processing, postprocessing, visualization, and end-to-end cycling workflows.

Explore innovative data processing or data assimilation methods, including AI/ML approaches, through targeted case studies. Analyze and scientifically interpret experimental results; evaluate the impacts of assimilated observations and methodological developments on atmospheric analyses and forecasts; diagnose system performance; identify limitations; and recommend improvements based on quantitative verification and scientific understanding.

Communicate research findings and support project activities. Prepare research results for presentation at scientific conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Assist with the preparation of scientific proposals, project progress reports, and related documentation, as needed.

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. degree within the last 5 years or expected within the next 6 months in atmospheric science, computer science, statistics, or a related area.
• Makes decisions about research tools and methods for investigating satellite data assimilation algorithms. Designs and implements approaches to data collection, experiment execution, data analysis, and scientific interpretation, with guidance from the supervisor and input from other members of the project team. Develops and implements research plans aligned with project priorities. Creatively and efficiently solves scientific problems as part of a team. Communicates with team members to share research results and co-develop methods, tools, and research products.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Required:

• Knowledge of data assimilation algorithms and cycling experiments.
• Skill in scripting languages (e.g., python/shell), particularly for testing and running workflows on supercomputers.
• Knowledge of satellite meteorology or cloud microphysics
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Excellent time management and organization skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of numerical weather prediction modeling.

Desired, but not required:

• Demonstrated knowledge of remote sensing data assimilation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of satellite retrieval processes.

Preferred Qualifications

Hiring Salary Rate: $82,650

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

Application Requirements

Cover Letter, Questionnaire, Resume/CV

Supplemental questionnaires are often requested in lieu of a cover letter, where you address critical skills needed for the position. Your answers will be read and weighed equally to your resume and should provide specific, detailed, and informative responses based on your direct and previous work experiences.

Background checks and/or federal screenings are conducted for candidates selected for hire.

Benefits Overview

UCAR offers a comprehensive benefits package: health insurance, dental, retirement plan, leave plans, tuition assistance, and employee assistance programs:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Generous retirement plan - UCAR contributes of 10% of base salary
• Time Off Plans
  • 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

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. All hybrid staff are expected to work on-site approximately 3 days per week.