Scientist

University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

The Space Science and Engineering Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison seeks an experienced researcher to lead tropical cyclone research and product development. The role focuses on using infrared and microwave satellite data from GOES, JPSS, and other programs to develop real‑time decision support tools for tropical cyclones.

Responsibilities include algorithm development for operational systems, collaboration with other sensors and models, and leading/participating in field campaigns

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years in tropical cyclone remote sensing and research.
• Established peer‑reviewed publication record.
• Capacity to lead a research science team including defining priorities, implementing approaches, managing personnel, and reporting findings.
• Experience leading or participating in tropical field campaigns.
• Broad understanding of current and future geostationary and low‑Earth orbit satellite capabilities for weather decision support.
• Successful record of securing extramural research funding via federal proposals (NOAA, NASA, DOD).

Responsibilities

• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities.
• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding.
• Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures.
• Attends and assists with scholarly events and presentations to support professional development and dissemination of research information.
• Collects and analyzes complex research data, conducts experiments, and documents results according to policies and procedures.
• Serves as a unit subject matter expert and liaison to internal and external stakeholders providing advanced information.
• Identifies research problems and develops complex research methodologies and procedures.
• May supervise day‑to‑day activities of a research unit as needed.

Skills

Tropical cyclone remote sensing

Peer‑reviewed publications

Lead a research team

Tropical field campaigns

Satellite capabilities

Grant funding experience

Education

PhD in Atmospheric Science or related field

Job description

Job Category

Academic Staff

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Scientist II

Job Summary

The Space Science and Engineering Center is looking for an experienced researcher with a strong track record of tropical cyclone research and product development to join the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) tropical cyclone research team. The CIMSS Tropical Cyclone research group are leaders in developing and implementing actionable near-real time tropical cyclone decision support information from modern weather satellites. The researcher will lead research focused on utilizing infrared and microwave measurements from the U.S. Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) and Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) programs as well as related sensors on European, Japanese, and Korean geostationary spacecraft and new commercial satellite assets to develop state-of-the-art global tropical cyclone intensity and dynamic products. A particular focus will be on merging satellite observations with other observation and prediction tools (including radar, airborne measurements, and NWP models) to improve tropical storm development, intensification, and track forecasts. The researcher will lead tasks related to the development, testing, delivery, and integration of algorithms to operational production systems.

This position is being posted at the Scientist II and III levels. Level and pay are commensurate with experience.

This position is eligible for any of the following: 40% remote work. Remote work requires an approved flexible work arrangement (FWA) agreement. An FWA requires successful candidates to possess their own high-speed internet and phone to perform the work on a university provided computer. Per University policy, transportation between home and assigned work location is not payable/reimbursable and will be at the expense of the employee.

Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (ie. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of employment. OPT and OPT-STEM are not eligible to apply. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures
• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• Collects and analyzes complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision
• Serves as a unit subject matter expert and liaison to internal and external stakeholders providing advanced level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
• Identifies research problems and develops complex research methodologies and procedures
• May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit as needed

Department

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Space Science and Engineering Center

Compensation

Starting salary will be based on experience and qualifications. Well-qualified applicants can anticipate a minimum starting annual salary of $120,000, with final salary based on experience and qualifications.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years in tropical cyclone remote sensing and research.
• Established peer-reviewed publication record.
• Capacity to lead a research science team including defining research priorities, implementing approaches, managing personnel, and reporting findings.
• Experience leading or participating in tropical field campaigns.
• Broad understanding of current and future geostationary and low-Earth orbiting weather satellite capabilities for weather decision support and remote sensing applications.
• Successful record of securing extramural research funding via science proposals to federal agencies (e.g. NOAA, NASA, and DOD).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with commercial satellite data sources.

Education

PhD in Atmospheric Science or related field.

Contact Information

Denise Weidner

[e-mail]

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