CPAESS Scientist IV

This is a term appointment with a duration of 6 months or more, with the possibility of extension based on funding. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are available.

Hiring range: 98,900.00 USD - 128,600.00 USD. Final salary is based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

About The Role

UCAR is seeking a Scientist IV to work with the Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System Science (CPAESS) in collaboration with NOAA's Office of Model Development (OMD). This position will focus on enhancing the coupled ocean and sea ice JEDI-based data assimilation system for the Global Forecasting System (GFS) by integrating critical marine observations. Responsibilities may include transitioning 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 improve sea-ice forecast skill.

CPAESS serves the Earth System Science community by partnering with federal agencies and businesses to hire critical scientific staff, supporting scientific programs through postdoctoral, visiting scientist, and internship programs, and building the community via summer schools, conferences, and advisory committees.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex scientific and/or technical investigations to address interdisciplinary problems.
• Develop or refine scientific models, algorithms, experimental methods, observational techniques, or analytical tools, applying advanced technical principles.
• Lead or coordinate scientific components of projects or programs, including establishing goals, methodologies, timelines, and overseeing deliverables across internal and external collaborators.
• Apply advanced data analysis and interpretation techniques, including statistical, computational, or simulation-based approaches to extract insights and validate results.
• Contribute to and/or co-lead peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, data sets, findings, proposals, and documentation, and present findings at national and international conferences, workshops, and stakeholder briefings.
• Support less experienced staff and team members by providing technical guidance, fostering scientific growth, and supporting collaborative working environments.
• Contribute to scientific proposal development and strategic planning.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, translating complex scientific findings for diverse audiences and helping to shape project direction or programmatic priorities.
• Lead development of products, tools, instruments, and/or technologies for projects and programs.
• Conduct rigorous validation of the global data assimilation system through an iterative process, analyzing model output and evaluating the impact of assimilation techniques on model biases.
• Develop and configure the JEDI system for coupled data assimilation with GFS, adding new observations (e.g., direct radiance assimilation for sea surface temperature, sea ice freeboard) and refining the system based on performance feedback.
• Document research findings and coordinate with stakeholders at NWS/OMD and partner agencies to ensure new capabilities are ready for operational integration into the GFS system.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree and 10 years of related experience, or a Master’s degree and 6 years of experience, or a PhD in a scientific discipline and 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced knowledge of scientific principles, methods, and observational and/or modeling techniques in a primary discipline, with a sound understanding of related fields.

Skills And Abilities

• Good mentorship and interpersonal skills for supporting less experienced staff and fostering collaboration and scientific development.
• Skilled in developing or refining scientific models, algorithms, techniques, or tools, with attention to technical accuracy, usability, and applicability.
• Advanced skills in data analysis and synthesis, including statistical, computational, or simulation-based approaches using relevant tools or domain-specific platforms.
• Ability to contribute to strategic planning and proposal development, aligning research efforts with organizational goals and sponsor needs.
• Ability to lead components of scientific projects, manage deliverables, coordinate across collaborators, and contribute to successful outcomes.
• Effective communicator capable of producing peer-reviewed publications and sponsor reports, and presenting results to scientific and non-technical audiences.
• 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.

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, communication with others regarding project assignments, and participating in meetings or collaborative activities.

This role may include laboratory or field research activities involving travel, work in variable environmental conditions (e.g., weather, altitude, extreme temperatures), and the use of specialized scientific instrumentation or equipment. Field assignments may occur in remote locations and 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. Staff must 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, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Details

• This is a one-year term appointment with the possibility of extension, funding permitted.
• Work location options include in-person, hybrid (3 days on-site/2 days remote), or fully remote. On-site and hybrid roles are based in Boulder, CO or College Park, MD. All work must 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.
• Due to project time restraints and the requirement for 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) and short & long-term disability insurance.
• Generous retirement plan with UCAR contributing 10% of base salary.
• Time off plans including a minimum of 20 days of annual PTO, 10 paid holidays, and 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• FAMLI Leave and Tuition Assistance Program.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.