Postdoctoral Fellow I

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) • Boulder, CO

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Develop or improve 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.

Benefits

• 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
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree