Postdoctoral Fellow I

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) • CO

90d • $82,650

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to cutting-edge research in satellite data assimilation using the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) coupled with the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) at NSF NCAR. The fellow will conduct Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) to evaluate the potential impact of dense cloud-top brightness temperature observations (cloud-top temperature, CTT) on model analyses and forecasts. This role will also involve refining data preprocessing workflows and updating MPAS/DART interfaces as needed. In addition, the fellow will have the opportunity to contribute to development of MPAS/JEDI (the MPAS interface to the Joint Effort for Data Assimilation Integration framework) for coupled atmosphere-aerosol satellite data assimilation. This position will sit in MMM (the Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology Lab).

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.
• Understanding of data assimilation algorithms and ensemble cycling experiments.
• Skill in scripting languages (e.g., python/shell), especially related to tests on supercomputers.
• Understanding 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.
• Demonstrated and effective written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of numerical weather prediction modeling.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated knowledge of assimilating remote sensing data.
• Demonstrated knowledge of satellite retrieval process.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research for OSSE studies with the assimilation of satellite retrievals.
• Develop a data processing tool and improve the interface to the Radiative Transfer for TOVS (RTTOV) within MPAS/DART.
• Design and conduct cycling experiments to demonstrate the impact of cloud top temperature (CTT) and analyze the results with scientific interpretation.
• Contribute to the development of MPAS-GOCART2G-JEDI and execution of cycling experiments, followed by scientific analysis and interpretation of the results.
• Prepare research results for presentation at conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Assist with the preparation of reports or project progress reports as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance.
• Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities.
• UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one.
• Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions).
• 10 paid holidays.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary.
• EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost.

What This Job Offers

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