RAF Scientist VI - Casual

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research•Broomfield, CO

35d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role focuses on ensuring the continuity of RAF's airborne radiometer and Microwave Temperature Profiler (MTP) measurement capabilities. It also involves structured knowledge transfer to a future permanent hire. The work includes calibration oversight, data processing and quality control, payload/science advising, and mentoring. This position is largely separable from the field-intensive duties typically associated with the Scientist VI profile.

Requirements

Typically requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree and 14 years related experience, or a Master’s degree and 10 years related experience, or a PhD in a scientific discipline and 6 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated expertise in a scientific area, with broad understanding of related fields, enabling integration of knowledge to resolve unique challenges.
Demonstrated ability to develop innovative scientific theories, applied methodologies, or frameworks that enhance understanding and introduce new research or application areas.
Skilled in leading large-scale, complex scientific or technical programs, including strategic planning, coordination of interdisciplinary teams, and alignment with mission-critical objectives.
Demonstrates leadership and mentoring skills to support the development of senior scientific talent and foster inclusive, high-performing teams and psychologically safe environments.
Has advanced communication skills for engaging expert, sponsor, and general audiences through compelling publications, reports, and briefings.
Is a recognized contributor to national or international science efforts, including participation in panels, advisory boards, or policy-shaping initiatives.
Is capable of translating scientific findings into impactful applications, solutions, or policy-relevant outputs in collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrates the ability to guide strategic scientific initiatives that influence organizational priorities and shape broader scientific, technological, or policy landscapes.
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 in a timely manner, communication with others regarding project assignments, and participating in meetings or collaborative activities.
This role and assigned projects may also include laboratory or field research activities that involve travel, work in variable environmental conditions such as weather and altitude (including extreme temperature changes, heat exposure, cold exposure, and other exposure to severe weather), and the use of specialized scientific instrumentation or equipment.
Field assignments may occur in remote locations and may 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 depending on the assignment.
Staff assigned to this role are expected to 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 in the job description, which are considered essential functions of this position.
All essential functions of the position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience operating, calibrating, and processing data from airborne radiometers (broadband, hemispheric, visible/IR units and radiation pyrometers on stabilized platforms) and the MTP
Familiarity with RAF's nimbus data acquisition system and instrument data workflows
Working knowledge of the MTP processing software and its legacy (JPL) lineage
Experience coordinating instrument calibration with external contractors and integrating results with software/electronics engineers and technicians
Familiarity with RAF aircraft integration and airborne field-campaign deployment
Ability to document instrument procedures and mentor a successor toward operational competency

Responsibilities

Leading/designing/executing significant scientific initiatives that address complex, emerging, or critical challenges with broad strategic relevance in a specialized or interdisciplinary domain.
Developing and applying innovative theories, models, tools, or methodologies to advance scientific understanding and to enable new applications or pathways for impact.
Directing large-scale, high-impact research and innovation portfolios, including multi-institutional, cross-sector, or interdisciplinary efforts, with responsibility for long-term strategic alignment, coordination, and results.
Identifying and advancing transformative opportunities through strategic planning and programmatic innovation that align with organizational, stakeholder, and sponsor priorities.
Representing the organization as a recognized expert, influencing national or international policy, external partnerships, and high-level collaborations across government, industry, and academia.
Mentoring and developing staff; fostering a culture of creativity, inclusion, teamwork, and technical excellence across large teams or multi-project efforts.
Leading/co-leading high-impact outputs (e.g. publications/reports, technical documentation, data sets, proposals, invited plenary presentations, technical tools/frameworks/or assessments) that shape policy, practice, further scientific advancement.
Shaping organizational direction through leadership of strategic planning, policy development, and scientific visioning, contributing to organization-wide innovation and impact.
Leading development of complex products, tools, instruments and/or technologies for projects and programs that have significant impact within the discipline.