Temporary Research Assistant

Chapman University Careers•Irvine, CA

About The Position

The Institute for Earth, Computing, Human, and Observing (ECHO) at Chapman University is hiring a part-time researcher to support research on extreme windstorms over East Asia. The successful candidate will conduct research, contribute to journal publications, and participate in writing extramural grant proposals. Experience with numerical weather prediction models such as WRF is highly desired. The role includes running, training, and validating machine learning models; analyzing in-situ, remotely sensed, satellite, and ground data; and investigating Earth-system physics and dynamics. The Research Assistant will prepare visualizations, figures, tables, and written summaries, draft manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, and support federal grant proposals. The position also involves literature reviews and training student research assistants in data processing and analysis.

Requirements

At least two years of recent hands-on research experience and advanced training in Earth systems science research and current data science techniques.
Programming experience in Python, R, or an equivalent language.
Strong computer skills to support research design and statistical analysis of data.
Ability to learn and use enterprise software.
Analytical skills and working knowledge of atmospheric science theory and related diverse datasets.
Strong writing and editing skills to prepare and proofread clear, concise, and grammatically correct correspondence, reports, and publications.
Effective oral communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with diverse individuals and groups at all organizational levels, inside and outside the University.
Ability to use tact and diplomacy and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Experience participating in research projects from beginning to end, including planning methods and techniques, identifying and using appropriate project resources, determining data collection and analysis methods, assessing data accuracy, validity, and integrity, and interpreting and reporting results.

Nice To Haves

Experience with numerical weather prediction models such as WRF.

Responsibilities

Run, train, and validate machine learning models to support research projects led by Institute for ECHO Research Scientists.
Document code, methods, and model versions to ensure analyses can be reproduced.
Analyze in-situ, remotely sensed, satellite, and ground data.
Investigate the physics and dynamics of the Earth system.
Prepare tables, figures, and written summaries of results for research team review.
Create figures, maps, and visualizations of data and model results for presentations, publications, and proposals.
Draft manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed science journals as a lead or co-author.
Support preparation of federal grant proposals, including preparing preliminary data, figures, and technical sections and drafting substantial proposal sections in collaboration with the PI.
Conduct literature reviews to support research projects, publications, and proposals.
Train and guide student research assistants on data processing and analysis methods.
Perform other related duties as assigned.