Scientist V

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The mission of MMM is to lead and enable research that advances the understanding of weather and to apply this knowledge to benefit society. In support of this mission, MMM strives to produce accurate and effective computational models, data assimilation systems, and representations of unresolved weather model processes from local to global scales. We also conduct theoretically driven social science and interdisciplinary research that connects to the hazardous weather predictability and prediction capabilities. With extensive external contributions, MMM’s efforts have included the development of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS), and sophisticated codes for cloud-resolving and eddy-resolving simulations. MMM continues to emphasize boundary-layer turbulence and cloud-microphysics research. Eddy-resolving simulations of mesoscale phenomena such as tropical cyclones, mesoscale convective systems, and fronts in the atmosphere and ocean enable research of multi-scale dynamics, i.e., a deeper understanding of interactions across a continuous spectrum of mesoscale and microscale atmospheric motions. This scientist will assist in leading the scientific development of NSF NCAR/MMM’s Model for Prediction Across Scales - Atmosphere (MPAS-A), with an emphasis on the development of the MPAS-A dynamical core. The incumbent will have a lead role in coordinating MPAS-A development with the MMM laboratory, with other laboratories within NSF NCAR, and with our external national and international development partners. The incumbent should have a background in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or applied mathematics related to CFD, along with skills related to CFD experience, such as programming languages used in models and analysis packages. This scientist should have experience with High-Performance Computing (HPC) platforms and experience with distributed memory parallel programming techniques, and is expected to be proficient in developing and debugging atmospheric models in HPC environments. The incumbent should possess broad knowledge of numerical models used in Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) and climate applications. In addition to MPAS-A development, this position will be responsible, with the rest of the MPAS-A team, for supporting MPAS-A to the community. This support includes taking a leading role in MPAS-A workshops and tutorials, supporting university partners in their MPAS-A applications and development, working with other US government laboratories (e.g., NOAA, DOD, DOE) and supporting their community development efforts and applications, and further developing and supporting our international collaborators in operational and research weather prediction and climate projection applications. The incumbent will also have a major role in developing and coordinating MPAS-A community releases, including the production of documentation and communications associated with the releases. Develops novel hypotheses, tools, instruments, models, methodologies, and/or frameworks. Integrates contributions across teams and disciplines, and advances scientific and/or technical understanding with tangible impact. Leads scientific teams or programs, defining strategic directions aligned with institutional and sponsor priorities. Mentors less experienced staff, drives program innovation, and represents the organization in high-level scientific, operational, and collaborative engagements across sectors. Engages in mission-aligned activities both within the organization and throughout the broader scientific community. Contributes through a combination of scientific expertise, professional service, and education and outreach efforts.

Requirements

Typically requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree and 12 years related experience, or a Master’s degree and 8 years of experience, or a PhD in a scientific discipline and 4 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Has expert knowledge of scientific or technical theories, methods, and/or modeling techniques within a specialized field, along with broad understanding of related domains.
Is a skilled mentor and team builder, capable of supporting technical development, strong collaboration, and cross-project alignment.
Has good communication skills to engage senior stakeholders, support program development, and translate scientific insights into real-world strategies or products.
Is skilled in leadership, mentoring, and developing teams, with a focus on fostering collaborative and high-performing environments.
Possesses excellent analytical and strategic planning capabilities to set priorities, navigate trade-offs, and define impactful scientific or technological directions.
Demonstrates the ability to develop innovative hypotheses, methods, tools, models, or frameworks that address complex scientific, operational, or applied challenges.
Has proven capability in delivering publications, presentations, or externally recognized outputs that reflect meaningful contributions to the field.
Is recognized as an emerging leader in scientific communities through service, collaborative influence, or participation in national initiatives.

Nice To Haves

A general understanding of atmospheric model physics is desirable.
Familiarity with approaches for utilizing graphical processing units (GPU) utilization and similar accelerators in atmospheric models is beneficial.
Atmospheric models are evolving to incorporate machine learning (AI/ML) techniques, and an understanding of the current state of AI/ML approaches relative to current traditional atmospheric model capabilities is highly desirable.
Science applications drive model development. Experience in using atmospheric models in science and /or operational applications is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Leading, designing, and executing scientific and innovation initiatives, contributing to theoretical advancements, methodological developments, or practical applications within specialized or interdisciplinary domains.
Developing and refining novel models, tools, instrumentation, or analytical approaches.
Integrating insights from multiple disciplines to address uniquely complex scientific or operational questions.
Directing project teams by managing scope, risks, resources, and coordination across contributors, sponsors, and partner organizations.
Applying independent judgment and subject matter expertise to define objectives, prioritize activities, and identify high-impact opportunities for future research, innovation, or application.
Engaging with senior leadership and sponsors to shape scientific strategies, align goals with broader priorities, and guide proposal development and program planning.
Supporting the professional growth of less experienced scientists and technical staff, mentoring, fostering collaboration and team performance.
Contributing actively to, leading, and/or co-leading papers, reports, technical documentation, data sets and findings, and proposals as appropriate.
Disseminating significant outcomes through peer-reviewed publications, technical tools, invited talks, stakeholder briefings, and thought leadership that influence science and practice.
Representing the organization in external engagements, participating in advisory roles, national panels, or collaborative initiatives with emerging influence at strategic levels.
Leading development of complex products, tools, instruments and/or technologies for projects and programs.

Benefits

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development.
These include: 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.

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