Senior Scientist - CAS

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)

2d•$70 - $97

About The Position

Shapes transformational scientific strategies at various scales, advancing theories and methodologies, and translating knowledge into impactful solutions and applications. Oversees multidisciplinary portfolios, influences institutional scientific direction, represents the organization nationally or globally, and fosters excellence through engaging and collaborative leadership. Mentors future scientific leaders while contributing to innovation, research, or policy development. 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. Specifically, their role will be coordination of Phase F (final data production, documentation and validation) for the MOPITT satellite instrument. They may also be asked to support and advise on original research using satellite data to understand and improve model representation of atmospheric processes affecting tropospheric chemistry. Satellite products including those from IASI, TROPOMI and TEMPO will be used to investigate past and present pollution changes. This may involve validation study of satellite data prior to use in analysis, comparison of satellite measurements with models, and evaluation against independent data sets. Potential new ACOM efforts on satellite missions, such as STRIVE, in phase A for NASA Earth Explorer, if selected for phase B, could also require support and consultation. Assigned tasks will utilize the incumbent who has already demonstrated accumulated expertise and leadership in the areas required for this project. Application Notes Shapes transformational scientific strategies at various scales, advancing theories, methodologies, and translating knowledge into impactful solutions and applications. Oversees multidisciplinary portfolios, influences institutional scientific direction, represents the organization globally, and fosters excellence through inclusive leadership. Mentors future scientific leaders while contributing to innovation, research, or policy development. 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 18 years related experience, or a Master’s degree and 14 years related experience, or a PhD in a scientific discipline and 10 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Has expert-level knowledge in a scientific discipline, with broad interdisciplinary awareness and the ability to bridge theory, experimentation, or application across domains.
Is a recognized authority capable of influencing and advising national or international scientific bodies through strategic insight, service, and thought leadership.
Possesses exceptional communication skills for translating scientific insights to technical, leadership, policy, and public audiences across diverse media and formats.
Has deep expertise in scientific and strategic planning, stakeholder and sponsor engagement, and aligning scientific priorities with funding, operational, and societal goals.
Is skilled in designing and delivering large-scale, cross-institutional, and interdisciplinary programs that deliver scientific and practical value.

Responsibilities

Defining and leading transformative scientific initiatives that set strategic direction for research, innovation, and application at organizational, national, or international levels.
Developing innovative theories, models, methodologies, or frameworks that enhance scientific understanding, establish paradigms, or inspire significant new areas of research and influence.
Leading extensive, impactful scientific projects/proposals, encompassing research portfolios, programs, or creating technologies or strategies with significant societal, organizational, or policy importance.
Shaping institutional and sector-wide science strategies, contributing to programmatic planning, scientific policy development, and long-term vision setting for scientific advancement and application.
Leading and actively engaging in papers, reports, technical documentation, data sets/findings, and proposals as appropriate as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI.
Serving as an internationally recognized expert, representing the organization in strategic partnerships, global collaborations, scientific policy forums, and high-level briefings.
Mentoring and developing scientific capability organization-wide; fostering talent, inclusion, teamwork, and innovation within and beyond their discipline, and building future-ready scientific communities.
Delivering landmark scientific outputs, including foundational peer-reviewed publications, scalable technologies, major reports, or high-profile presentations influencing scientific, policy, or operational practices.
Contributing to governance and innovation by developing frameworks, policies, and institutional capabilities to advance the scientific mission and ensure long-term excellence.
Leading development of transformative products, tools, instruments and/or technologies for projects and programs that have significant impact within the discipline.