Job Description Summary: We are excited to announce an opening for a new Project Scientist I position to add to our aerosol modeling team at ACOM / NCAR. In recent years we have developed capabilities in our atmospheric chemistry model (CESM CAMchem and WACCM) to integrate aerosol models of different complexity, including both a modal and sectional aerosol model.
This integration allows us to do new and exciting science applications and allows further model improvements.
We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist who is interested in advancing the existing modeling capabilities while expanding our aerosol model and performing independent research on the topic, including writing papers and presenting results at conferences.
The initial focus is the integration of new solid materials into the model framework, including coupling to radiation, chemistry, and cloud processes, and the evaluation of the effects of existing and new materials that have been proposed for stratospheric aerosol injections to potentially counter the effects of climate change.
The position would also integrate our capabilities in the model to run on higher regionally refined model resolutions to explore the improved performance of simulating volcanic eruptions and PyroCb events.
Position Details:
Visa Sponsored Job:
Yes
Relocation Assistance Eligible:
No
Job Location:
Boulder, Colorado
Position Type & Term:
Full time, Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)
Compensation Range:
Annual Salary Range $92,103 - $115,128
Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.
Application Notes
Job Location: Boulder, CO
Job Type:
Hybrid (This position requires at least 2 days a week in the office) Position Type & Term: Full-time, 3-year term with possibility of extension
Visa Sponsorship: Yes
Relocation Assistance: No
Application Deadline:
This position will be posted until February 6, 2024Required application materials:
ResumeBackground Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more (https://www.ucar.edu/opportunities/careers/faqs) .
What You Will Do
Here is a summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.
Key Responsibilities:
The employee will work in close collaboration with our aerosol modeling team to perform model development, testing, and evaluations of the model results. The work includes code changes of the aerosol model and implementing chemistry and other modifications and couplings into the atmospheric model configurations with comprehensive chemistry based on existing and new experimental data. The employee will set up and perform model sensitivity studies and longer experiments and identify suited case studies for evaluating the results.
The employee will perform independent research based on the advanced model capabilities and write scientific papers, with a focus on stratospheric aerosol injections using alternative material. The employee will participate in weekly team meetings focusing on model development, participate in other related meetings in ACOM, and will be integrated into other lab activities of interest. Those include multi-scale model meetings and related aerosol and chemistry development meetings. The employee will present results at national and international meetings and closely collaborate with the team, help supervise postdocs, and work with visitors.
Who We'd Love To Join Our Team
Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:
Education and Experience (Required):
Ph.D. degree in atmospheric science or a closely related area.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required):
Aerosol modeling and coding experiences based on Earth System Model integrations for at least 3 years
Physical understanding of modal or sectional aerosol model processes and coupling with the atmosphere and clouds
Understanding of stratospheric chemistry and dynamical processes
Skilled in post-processing model data and producing scientific plots for discussions, presentations, and papers
Skilled in performing ESM experiments and evaluating model results with a focus on stratospheric aerosol processes
Program languages: Fortran, shell, python, ncl or similar
Demonstrate skill for independent research
Able to write papers and give presentations
Proficient in English and communication
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Desired):
Experience with integrating alternative materials in ESMs
Experience with running CESM, WACCM, and CARMA
Knowledge of the sectional model CARMA code
Detailed understanding of cloud-aerosol processes
Background understanding of experimental methods
Pre- and post-processing skills of model result
Benefits Overview
UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits (https://www.ucar.edu/opportunities/careers/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
10 days of sick leave each year
14 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
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan (https://www.ucar.edu/sites/default/files/documents/related-links/2020-12/ODEI_StrategicPlan_Final.pdf) and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace (https://www.ucar.edu/who-we-are/diversity-inclusion) site.
Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience . Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!
Some Final Considerations
At UCAR|NCAR|UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun’s core.
Flexible Work
At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.
Equal Opportunity Employer
UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.
Export Control
All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.
Visa Wait Times
Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.
At NCAR - the National Center for Atmospheric Research - we study weather, water, climate, air quality, and space weather to help protect lives and livelihoods, grow the economy, and enhance our nation’s security and well-being. We collaborate with research partners to advance the science that makes predictions better and with end users to develop applications for forecasters, farmers, resource managers, retailers, the military, and many other stakeholders.
UCAR - the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research - manages NCAR on behalf of the National Science Foundation. We are a nonprofit consortium of more than 115 colleges and universities with research and training programs in Earth system science. We bring together the academic community and provide the operational management that are both essential to NCAR's success. UCAR’s community programs, from educational resources to data delivery and other services, extend the reach and impact of NCAR’s world-class research to the community and society.
We seek talented people with diverse backgrounds, training, and skills to join us in our mission of science in service to society. Want to learn more? Visit ucar.edu.