Job Description Summary: NSF NCAR seeks to fill a scientist II or III position to lead a multidisciplinary team that develops, maintains, and uses NSF NCAR’s Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) within ACOM’s Multi-Scale Infrastructure for Chemistry Modeling (MUSICA) activities.
The incumbent will contribute to and foster a culture of scientific excellence within ACOM and NSF NCAR, support the scientific and university communities, and seek opportunities to lead and participate in research projects on a scale commensurate with that expected of a national center.
If Scientist II - The candidate will conduct research and exercise leadership responsibilities while guided and mentored by senior staff. However, independent thinking and initiative are essential and strongly valued.
If Scientist III - The candidate will conduct research and exercise leadership responsibilities. The candidate’s work will be largely self-directed with support from senior staff as needed. Independent thinking and initiative are essential and strongly valued.
Position Details:
Visa Sponsored Job:
Yes
Relocation Assistance Eligible:
No
Job Location:
Boulder, Colorado
Position Type & Term:
Full time, Regular
Compensation Range:
Annual Salary Range Scientist Level II: $106,436 - $133,044
Annual Salary Range Scientist Level III: $123,001 - $153,750
Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.
Application Notes
Job Location: Boulder, CO
Job Type: Hybrid - Flexible number of days in the office required. (Desired 3 or more days a week )
Position Type & Term: Full-time, Regular
Visa Sponsorship: Available for this position
Relocation Assistance: NOT Available for this position
Application Deadline:
This position will be posted until February 29, 2024Required application materials:
Resume/CV AND
Cover Letter - In this document please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (The needs of the positions are described in the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities section)
Background 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:
Scientist Level II
Identifies important questions related to modeling of the dynamics, physics, and chemical transport in the “whole atmosphere”, in the range of altitude from the ground to the lower thermosphere. Develops theory, models, and numerical experiments to address these questions. Uses observations to evaluate model performance and to guide new areas of investigation. Contributes to the development and utilization of NSF NCAR’s multi-scale models.
Presents results at national and international scientific meetings and publishes them in refereed journals. This activity should be as high as 30% of the candidate’s time.
Collaborates with ACOM and other NSF NCAR scientists in the development, evaluation, and utilization of the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model(WACCM). Supports NSF NCAR participation in international assessments, e.g., IPCC, CCMI, CMIP.
Contributes to scientific programs by serving on NSF NCAR, and national and international committees.
Review manuscripts submitted to peer-reviewed journals and proposals submitted to funding agencies as appropriate.
Assists in leading the WACCM team in ACOM including communication with other NSF NCAR labs and the community when needed for model development or its use for scientific research.
Develops scientific proposals to federal agencies and other relevant sponsors for funding scientific activities that contribute to the achievement of ACOM and NSF NCAR organizational goals.
Coordinates and develops collaborative activities involving university and NSF NCAR scientists. Engages in ACOM laboratory meetings and related activities and provides input for planning future ACOM/NSF NCAR research priorities and strategies.
Scientist Level III
In addition to the key responsibilities of the Scientist Level II position:
Leads the WACCM team in ACOM and collaborates with other NSF NCAR labs and the community as needed for the development of the model and its use in scientific research.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Expected to supervise staff and to advise and mentor students, scientific visitors, and post-doctoral fellows, applying NSF UCAR/NCAR/ACOM’s values of a positive workplace culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Who We'd Love To Join Our Team
Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:
Education and Experience REQUIRED:
For Scientist Level II
Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related AND 4-7 years of experience beyond Ph.D., with a demonstrated record of publications. For Scientist Level III
Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related AND 7-12 years of experience beyond Ph.D., with a strong publication record and demonstrated ability to lead scientific projects and supervise junior and support staff. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities REQUIRED:
For Scientist Level II:
Demonstrated knowledge of theoretical dynamics, thermodynamics, and transport processes, and their interactions, from the troposphere to the lower thermosphere.
Demonstrated knowledge of mathematical methods for theory development, model building, and data analysis.
Demonstrated skill in the design and conduct of numerical simulations and the analysis of large datasets.
Ability to work well within a multidisciplinary team.
A strong record of conducting original research in atmospheric science and publishing the results in refereed journals.
Ability to communicate research results effectively to the community, as evidenced by oral presentations and invited talks within NCAR and other research institutions, and at national and international meetings.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including success in a hybrid remote/in-person environment.
For Scientist Level III:
In addition to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required for the Scientist Level II position:
Management, supervision, and leadership capability or experience
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
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
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.