Post Doctoral Fellow - Data Assimilation Research
Post Doctoral Fellow - Data Assimilation Research
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Job Description
Job Description Summary:
We are currently hiring for the role of Post-Doctoral Fellow - Data Assimilation Research. This full-time 9-month term postdoctoral position is focused on enhancing the predictability of convection in complex terrain environments through Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) and ensemble-based data assimilation.The chosen candidate will leverage the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) to assess the value of various mesoscale observations including GPS-derived precipitable water vapor (PWV) rotary-wing UAS MicroPulse Differential Absorption Lidar (MPD) Doppler Wind Lidar (DWL) and research soundings for convective initialization and prediction. This research aims to address forecast challenges related to topographically forced convection boundary-layer processes and mesoscale circulation systems.
Additionally the new hire will play a key role in designing and executing OSSEs generating nature runs constructing synthetic observations and evaluating the assimilation impact of multiscale observational platforms.
Position Details:
Visa Sponsored Job:
NoRelocation Assistance Eligible:
NoJob Location:
Boulder ColoradoPosition Type & Term:
Full time Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)Compensation Range:
Hiring Salary: $80480
*Final salary and rates are based on education experience and skills relevant to the role.*
Application Notes
Application Deadline:
This is a 9-month term position.
This position will be posted until 11:59 pm MST on Thursday August 28 2025.
Required application materials: (preferably in PDF Format)
Resume
Cover Letter - Please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge Skills and Abilities sections of this job posting).
Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.
Work Location: Regardless of flexible work arrangements UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S. excluding U.S. Territories.
What You Will Do
Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.
Design and perform OSSE experiments for convection using the WRF-DART system. Construct nature runs simulate synthetic observations and evaluate assimilation strategies for GPS PWV UAS and other remote sensing systems along with exploring MCS tracking methods.
Analyze the impact of assimilated observations on short-term forecast skill across weak and strong forcing events. Study forecast errors in the transition of convection off terrain features. Evaluate MCS tracking densities and identify potential hotspots to aid further assessment of associated hazards.
Collaborate with NCAR scientists and contribute to modeling infrastructure and tool development for broader community use.
Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences
Who Wed Love To Join Our Team
Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:
Education and Experience:
Ph.D. in atmospheric science or a closely related field with specialization in numerical weather prediction mesoscale modeling data assimilation or observation impact assessment.
-OR- an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated skill with the WRF model and mesoscale numerical weather prediction.
Demonstrated skill using ensemble-based data assimilation systems especially DART EnKF.
Skill in OSSE methodologies including generating nature runs and synthetic observations.
Demonstrated knowledge of mesoscale dynamics boundary layer processes and terrain-induced circulations.
Demonstrated skill in high-performance computing particularly with UNIX/Linux systems.
Demonstrated skill in using Python Fortran NetCDF and relevant meteorological visualization tools.
Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams across modeling and observational domains.
Strong written and oral communication skills; demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Benefits Overview
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
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 Job Application Fairness
Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age date of birth or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.
Some Final Considerations
At NSF NCAR UCAR 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 Suns 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 (three days per week) and/or flexible work hours.
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 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.
Work Location
UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S. excluding U.S. Territories.
AI Software
ChatGPT and similar AI software are powerful tools that are changing theway society receives processes and leverages information promptly. While we acknowledge its benefits and do not restrict leveraging it with job applications we highly encourage a majority of the applicant material to be original work.
Employment Type
Full-Time
