CIRES/NOAA PSL Post-Doctoral Researcher

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at CU Boulder and the NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL) encourage applications for a full-time Post-Doctoral Researcher with a strong background in Arctic atmosphere – sea-ice interactions. This appointment will be within the PSL as part of the Polar Observations and Processes team and will conduct research examining the surface energy budget over sea ice using observations and model results from the Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC, 2019-2020) expedition. The researcher will work with a team of MOSAiC scientists to utilize an extensive suite of ground-based remote and in situ sensors (radar, lidar, radiometers, meteorology, precipitation, surface energy budget, aerosols), profiling information from radiosondes, and collaborative data products from sea ice, ocean, and satellite measurement systems. Additionally, the Coupled Arctic Forecast System (CAFS), an Arctic regional coupled model, will be used as a tool for model assessment and process understanding. This position is expected to work with both observational and model output, as well as design targeted model simulations, to study relevant processes.

This is a two-year appointment with the possibility of extension based on performance and the availability of funding.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

At CIRES, more than 800 environmental scientists work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES is a partnership of NOAA and CU Boulder, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at the Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, and solid Earth sciences. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing the scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system. This specific position offers strong links to numerous Arctic scientists affiliated with CIRES and NOAA in Boulder, as well as a direct association with the MOSAiC consortium of national and international scientists.

https://cires.colorado.edu

Physical Sciences Laboratory Website:

https://psl.noaa.gov

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Work with observational and model results and design model sensitivity studies to understand how the partitioning of surface energy budget terms over sea ice varies with cloud state, atmospheric stability, season, snow depth, sea-ice, and other key parameters.
• Explore observational and model results to assess and constrain the ability of the CAFS model to simultaneously and consistently simulate observed relationships between cloud radiative and precipitation processes.
• Collaborate with CIRES and PSL scientists to synthesize results into significant scientific conclusions that advance knowledge and support model improvement.
• Lead and contribute to the publication of research results in the peer-reviewed literature and present research results at relevant conferences.

What You Should Know

• Please note that while the position details both required skills as well as desired skills and experience, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the desired skills and experience to be considered for this position. Candidates who meet the requirements and have a passion for the work are encouraged to apply. We encourage on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.
• The initial term of this position is 2 years, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funding.
• This position will be rostered in CIRES at CU Boulder but will be physically situated in the NOAA David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305. If you are the selected finalist you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access.
• Practical details of the position will be adapted to the evolving COVID-19 situation to ensure safe working conditions consistent with CIRES and NOAA policies.

What We Can Offer
The hiring pay range for this position is $60,000 - $64,000.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .

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Be Dynamic. Be Ambitious. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, sea-ice physics, or closely related fields. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. within the last 3 years. Applicants who are nearing completion of their Ph.D. degree can be considered.
• Proven experience working with large geophysical observational and modeling data sets, including manipulation, visualization, and analysis.

What You Will Need

• Strong background in understanding key aspects of the coupled Arctic system, including atmospheric processes, clouds, precipitation, and/or sea ice processes.
• Ability to manage and manipulate large and sophisticated observational and modeling datasets.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, and to communicate effectively via both verbal and written means.
• Experience in publishing formal journal articles.

What We Would Like You To Have

Experience working with relevant software platforms such as Python, Matlab, IDL, and/or others.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
3. List of contact information for 3 references who will be willing to write a confidential Letter of Recommendation for you.

If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version (if applicable) as an optional attachment.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The position will remain posted until filled

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs .

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Matthew Shupe and Amy Solomon

Posting Contact Email: matthew.shupe@noaa.gov; amy.solomon@noaa.gov