CIRES/NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory, Post-Doctoral or Research Associate in U.S. Coastal

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) in Boulder, Colorado is seeking a Post-Doctoral or Research Associate to work at the NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL).

This position will examine the seasonal predictability of coastal marine quantities (e.g., sea level, sea surface temperature, ocean bottom temperature, marine heatwaves) for many locations along the North American coastline. Forecasts based on empirical models, machine learning techniques, and initialized physical models will be developed and/or assessed by the chosen candidate. A primary aim of this work is to contribute to the development of forecasts of coastal inundation on subseasonal-to-seasonal time scales. Modeling approaches will include Linear Inverse Model, Gaussian Process Model, and the Regional Ocean Modeling System, which will be used to evaluate how well coastal marine heatwaves are represented in these coastal-scale models, to understand the relative role of coastal processes compared to large-scale dynamics.

The candidate should have excellent technical and communication skills and be comfortable working in a team environment.

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

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 800 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES is a partnership of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of Colorado Boulder, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

Physical Sciences Laboratory

Our mission is to conduct scientific research to observe, understand, model, predict and forecast weather, water and climate extremes and their impacts. An informed society that uses science-based environmental intelligence to effectively anticipate and respond to threats and opportunities related to weather, water and climate extremes. Our research goals are as follows:

• Rigorously characterize and predict weather, water, and climate extremes and their uncertainties to support NOAA's mission.
• Develop new process understanding, observing, and modeling capabilities to predict conditions associated with too much or too little water for early warning, preparedness, resource management, and adaptation.
• Improve monitoring and prediction of weather, climate, and water conditions impacting marine resources.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

For Post-Doctoral Associates:

• Conduct research relevant to the missions of NOAA and PSL related to the development of improved coastal subseasonal-to-seasonal prediction.
• Work collaboratively with a research team, including colleagues at NOAA and academic institutions.
• Effectively convey research through reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and oral presentations.
• Assist in the writing of research proposals.

Additional responsibilities for Research Associates (Research Scientists):

• In addition to the duties identified above, within CIRES/NOAA PSL, a Research Scientist is also responsible for conducting original research and/or supporting research.
• Outreach, education, and service activities are also important components of a Research Scientist’s effort.

What You Should Know

• If you are the selected finalist you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access.
• This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder but will be physically situated in the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
• All University of Colorado Boulder employees are required to comply with the campus COVID-19 vaccine requirement . New employees must provide proof of vaccination or receive a medical or religious exemption within 30 days of employment.

What We Can Offer

• CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
• Post Doctoral will remain $60,000 to $65,000.
• Research Associate will be $66,000 to $71,000.
• 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.
• This position can accommodate a hybrid work environment.

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 .

Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Ph.D. in a physical science, applied math, or data science, with expertise in oceanography, meteorology or related discipline.
• Experience developing structured code in commonly used languages.

What You Will Need

• Understanding of general aspects of physical coastal oceanography.
• Demonstrated ability to construct and use linear inverse models.
• Ability to work independently and contribute to team.
• Ability to contribute to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

What We Would Like You To Have

Please note that while the position details both required and preferred skills and experience, we invite applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this “What We Would Like You To Have” section. If you have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on the job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

• Experience with statistical and/or dynamical downscaling techniques.
• Understanding of techniques used to make short-term climate forecasts, either empirical or physically-based.

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. Please don’t include letters of recommendation at the time of application. If you are selected as a finalist, the search committee will require one confidential letter of recommendation at a later time.

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

This position will remain posted until 8/5/22.

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: Newman, Matthew

Posting Contact Email: matt.newman@noaa.gov