CIRES/NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory, Post-Doctoral Associate or Research Scientist in

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) encourages applications for a Post-Doctoral Associate or a Research Associate (Research Scientist) to perform research aimed at improving our understanding of hydroclimate predictability on S2S time scales, from Week 3 to Month 3. The hire will develop the existing operational NOAA Physical Science Laboratory-Climate Prediction Center (PSL-CPC) linear inverse model (LIM) as a probabilistic and deterministic forecast system focused on CONUS hydroclimate, with a particular focus on California precipitation and soil moisture. They will also use this LIM as the basis for a Weeks 3-12 weekly forecast outlook of hydroclimate-related variables, including those relevant to both fire weather and flash drought outlooks. This Post-Doctoral or Research Associate will also evaluate the predictability of all the relevant environmental conditions, and identify those elements leading to forecasts of opportunity and periods of relatively low and high risk.

We are seeking candidates with excellent technical and communication skills who thrive in a team environment. This is a 2-year position 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

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:

1. Conduct research on hydroclimate that is relevant to the missions of NOAA, PSL, CalWater and their partners.
2. Develop, update, and run the NOAA-PSL LIM to distribute real-time sub-seasonal-to-seasonal forecast guidance.
3. Work collaboratively with researchers from a variety of earth science fields.
4. Effectively share research results with colleagues and the broader science community through white papers, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations.

Additional responsibilities for Research Scientists:

1. Responsible for conducting original research that compliments related PSL research projects.

What You Should Know

• This role will be rostered in CIRES but will be physically situated in the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
• The selected finalist will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access.
• The targeted start date is October 1st, 2022.
• 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.
• The annual hiring salary range is $60,000-$66,000 for Post-Doctoral Associates and $67,000 to $75,000 for Research Associates. Salary is determined based on experience and our CIRES internal career track classification.
• Relocation funds are available for this position following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
• 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 impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

For Post-Doctoral Associates:

• A Ph.D. in a physical science with expertise in meteorology, climate, hydrology, or related field.
• A strong publication and presentation record that is commensurate with experience.

Additional qualifications to be considered for Research Scientists:

• At least two years of research experience since earning a Ph.D. that can be applied to hydroclimatic variability, predictions, and/or predictability.

What You Will Need

• Excellence in oral and written communication.
• Excellence in self-guided, motivated, and original research.
• Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate team building and knowledge sharing.

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. Submit a list of 3 professional references (names, affiliations, emails, phone numbers, professional relationship to you) who will be willing to offer a recommendation on your behalf. You don’t need to submit letters of recommendation at the time of application. If you are identified as a finalist for this role, the search committee will request 3 letters of recommendation at a later time.

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. This 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: John Albers

Posting Contact Email: john.albers@noaa.gov