Postdoctoral Fellow I

Job Description Summary:NSF NCAR's Computational and Information Systems Laboratory (CISL) is excited to announce the job opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow I. The Postdoc will conduct research in 1) developing a state-of-the-art combined prognostic, diagnostic, and generative deep learning convection nowcasting system using artificial intelligence techniques, high resolution satellite and radar data, and surface weather fields, 2) assessing the predictability and quantifying the uncertainty associated with the AI system predictions, and comparing to traditional Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP); and 3) discovering the physical and dynamical mechanisms that control the predictability of convection through physically-informed explainable AI. This position is funded under the NSF Collaborations in AI and Geoscience grant “Investigating Convection Initiation Dynamics and Predictability with Physically Explainable Deep Learning and Uncertainty Quantification”, a collaborative partnership between NSF NCAR and Penn State University. Research is directed by an NSF NCAR staff member and includes pre-defined research goals.

NSF NCAR/CISL is a leader in supercomputing and data services necessary for the advancement of atmospheric and geospace science. CISL’s mission is to remain a leader at the forefront of ensuring that research universities, NSF NCAR, and the larger atmospheric, oceanographic, and related research communities have access to the computational resources they need for their research.

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job:

Yes

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Job Location:

Boulder, Colorado

Position Type & Term:

Full time, Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)

Compensation Range:

Salary Rate: $80,480

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role.*

Application Notes

Application Deadline:

• This position will be posted until Friday, March 7, 2025.

Required application materials: (preferably in PDF Format)

• Resume/CV

• Questionnaire

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.

• Develop prognostic, diagnostic, and generative AI models for nowcasting of convection.

• Validate accuracy of AI model predictions and the quality of the uncertainty quantification methods.

• Analyze models to understand predictability of convection with physically-informed explainable AI

• Present results at project meetings and conferences; publishes results in the peer-reviewed scientific literature, and reviews scientific manuscripts.

• Contribute to team meetings and discussions, general coordination with NSF NCAR and Penn State team. 

• Mentor students, interns, and visitors in collaboration with other NSF NCAR team members.

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:
Education and Experience (Required/Desired):

• Ph.D. in computer science, atmospheric science, physics, engineering, or other relevant science.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required/Desired)

REQUIRED

• Demonstrated knowledge of training and running AI/machine learning models with at least one major deep learning framework (e.g., PyTorch, Keras, Tensorflow, Jax).

• Demonstrated knowledge of Python for scientific data analysis.

• Ability to process and analyze large geospatial datasets.

• Skills in performing computing tasks on Linux computing clusters.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with demonstrated success publishing in peer reviewed journals and/or computer science conferences. 

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a larger team.

• Skill in planning and managing project goals, objectives, and priorities to meet goals in a timely manner.

• Demonstrated capacity for creative scientific insight.

DESIRED

• Knowledge of meteorology/atmospheric science related to convective storms.

• Knowledge of uncertainty quantification methods and how to validate them.

• Knowledge of explainable AI methods and how to implement them.

• Skills in distributed training of AI/ML models across multiple GPUs.

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 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 (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 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.

Work Location

UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.