TSS Student Assistant II

Job Description Summary:NSF NCAR’s Climate and Global Dynamics (CGD) Laboratory is excited to announce a job opening for a Student Assistant II to work on developing and applying ozone damage response functions to crops in the Community Land Model (CLM). The work will require analyzing existing databases to derive relationships between ozone damage and plant processes, applying damage functions to appropriate processes in the Community Land Model, and running and evaluating model simulations. This work is part of a larger project in collaboration with New York University, Cornell University, and University of Wisconsin exploring the role of nitrogen fertilizer emissions on air quality and its impacts on vegetation.

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job:

No

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Job Location:

Boulder, Colorado

Position Type & Term:

Full time, Term - Casual (Fixed Term)

Compensation Min - Mid Range:

Hourly Rate: $23.18/hr

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

Application Notes

Application Deadline:

• This position will be posted until 11:59 PM MDT, Friday, April 18, 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.

• Engages in code development scientific research at NSF NCAR, including deriving ozone response functions from an existing database, applying the response functions to crop physiology in the Community Land Model, running model simulations, and creating plots illustrating the impact of ozone on crops. Also contributes to shared community code repositories.  

• Attend summer intern professional development trainings and events offered by NSF NCAR Science, Education, Engagement, and Early-Career Development (EdEC). Contribute positively to the community and conduct themselves appropriately in a professional environment. Interactions with NSF NCAR staff are expected to be during normal office hours.

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

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

Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program with a major in the earth sciences, computing, engineering, or related field, and have completed their sophomore year or higher.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required/Desired)

• Ability and willingness to learn and use scientific computing tools and programs

• Basic problem-solving skills.

• Ability to analyze data and draw conclusions.

• Good oral and written communication skills.

• Skill in the use of software for communication purposes (e.g., PowerPoint, Word, Excel)

• Skill in the use of python, R, Fortran, or similar languages for coding purposes.

• Ability to interact with mentors and peers in a manner that supports collaboration and inquiry.

• Willingness to seek help when needed

• Ability and willingness to work within guidelines and policies of NSF NCAR and assigned laboratories or programs.

• Willingness to contribute to the NCAR/CGD community and mission.

• Potential to excel in a scientific career.

Desired:

• Ability or willingness to learn using github to manage collaborative software development.

• Basic knowledge, through coursework, of earth sciences, ecosystem science, or computer science.

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.

AI Software

ChatGPT and similar AI software are powerful tools that are changing the way 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.