Project Scientist I

Job Description Summary:Performs research to improve prediction of atmospheric clouds through hybrids of numerical weather prediction (NWP) and machine learning (ML). Contributes to efforts to enhance MMM community models and to improve their simulations of the atmosphere through ML techniques. Works collaboratively with NCAR scientists, staff, and postdoctoral fellows to advance the research over the position’s two-year term. This position will sit in PARC in MMM.

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 Range: $94,406-$118,006

*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 on Friday, May 2, 2025.

Required application materials: (preferably in PDF Format)

• Resume/CV
• Application 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

• Conducts independent and collaborative high-quality research in machine learning (ML) for prediction of the Earth system or its components. This may include application of ML techniques to represent stochastic errors in physical models, to emulate physical models at lower computational cost, and to predict future values of observed quantities directly, without a separate data-assimilation step.
• Designs and develops machine-learning techniques that improve 0-12 h predictions of atmospheric cloud relative to existing MPAS-JEDI baselines. This work is carried out in collaboration with the PANDA-C team in MMM and these techniques may supplement components of MPAS-JEDI, or use MPAS-JEDI outputs and satellite observations as inputs.
• May author scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and project reports as needed. Presents results to funding agencies and at national and international scientific conferences, workshops, and symposia.
• Contributes to on-going development of the NCAR program in data assimilation, including assisting in the development of funding proposals and in program planning. Serves as Co-PI or Co-I on relevant externally funded projects.  Contributes to community service efforts, such as the community support of MPAS-JEDI.  

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:
 

Education (Required):

Ph.D. in a relevant science; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required)

• Comprehensive knowledge of machine learning as applied to prediction of the Earth system or other physical systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of numerical prediction of physical systems including numerical weather prediction.
• Considerable skill in developing and deploying python workflows for machine learning.
• Considerable skill in manipulating and analyzing large remote-sensing datasets including those related to the Earth system.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Excellent time management and organization skills.
• Skill in developing and implementing project plans to meet goals, objectives, and deadlines for deliverables.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

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.

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.