CIRES/ NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory, Atmospheric Composition Data Analyst
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Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder is looking for a Data Analyst to support research in the NOAA Global Monitoring Lab of NOAA. The successful applicant will work to develop and implement changes to current data treatment to foster teamwork and improve data visualization. The position involves programming using open-source data protocols and establishing FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reuse of digital assets, https://www.go-fair.org/fair-principles/) data management processes throughout the whole life cycle of data production.
This will also involve assistance with the GML and National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) collaborative project to improve and expand the NOAA operational satellite products. The Ozone and Water Vapor Division (OZWV) at GML provides numerous products and services in support of atmospheric research, including exceptional long-term and calibrated ozone datasets. The NESDIS-produced operational ozone and water vapor profiles and column data require regular verifications against ground-based (GB) observations that include the in-situ ozone data from balloon-borne profiles collected at 5 stations and the total column ozone data from 13 Dobson instruments. The candidate will support and develop scripts to assess inter-annual variability and trends in the GB and satellite records, produce quality assurance reports, and compare GB and satellite ozone profiles over short (days) and long (multi-year) time periods.
Who We Are
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 950 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, 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.
The Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates long-term observing systems of atmospheric carbon, water vapor, ozone, ozone-depleting substances, aerosols, radiation, and clouds, and develops new observing, analytical, and modeling capabilities to enable a process understanding of past and future changes.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- (40%) Direct responsibilities for programming in support of the OZVW science activities and NESDIS-GML collaborative efforts. This requires working with a supervisor to ensure the maintenance of programming codes, data processing from OZWV GB observations, downloading NESDIS and other relevant satellite data, and producing status plots.
- (30%) Develop metrics in collaboration with scientists to interpret data variability and quantify uncertainties in the OZWV GB, satellite, and balloon-borne data. Under the supervisor's guidance, develop and implement new scripts for data processing, quality checks, and post-processing of the data. Use statistical tools to validate the long-term stability of observational data. This Data Analyst will have the opportunity to participate in research, including the detection and interpretation of trends in the long-term GB records.
- (10%) Produce ozone and water vapor data files for sharing with NOAA NESDIS colleagues. Develop new/improved scripts for data processing, quality checks, and post-processing of data.
- (10%) Design scripts for a near-real time visualization of the data on the OZWV webpage.
- (5%) Produce quarterly summaries that list OZWV ozone data products. This requires staying abreast of developments in the NOAA ozone and water vapor network operations and collaboration with data providers.
- (5%) Participate in routine Dobson Observations, some ozonesonde launches and help with inter-comparison of Dobson instruments to the Dobson world standard 83.
What You Should Know
- Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.
- Given project deliverables, candidates must be able to start work by September 1, 2024.
- This position will be part of CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder but will be physically situated in the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
- If you are the selected finalist, you will be required to successfully complete a federal background clearance process for site access. Foreign nationals without a green card may have limited access to the federal facility and may require a federal escort in the building.
What We Can Offer
- CIRES offers a generous and comprehensive compensation package.
- The annual hiring salary range for this position is $57,950 to $85,000. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on 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.
- After an initial period of training at our federal building in Boulder Colorado, this position will be eligible for a hybrid modality with some days in the office and some days working from home.
- CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development and a Mentorship Program.
- Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues. Boulder was recently ranked as one of the top places to live in the U.S. by U.S. News.
- As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing free access to the regional public transit system, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that provide service within Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.
Benefits
Be Statements
What We Require
- Bachelor’s degree in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, remote sensing, or related fields.
- Proven experience programming in Python.
- Proven experience working with large observational data sets, including manipulation, visualization, and analysis.
What You Will Need
- Ability to manage and manipulate large and sophisticated observational datasets.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment, and to communicate effectively via both verbal and written means.
- Familiarity with scientific formats, such as GRIB, HDF, NetCDF and other formats for the conversion of data.
- Demonstrated ability analyzing data, and familiarity with quality control procedures
- Understanding of key aspects of the atmospheric composition and the processes that lead changes in stratospheric ozone and water vapor.
What We Would Like You to Have
We invite applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this section. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have 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.
- Interest in learning and working with programming languages such as Fortran, C++, etc.
- Experience working with relevant software platforms such as MATLAB, IDL, and/or others.
- Skills in web development.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV
- A one-page cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
- Although not required at the time of application, be prepared to submit contact information for 3 professional references, 1 of whom must be/must have been a supervisor or professor. If you are selected as a finalist, we will ask you to contact your references so that they can complete a SkillSurvey questionnaire on your behalf. SkillSurvey is an online automated reference check solution. This information will be kept confidential and viewable only by the search committee.
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 as an optional attachment.
This position will close on July 8th, 2024.
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: Irina Petropavlovskikh
Posting Contact Email: irina.petro@noaa.gov