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CIRES/NOAA PSL Post-Doctoral Associate (2) in Multiyear Hydroclimate Predictability and Prediction

Requisition Number:

51357

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Date Posted:

12-Sep-2023
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Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) in Boulder, Colorado is seeking two Post-Doctoral Associates to work at the NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL). The chosen candidates will examine seasonal climate predictability at lead times from 1-3 years. The project will have a specific focus on predictive understanding of western North America hydroclimate (e.g., temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, snowpack) variability, but could also have a wider Pacific-to-global scope. Forecasts based on empirical models, machine learning techniques, and/or initialized physical models will be developed and assessed by the chosen candidates. These forecasts are eventually aimed at providing long-term outlooks for the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). This is a relatively new area of climate forecasting, so the candidates need not be experts on all aspects of the problem but should be willing to learn and to show initiative.

The candidates should have excellent technical and communication skills and be comfortable working in a team environment.

These three-year positions will be in Boulder, Colorado, with an office at PSL in the DSRC.

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

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.

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. Our vision is 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

  • Conduct research relevant to the missions of NOAA, PSL and California Department of Water Resources (DWR) involving predictability and prediction of environmental conditions related to and impacting California water resources, at lead times from 1-3 years.
  • Work collaboratively with a research team, including colleagues at NOAA, DWR, and academic institutions.
  • Effectively convey research results through reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and oral presentations.

What You Should Know

  • This is a 3-year appointment.
  • This position will be rostered in 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 selected for this position you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access. Non-US citizens without green cards may have limited building access, and require an escort in the building.
  • Normal working hours will be observed except for occasional irregular hours during data collection or conferences/workshops conducted at remote sites.
  • This position can support a hybrid work modality.

What We Can Offer

  • CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
  • The annual hiring salary range for this position is $63,000 - $70,000. Salary is commensurate with 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.
  • This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality.
  • 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

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 courageous. Be game-changing. Be Boulder.

What We Require

  • Ph.D. in a physical science with expertise in meteorology, oceanography, hydrology or related discipline; or Ph.D. in applied math, data science, or related discipline.
  • Experience with analyzing large scientific data sets.
  • Experience developing structured code in commonly used languages.

What You Will Need

  • Desire and ability to work in an inclusive and collaborative environment.
  • Fluency in writing and speaking English, and good oral and written communication skills.

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.

  • Understanding of techniques that may be used to make extended-range climate forecasts, either empirical/machine learning or physically-based, is desirable.

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. Although not required at the time of application, please be ready to submit information for 5 professional references (must include at least 2 supervisors). If you are identified as a finalist for this role, you will be asked to invite your references to complete a SkillSurvey questionnaire on your behalf. SkillSurvey is an online reference check solution. All information is kept confidential and shared only with the search committee members.

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 remain open until finalists have been identified. Applications will be screened as they are received.

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: Maria Capotondi

Posting Contact Email: antonietta.capotondi@noaa.gov