CPAESS Scientist IV

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research • Boulder, CO

2d

About The Position

The CPAESS Scientist IV (APHEX HFP Deputy Director and SFMR Project Lead) is a high-impact leadership and technical role responsible for bridging the gap between advanced hurricane research and real-world operational forecasting. As the Advancing the Prediction of Hurricanes Experiment (APHEX) Hurricane Field Program (HFP) Deputy Director, the incumbent serves as a strategic liaison between research teams at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) and across the country, the National Hurricane Center (NHC), and the Aircraft Operations Center (AOC), managing the complex logistical coordination of NOAA P-3 and G-IV hurricane flight missions, including crewing, instrumentation plans, and the design of scientific flight tracks. The role requires significant independent judgment to negotiate mission priorities and ensure that experimental data collection is optimized for transition into the operational Hurricane Analysis and Forecasting System (HAFS) and for use by forecasters at the NHC. Technically, the position leads the development of a standardized calibration and re-calibration framework for the global fleet of 22 Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR) units. The incumbent addresses critical instrument hardware instabilities—such as frequency drift and temperature-dependent biases—by developing sophisticated "Tb vs. Gamma" models and autonomous in-flight monitoring tools. Serving as a Lead Project Scientist (LPS) during high-intensity hurricane reconnaissance flights, the individual oversees real-time data quality control and instrument troubleshooting in extreme environments. This role is essential for maintaining the integrity of the 20-year historical SFMR database and improving the accuracy of surface wind speed and rain rate estimates used by forecasters and decision-makers. CPAESS serves the Earth system science community in three distinct areas of service. CPAESS partners with federal agencies and businesses to hire critical scientific staff, enabling a more robust workforce. Through scientific programs, CPAESS seeks to edify new research with postdoctoral programs, visiting scientist and internship programs, along with interagency support programs. CPAESS also helps build the Earth system science community by convening and managing summer schools and institutes, conferences, and advisory committees. Through Scientific Partnerships, CPAESS supports large-scale partnerships and initiatives in the Earth system science (ESS) community. Currently, there are about 100 scientists in a variety of federal agencies and laboratories across the U.S.

Requirements

• Typically requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree and 10 years related experience, or a Master’s degree and 6 years of experience, or a PhD in a scientific discipline and 2 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Has advanced knowledge of scientific principles, methods, and observational and/or modelling techniques in a primary discipline, with a sound understanding of related fields.
• Possesses good mentorship and interpersonal skills for supporting less experienced staff and fostering collaboration and scientific development.
• Is skilled in developing or refining scientific models, algorithms, techniques, or tools, with attention to technical accuracy, usability, and applicability.
• Possesses advanced skills in data analysis and synthesis, including statistical, computational, or simulation-based approaches using relevant tools or domain-specific platforms.
• Is capable of making contributions to strategic planning and proposal development, aligning research efforts with organizational goals and sponsor needs.
• Demonstrates the ability to lead components of scientific projects, manage deliverables, coordinate across collaborators, and contribute to successful outcomes.
• Is an effective communicator, capable of producing peer-reviewed publications and sponsor reports, and presenting results to scientific and non-technical audiences.
• Has a proven ability to design, execute, and interpret complex scientific investigations using both established and evolving methodologies.
• Inter-Agency Program Coordination & Diplomacy Candidates must demonstrate a proven ability to lead and coordinate complex logistical plans (such as crewing, instrumentation, and flight tracks) across multiple organizations like NHC, AOC, and the Air Force. They must be able to "change the thinking of or gain acceptance from others" in sensitive operational situations.
• Advanced Microwave Instrument Calibration Expertise Essential technical mastery of Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR) or similar microwave sensors is required, specifically the ability to solve "significant and unique" hardware issues like frequency drift, temperature-dependent biases, and unit-to-unit intercalibration.
• Operational Airborne Science Leadership Successful candidates must have extensive experience serving as a Lead Project Scientist (LPS) or Principal Investigator (PI) on research aircraft (P-3/G-IV). They must be capable of directing scientific objectives and making real-time troubleshooting decisions during extreme weather missions.
• Strategic Research-to-Operations (R2O) Implementation The candidate must possess the ability to translate complex research findings—such as updated QA/QC protocols or instrument stability tools—into documented recommendations for operational forecasting frameworks.
• Data Science & Algorithm Development for Remote Sensing Proficiency in developing and upgrading retrieval algorithms and processing systems (specifically using Python) to implement real-time quality control flags and manage large-scale NetCDF4 geophysical datasets.

Responsibilities

• Designing and executing complex scientific and/or technical investigations, to address complex, often interdisciplinary problems.
• Developing or refining scientific models, algorithms, experimental methods, observational techniques, or analytical tools, applying advanced technical principles and incorporating recent developments in the field.
• Leading or coordinating scientific components of projects or programs, including establishing goals, methodologies, timelines, and overseeing deliverables across internal and external collaborators.
• Applying advanced data analysis and interpretation techniques, including statistical, computational, or simulation-based approaches to extract insights and validate results.
• Contributing to and/or co-leading peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, data sets, findings, proposals, and documentation, and presenting findings at national and international conferences, workshops, and stakeholder briefings.
• Supporting less experienced staff and team members by providing technical guidance, fostering scientific growth, and supporting collaborative working environments.
• Contributing to scientific proposal development and strategic planning.
• Engaging with internal and external stakeholders, translating complex scientific findings for diverse audiences and helping to shape project direction or programmatic priorities.
• Leading development of products, tools, instruments and/or technologies for projects and programs.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree