Postdoctoral Fellow 1

Job Description Summary:

The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to cutting-edge research in satellite data assimilation using the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) coupled with the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) at NSF NCAR. The fellow will conduct Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) to evaluate the potential impact of dense cloud-top brightness temperature observations (cloud-top temperature, CTT) on model analyses and forecasts.

This role will also involve refining data preprocessing workflows and updating MPAS/DART interfaces as needed. In addition, the fellow will have the opportunity to contribute to development of MPAS/JEDI (the MPAS interface to the Joint Effort for Data Assimilation Integration framework) for coupled atmosphere-aerosol satellite data assimilation.

This position will sit in MMM (the Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology Lab).

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job:

Yes

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Job Location:

Boulder, Colorado

Position Type & Term:

Full time, Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)

Salary: $82,650

Application Notes

Application Deadline:

• This position will be posted until 11:59 PM on Sunday, October 26, 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).
• Application Questionnaire (included in application)

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.

• Conduct independent and collaborative research for OSSE studies with the assimilation of satellite retrievals. This may include developing a data processing tool and improving the interface to the Radiative Transfer for TOVS (RTTOV) within MPAS/DART, as needed. Design and conduct cycling experiments to demonstrate the impact of cloud top temperature (CTT) and analyze the results with scientific interpretation.
• Contribute to the development of MPAS-GOCART2G-JEDI and execution of cycling experiments, followed by scientific analysis and interpretation of the results.
• Prepare research results for presentation at conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Assist with the preparation of reports or project progress reports as needed.

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

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

• Ph.D. degree within the last 5 years or expected within the next 6 months in atmospheric science, computer science, statistics, or a related area.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required)

• Understanding of data assimilation algorithms and ensemble cycling experiments.
• Skill in scripting languages (e.g., python/shell), especially related to tests on supercomputers.
• Understanding of satellite meteorology or cloud microphysics
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Excellent time management and organization skills.
• Demonstrated and effective written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of numerical weather prediction modeling.
• DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED
• Demonstrated knowledge of assimilating remote sensing data.
• Demonstrated knowledge of satellite retrieval process.

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.

• 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 NSF NCAR| UCAR | 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 and work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

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.