Risk Communication Researcher

Job Description

The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University (CSU) seeks to fill a part-time (42% FTE) Risk Communication Researcher position designed to conduct collaborative research and development with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The individual in this position will work in a fully remote capacity.

For a complete position description, including information regarding our organization, our collaborators, the full position summary and job duties, please visit: https://www.cira.colostate.edu/welcome-about/jobs/

Position Summary:

In the summer of 2026, CIRA was awarded two year’s worth of funding by the Weather Program Office to conduct a project, “Using Quick Response Surveys to Develop and Pilot Test Flood Risk Communication”. This part-time position will be a key contributor to an interdisciplinary two-year NOAA-funded project to develop and validate flood risk communication strategies to reduce public exposure to flood risk. Communication strategies will be developed through structured engagement with National Weather Service (NWS) forecast offices, Integrated Warning Team (IWT) partners and the public. Message effectiveness will be validated through focus groups, interviews, and in a real-life context using quick response surveys. A prototype library of field-tested message guidance will be designed for potential integration by the NWS and amplification by IWT partners. Candidates with risk communication experience, experience developing and testing risk or weather warning messaging, focus group and interview facilitation are strongly preferred. This position will report to the Principal Investigator.

The period of performance for this project runs through April 2028. If necessary, a no-cost extension will be requested.

For full consideration, please apply by December 2, 2026, 11:59 PM (MT).

Essential Job Duties:

• Conduct interviews with NWS and IWT partners. 
• Develop evidence-based pre-event and during-event flood message strategies. 
• Conduct focus groups with the public.
• Conduct testing of candidate messages with the public (through focus groups and post event surveys).
• Synthesize research findings into operational guidance and prototype message libraries for potential integration into NWS operations.
• Periodically reporting progress and activities to project sponsors and providing regular updates to the scientific team.

Supervision:

The individual in this position will not supervise employees.

Conditions of Employment:

• This is a part-time position at 19 hours/week (47.5% FTE) and does not carry university benefits.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the start of the position and through the entirety of the project (2 years from start date), because CIRA will not sponsor any type of visa for this position now nor in the future.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in a social science field (e.g. Risk Communication, Sociology, Geography, Anthropology, Public Health, Psychology) plus 3 years proven applied research experience resulting in publications on risk communication and natural hazards.

• OR Master's Degree.

• Demonstrated research experience related to risk communication, protective-action decision making, flash flood hazards or closely related concepts.

• Experience developing and testing risk messaging guidance.

• Experience with qualitative or mixed methods research and analysis. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present research to both academic and non-academic audiences, as evidenced by an appropriate cover letter and list of publications.  

• Willingness to engage with practitioners and the public as part of applied research.


Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with National Weather Service products, operations and services.
• Ability to work independently and as a team of a well-scoped research project, from conceptualization through dissemination.
• Experience working in research settings that involve high uncertainty, iterative design, and co-production with external partners.
• Experience in statistical / quantitative data analysis (e.g. Stata or other).
• Experience in survey design (e.g. Qualtrics survey software, A/B testing).

Application Instructions:

• Applications must be submitted via online portal. We will not accept materials sent via email or other mode.
• COVER LETTERS ARE REQUIRED.
• NOTE: In the body of your application materials, please specifically address all required qualifications and applicable preferred qualifications when describing your work experience. Application materials that fail to address the qualifications of this position may not be further considered after review by the search committee.
• Likewise, an online application with a generic cover letter or missing a cover letter may not be further considered after review by the search committee.
• References will be requested for finalists and will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.

Search Contact: [email protected]

Salary Range

Full time salary range is $71,500 - 81,000, at 42% FTE, salary range is $30,000 - 34,000
This range was determined based on the organization salaries of RA II's, the expertise required and the funding available in the project budget.

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.