Post Doctoral Fellow - Data Assimilation Research

Visa Sponsored Job:

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Job Location:

Position Type & Term:

Hiring Salary: $80,480

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.*

Application Deadline:

• This is a 9-month term position.

• This position will be posted until 11:59 pm MST on Thursday, August 28, 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).

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.

Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.

• Design and perform OSSE experiments for convection using the WRF-DART system. Construct nature runs, simulate synthetic observations, and evaluate assimilation strategies for GPS PWV, UAS, and other remote sensing systems, along with exploring MCS tracking methods.

• Analyze the impact of assimilated observations on short-term forecast skill across weak and strong forcing events. Study forecast errors in the transition of convection off terrain features. Evaluate MCS tracking densities and identify potential hotspots to aid further assessment of associated hazards.

• Collaborate with NCAR scientists and contribute to modeling infrastructure and tool development for broader community use.

• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in atmospheric science or a closely related field with specialization in numerical weather prediction, mesoscale modeling, data assimilation, or observation impact assessment.

• -OR- an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated skill with the WRF model and mesoscale numerical weather prediction.

• Demonstrated skill using ensemble-based data assimilation systems, especially DART EnKF.

• Skill in OSSE methodologies, including generating nature runs and synthetic observations.

• Demonstrated knowledge of mesoscale dynamics, boundary layer processes, and terrain-induced circulations.

• Demonstrated skill in high-performance computing, particularly with UNIX/Linux systems.

• Demonstrated skill in using Python, Fortran, NetCDF, and relevant meteorological visualization tools.

• Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams across modeling and observational domains.

• Strong written and oral communication skills; demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.

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

• 10 days of sick leave each year

• 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

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.

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 work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

Visa Wait Times

Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.

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 theway 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.