[ES_JOBS_NET] CPAESS Scientist IV working with NOAA OMD

Sun Aug 23 15:43:59 MDT 2026

https://ucar.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UCAR_Careers/job/Boulder-CO/CPAESS-Scientist-IV_REQ-2026-144-1

Position Type:
Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)

Visa Sponsored Job:
Yes

Relocation Assistance Eligible:
Yes

Hiring Range:
98,900.00 USD - 128,600.00 USD

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

Application Closes at 12:00am MST on:
2026-09-05
About the RoleUCAR is excited to announce the job opening for the Scientist
IV role with the Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System
Science (CPAESS) working with NOAA's Office of Model Development (OMD).
This position will focus on enhancing coupled ocean and sea ice JEDI-based
data assimilation system for the Global Forecasting System (GFS) by
integrating critical marine observations. This may include transition from
retrieved products to direct assimilation of Level 1b radiances for
sea-surface-sensitive channels to improve atmosphere-ocean balance and sea
surface temperature conditions, and integrating sea ice freeboard
observations to address model biases and significantly improve sea-ice
forecast skill.

CPAESS serves the Earth System Science community in three distinct areas of
service. We partner with federal agencies and businesses to hire critical
scientific staff enabling a more robust workforce. Through our scientific
programs we seek to edify new research with our postdoctoral programs, our
visiting scientist and internship programs, along with our interagency
support programs. We also help build the Earth system science community by
convening and managing summer schools and institutes, conferences, and
advisory committees.
Job Description

Designs and executes scientific projects of significant complexity,
advancing understanding in theoretical, observational, and/or applied
domains. Manages technical direction for projects, contributes findings in
a variety of ways, and supports institutional and sponsor engagement.
Provides mentorship, enhances research quality, and plays a part in shaping
team and program outcomes. Engages in mission-aligned activities both
within the organization and throughout the broader scientific community.
Contributes through a combination of scientific expertise, professional
service, and education and outreach efforts.

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.

Requirements

Education

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.

Knowledge

Has advanced knowledge of scientific principles, methods, and observational
and/or modelling techniques in a primary discipline, with a sound
understanding of related fields.

Skills and Abilities

   -

   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.

Work Environment

Work may be performed in a combination of office, laboratory, industrial,
and research environments depending on project assignments. Office-based
work typically involves maintaining concentration and focus on assigned
tasks, extended periods of computer use, prolonged periods of sitting or
standing, reviewing information on screens or documents, applying
established protocols in a timely manner, communication with others
regarding project assignments, and participating in meetings or
collaborative activities.

This role and assigned projects may also include laboratory or field
research activities that involve travel, work in variable environmental
conditions such as weather and altitude (including extreme temperature
changes, heat exposure, cold exposure, and other exposure to severe
weather), and the use of specialized scientific instrumentation or
equipment. Field assignments may occur in remote locations and may involve
navigating uneven terrain, accessing elevated platforms, performing
high-intensity manual tasks, or positioning oneself in constrictive spaces
such as vehicles or aircraft.

Work may involve interaction with hazardous equipment and processes
including electrical systems, heavy machinery, or chemicals that may lead
to exposure to irritants or pollutants. Participation in workplace safety
training is mandatory, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
may be required depending on the assignment.

Staff assigned to this role are expected to follow all applicable safety
policies and procedures and must not pose a threat to the safety or
wellbeing of themselves or others. Employees must be able to perform all
mental and physical requirements necessary to carry out the
responsibilities of the position and project assignments as outlined in the
job description, which are considered essential functions of this position.
All essential functions of the position must be performed with or without
reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

*Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: *

   - Significant experience with atmospheric or oceanic numerical modeling.
   - Advanced knowledge of data assimilation methods, especially coupled
   data assimilation.
   - Proficiency with JEDI or a similar data assimilation framework.
   - Excellent scientific communication skills for documenting research
   findings and coordinating with partners.
   - Advanced programming skills for scientific model development and data
   analysis.

*Specific Responsibilities for this Role:*

   - Validation and Impact Assessment: Conducting rigorous validation of
   the global data assimilation system through an iterative process. This
   includes analyzing model output, and evaluating the impact of assimilation
   techniques on model biases to drive system improvements.
   - System Configuration and Iterative Development: Developing and
   configuring the JEDI system for coupled data assimilation with GFS. This
   involves an iterative cycle of adding new observations to the data
   assimilation system (e.g., direct radiance assimilation for sea surface
   temperature, sea ice freeboard) and refining the system based on ongoing
   performance feedback.
   - Documentation and Stakeholder Coordination: Documenting research
   findings and coordinating with stakeholders at NWS/OMD and partner agencies
   to ensure the new capabilities are ready for operational integration into
   the GFS system.

Additional Details

Term Appointment: This position is a one-year term appointment with the
possibility of extension, funding permitted.

Work Location Expectations: This position offers in-person, hybrid (3 days
on-site/2 days remote), or fully remote options. On-site and hybrid roles
are based in Boulder, CO or College Park, MD. UCAR requires all work to be
performed within the U.S. (excluding U.S. Territories). *Staff deployed to
federal agencies must follow that agency's specific remote/flexible work
policies.*

Visa Sponsorship Note: Due to this project's time restraints, as well as
this position requiring a federal screen in addition to a UCAR background
check, visa sponsorship can be considered only for candidates who have
already passed a National Weather Service (NWS) background check.

Application RequirementsCover Letter, Resume/CV

For full consideration, all application materials must be submitted by *12am
(MST) at the start of the application deadline*. These should highlight how
your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of this
position. We recognize that no candidate will meet 100% of the listed
qualifications. If you believe your background has prepared you for success
in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Supplemental questionnaires are often requested in lieu of a cover letter,
where you address critical skills needed for the position. Your answers
will be read and weighed equally to your resume and should provide
specific, detailed, and informative responses based on your direct and
previous work experiences.

*Background checks* <https://www.ucar.edu/opportunities/careers/faqs>
and/or federal screenings are conducted for candidates selected for hire.

Benefits Overview

UCAR offers a *comprehensive benefits package*
<https://www.ucar.edu/opportunities/careers/benefits>: health insurance,
dental, retirement plan, leave plans, tuition assistance, and employee
assistance programs:

   - Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
   - Generous retirement plan - UCAR contributes of 10% of base salary
   - Time Off Plans
      - Minimum 20 days of annual PTO
      - 10 paid holidays
      - 12 weeks of paid parental leave
      - FAMLI Leave
   - Tuition Assistance Program
   - Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer

*UCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all
individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, gender
identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected
by law. Applicants are not required to provide age-related information
(like date of birth or graduation dates) in initial submissions. *

*For sponsored positions: UCAR can sponsor individuals for H-1B status only
if they are already in the U.S. in H-1B status or another visa status that
allows them to change to H-1B status within the U.S. UCAR is unable to
sponsor new H-1B visas for individuals who are outside the U.S. and need to
obtain H-1B status through Consular Processing.*

*While UCAR does not prohibit the use of AI tools in job applications, we
strongly recommend that applicants submit primarily original work.*

*All roles require compliance with U.S. export control regulations and work
location requirements. All hybrid staff are expected to work on-site
approximately 3 days per week. *
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