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JCSDA Computational Scientist I/II

Employer
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Location
Boulder County, Colorado, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Oct 7, 2022

View more

Sector
Academic / Research
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Climate Change
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
UCAR is excited to announce the job opening for the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA) Computational Scientist I/II position to join our small, dynamic, engaging, and diverse team.

This position is in charge of components of the JEDI (Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration) software which relate to developing and implementing components of the Interface for Observation Data Access (IODA) and the Research Repository for Data and Diagnostics (R2D2).

This role includes development in JEDI of a flexible interface for observations which allow efficient access to observations for processing by the partners at NOAA, NASA, DoD and the UK MetOffice; all while ensuring effective portability to traditional super-computing and cloud environments, and ability to scale to a laptop for educational and training.

Additionally, the Computational Scientist I/II will also participate in the development, testing and improvement of data assimilation and related algorithms in JEDI with a special focus on data structures and observation space infrastructure required for forward observation operators and
environmental observation quality control.

Where You Will Work:

At UCAR, 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.

The JCSDA is a multi-agency research center, hosted by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and UCAR Community Programs (UCP), committed to improving and accelerating the quantitative use of research and operational satellite data in weather, ocean, climate and environmental analysis and prediction systems. The interagency partnership assimilates many types of data from conventional and satellite sources by creating integrated modeling systems. The JCSDA transitions this research to operational and university communities through a robust data infrastructure and open-source software.

Program Location: Boulder, CO

Job Location Type: Hybrid (Combination Remote and Onsite presence)

Position Type & Term: Regular, Full-Time

Hiring Range:

Level I:

$93,327 - $116,659

Level II:

$107,850 - $134,814

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

Application Notes:
  • Application Deadline: The position will be posted until filled with priority given to applications submitted by Friday, September 30.
  • Required application materials (preferably in PDF Format) :
    • Resume
    • Cover Letter - Please address which Level you are applying for (Level I or Level II) and how your current skills and experiences are best suited to the requirements of this position.
  • An Inclusion statement may be required for applicants advancing to an in-person or video interview. When applicable, candidates will be notified with instructions. Learn more.
  • Work Authorization: UCAR/NCAR will sponsor a work visa to fill this position. ( Please see "Final Considerations" for more information at the bottom of this posting).
  • Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available for this position.
  • Pre-employment screenings are conducted for selected candidates; background checks are also conducted for risk-based positions. Learn more.


HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT AT UCAR

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

Key Responsibilities

Level I / II
  • Test and evaluate JEDI software, developing the IODA interface and data structures required in collaboration with scientists at the JCSDA partners agencies and other members of the OBS project team.
  • Implement and maintain the JEDI data conventions, assist and design environmental observation conversion to IODA.
  • Contributes to design and implementation of the archival and retrieval of IODA data by R2D2. Developing database schema for efficient querying and selections of data for experimentation or verification.
  • Contribute to the coordination and integration of partner in-kind contributions to the JEDI project, particularly focusing on the IODA and R2D2 components.
  • Writes and presents scientific papers and documentation material in conferences, workshops, tutorials and educational events for the JCSDA partners and the scientific data assimilation community.

Level I
  • Assist Project Lead
  • Participate in meetings among partner agencies through providing insight and ideas


Level II
  • Serve as a project manager and lead on a specific system component, and supervise a direct report
  • Organize and maintain meetings among partner agencies on component development to ensure implementation across applications


WHO WE'D LOVE TO JOIN OUR TEAM

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

Education & Experience

Level I
  • Ph.D. in a relevant science
  • 3 years experience in computational science;
  • Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.


Level II
  • Ph.D. in a relevant science
  • 3 years of experience in the scientific field of specialization,
  • 5 years experience in computational science;
  • Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This computational scientist position strongly recommends previous experience in data assimilation for numerical weather prediction. Experience developing efficient scalable computational science techniques to large datasets and computational models is also required.

Required for Level I:
  • Working knowledge of computational science methods used in Earth system science, and skill in applying numerical and non-numerical algorithms, mathematical models, and computer simulations towards simulations.
  • Demonstrated programming skills and working knowledge of software design, object-oriented programming and parallel programming.
  • Knowledge of modern software engineering practices (source code management, continuous integration, issue tracking).
  • Strong oral and written communication skills with an emphasis in technical communication; ability to communicate with software engineers and scientists.
  • Ability to work well within a diverse and multidisciplinary team.


Required for Level II:
  • Advanced knowledge of data assimilation and computational science methods related to environmental sciences, with a focus on use of observations in data assimilation.
  • Ability to independently develop components and lead teams for software design, object-oriented programming and parallel programming.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with an emphasis in technical communication; ability to communicate with software engineers and scientists.


Desired for both levels:
Having working or advanced knowledge in some or all of these skill sets:
  • C++
  • FORTRAN and Python
  • Cloud computing environments particularly with continuous event triggered processes
  • Data assimilation for environmental sciences, with a focus on use of observations
  • Write fast and performant database queries


SOME FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace site.

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience . Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have the passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!

Benefits Overview (not including internship or casual roles) UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. Beyond rich medical, dental, vision, life insurance offerings, employee assistance and back up dependent care UCAR offers:
  • Tuition Assistance and other professional development opportunities
  • Potential for flexible working hours
  • Starting minimum of 20 days of personal time off
  • 10 paid holidays
  • 10 days of sick leave every year
  • 14 weeks of paid parental leave
  • Company contributes 10% of gross pay into retirement; 100% fully vested on day one
  • EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system


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, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.

Employee Well-Being & Vaccines

In support of the health of our employees and their families, as well as visitors and the community, all UCAR employees are required to comply with UCAR's COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, subject only to legally required accommodations implemented by HR, prior to their start date.

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

This position is subject to work location requirements for obtaining access to facilities and research systems. These requirements may include a combination of national security checks, credit checks, fingerprinting, or other security clearance requirements. This position is open to U.S. Citizens and Green Card holders.

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.

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer that strives to develop and maintain a diverse workforce. 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 the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). We are committed to inclusivity and promoting an equitable environment that values and respects the uniqueness of all members of our organization.

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