Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences
(CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a
Professional Research Assistant (Associate Scientist) to generate
real-time ensemble cluster and sensitivity analysis tools from
convection-allowing ensemble forecast datasets related to heavy
precipitation, temperature, and other mesoscale variables of
interest to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) for use by
operational forecasters within the National Weather Service (NWS).
This position will also involve developing and disseminating
training materials associated with probabilistic forecast tools,
and assisting with ensemble post-processing workflows for applying
new products in NOAA Testbed experiments. The Associate Scientist
will interact with Federal WPC staff, NOAA scientists and
forecasters, CIRES employees working at WPC, and external partners
within the academic community and NOAA Labs such as Global Systems
Laboratory (GSL) and Physical Systems Laboratory (PSL).
WPC is located in College Park, MD, within the NOAA Center for
Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP). The NCWCP is a highly
collaborative environment containing several NOAA organizations,
including the Office of Modeling and Development (OMD), Ocean and
Tsunami Center (OTC), and WPC’s Extended Prediction Division (EPD).
This position performs novel research, transitions research
projects to operations, serves as Principal Investigator (PI) or
co-PI on funded projects, and collaborates with external
partners.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws governing
nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a
workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and
dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to
apply, including protected veterans and individuals with
disabilities.
Who We Are
CIRES is an internationally recognized
leader in innovative environmental science and research and is
located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than
900 environmental science professionals work to understand the
dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the
planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of
expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles,
air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth
sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a
sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal
understanding of the Earth system.
The
Weather Prediction Center
(WPC) provides national weather situational awareness and
precipitation expertise to enable readiness for hazardous weather
events from seasons to minutes. WPC is the “Foundation of the
Nation’s Weather Story,” providing National Decision Support
products for Emergency Management, Aviation, Media, and the general
public.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Identify and develop short-range ensemble-based tools that will
assist in the preparation of forecasts. (30%)
Participate in the maintenance and enhancement of WPC's
operational forecast tools. (20%)
Support a collaborative team to develop and fully transition to
operations convection-allowing probabilistic forecast tools for
short-range weather hazards. (20%)
Develop training materials to assist users in the transition of
new tools and approaches into operations. (20%)
Collaborate on proposals, contribute through scientific
publications, collaborate with colleagues, and attend various
workshops and conferences. (10%)
What You Should Know
- Applicants requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future will
not be considered for this position.
- Applicants must be currently authorized to legally work in the
United States on a full-time basis.
- The targeted start date is November 1, 2026.
- Normal working hours will be observed except for occasional
irregular hours during data collection or conferences/workshops
conducted at remote sites.
- The new hire will be employed by CIRES with technical oversight
provided by WPC management. This role works independently and
determines action to be taken in handling all but unusual
situations. The incumbent is expected to serve as a leader of
scientific or technical experiments, groups, or teams; therefore,
strong teamwork and leadership skills are vital.
- This role is based at the WPC in Riverdale Park, MD, but remote
work within the United States will be considered.
- Selected finalists will be required to pass a federal
background check for site access.
What We Can Offer
- CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
- The annual hiring salary range for this position is $60,000 -
$97,000. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and
determined based on our CIRES internal career track
classification.
- Some relocation funds are available to help offset expenses,
following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation
processes and procedures.
- CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust
training curriculum, opportunities for professional development,
and a Mentorship Program.
- Boulder is a vibrant
community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of
trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters,
museums, and sports venues.
- As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing free
access to the regional public transit system
, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems
that provide service within Boulder and connect to Denver, the
Denver airport, and surrounding communities.
Benefits
At the
University of Colorado Boulder , we are
committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our
employees. Our comprehensive
benefits package includes medical,
dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition
assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local
transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder
offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class
outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through
the
CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be empowered. Be informed. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- A bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or
related field, with at least two years of directly relevant
experience (or a master’s degree in meteorology, atmospheric
science, or related field).
- Experience working with, analyzing, and applying statistical
methods to large meteorological datasets (e.g., GRIB, NetCDF).
- Experience working in Linux and high-performance computing
environments.
What You Will Need
- Strong analytical and programming skills, including proficiency
in Python and shell scripting.
- Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the
ability to engage forecasters and incorporate their feedback into
product development.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the
ability to work effectively in a collaborative team
environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to contributing to an inclusive and
supportive work environment.
What We Would Like You to Have
Please note that while the position details both required skills
and desired skills, applicants do not need to have all of the
desired skills and experience to be considered for this position.
If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work,
along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to
apply. We provide on-the-job training for any additional skills or
knowledge that become relevant to the position.
- A master's degree or higher in Meteorology, Atmospheric
Science, or a related field, with at least one year of relevant
experience.
- Experience applying statistical methods to extreme weather
events.
- Experience with ensemble prediction systems and their
application to hazardous weather diagnosis and forecasting.
- Experience with ensemble clustering and sensitivity
analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and maintain
real-time product workflows.
- Experience preparing peer-reviewed manuscripts and competitive
research proposals.
- Willingness to contribute to web development.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV;
- Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly
describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific
interest in this position;
- Although not needed at the time of application, please be ready
to submit contact information for 5 professional references. If you
are identified as a finalist for this position, you will be asked
to invite your references to complete a CrossChq questionnaire on
your behalf. CrossChq is an online reference check solution. All
information is kept confidential and shared only with the members
of the search committee.
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified
by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an
approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the
United States, please submit a translated version as an optional
attachment.
Please apply by
September 4, 2026 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For
consideration, please apply through
CU Boulder Jobs .
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in
any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying
information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school
attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting
or removing this information.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Dana Tobin
Posting Contact Email: dana.tobin@colorado.edu
