Job Description Summary:

NSF | NCAR/UCAR/UCP is excited to announce the job opening for a part-time, term position (0.4 FTE for < 6 months) for the Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology (MMM) Scientist IV (Applied Risk & Decision Psychologist) role. This position will join the Weather Risk Analysis and Decision-making (WRAD) research group, which works to improve weather predictions and reduce weather-related negative impacts through research to understand and improve hazardous weather risk communication, risk perceptions, and decision-making. Responsibilities of this position include advanced quantitative analysis informed by risk concepts and theories of longitudinal and cross-sectional survey data.

Responsibilities specific to this Scientist IV role:
Conduct advanced statistical analysis with longitudinal panel survey data to develop understanding about the dynamics of public risk perception pertaining to hurricanes and atmospheric rivers. Analyses will include growth modeling of different risk perception variables, contemporaneous and time-lagged relationships between risk perception and antecedent and outcome variables, and differences in relationships based on population characteristics
Conduct advanced statistical analyses with cross-sectional survey data to develop understanding about public perceptions of evolving winter weather forecasts, including deterministic and probabilistic forecast information.
Advance empirical, theoretical, and methodological knowledge pertaining to risk perception
Engage with other researchers—including other social scientists, atmospheric scientists,
data scientists, and others—including those who are internal and external to NCAR to
integrate research perspectives, co-analyze data, and co-develop meaning about
implications of results.
Write and contribute to scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and for presentations at meetings and conferences. Help prepare and deliver summary reports or project progress reports as needed. Disseminate information about the research and results to various audiences

Requirements specific to this Scientist IV role:
Comprehensive knowledge of risk perception, including its conceptual history, meaning, and measurement, including its dimensions
Comprehensive knowledge of theoretically and empirically driven, quantitative analysis of drivers, outcomes, and moderators of risk perception
Experience with longitudinal panel survey designs and data analysis
Experience with analysis of public interpretations, perceptions, and responses to probabilistic forecast information
Comprehensive knowledge of statistical data analysis using R and/or SPSS
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a discipline-diverse research team.
Excellent time management and organization skills.
Strong written and oral communication skills, both within field of expertise and across
disciplinary boundaries.

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job:

No

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Job Location:

Boulder, Colorado

Position Type & Term:

Part time, Term - less than 6 months (Fixed Term)

Application Notes

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.

Commitment to Job Application Fairness

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.

Some Final Considerations

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 and work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

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 the way 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.