Job Description

UCAR is excited to announce the job opening for a Computational Scientist I (B-Matrix). This position is under the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA) and provides support for the Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI). The JEDI project is an inter-agency effort aimed at developing a unified community Data Assimilation system providing initial conditions for research and operational models in Earth system prediction.

This position is an opportunity to work within the Data Assimilation Algorithms team of the JEDI project, working on advancing the capabilities of the generic error covariances specifications.

The JEDI project, shared between the JCSDA and partner agencies, is a unique collaborative endeavor in the field of numerical weather prediction. It requires developments of the generic parts of the system that could be interfaced to within different agencies. The employee will work on advancing the capabilities of the generic background error covariance models in JEDI, demonstrating these capabilities in the JEDI applications, and improving computational efficiency of the background error covariances.

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\xe2\x80\x99s core.

Job Location: Boulder, CO

Job Type: Hybrid (Combination Remote and Onsite presence)

Position Type & Term: Full-Time, Regular

Hiring Range: Annual Salary Range: $96,127 - $120,159
*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 May 5, 2023
• Required application materials (preferably in PDF Format):
  • Cover Letter - Please highlight the skills/experiences you have that are relevant to the requirements of this position (see Key Responsibilities, Education & Experience, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections below for more details).
  • Resume
• 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: US Residency is a Requirement. You must reside in the U.S. for this position. UCAR/NCAR will sponsor a work visa to fill this position. U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or another protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) is required for this position.] Please see \xe2\x80\x9cFinal Considerations\xe2\x80\x9d for more information at the bottom
• International remote work is only available for 20 days per calendar year
• 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 .

Benefits Overview ( not including internship or casual roles)
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 each year
• 10 days of paid sick leave each year
• 14 weeks of paid parental leave
• Backup childcare
• 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

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 a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!

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

• 
  Develop new and enhance existing generic algorithms within JEDI error covariance framework for modeling static, parameterized and ensemble error covariances, in collaboration with the DA Algorithms team.
• Coordinate distributed development in the JEDI error covariance framework code base, provide support and guidance for developers.
• In collaboration with the JCSDA Applications team set up and run experiments demonstrating generic background error covariance features with different applications (atmosphere, marine, atmospheric composition, land, \xe2\x80\xa6)
• Participate in mission-relevant academic activities including conferences, workshops and tutorials. Document research results by authoring or contributing to peer-reviewed conference and journal publications. Support outreach activities.
• Works under only general direction. Independently make decisions about scientific code design and implementation.
• Decide on appropriate experiment configurations.
• Choose appropriate testing frameworks and rigorously demonstrate operational quality of software.

The above statements describe the primary work being performed. Additional tasks may be assigned from time to time.

WHO WE\xe2\x80\x99D LOVE TO JOIN OUR TEAM
Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in a relevant science such as computer science, mathematics, engineering, or a field of physical science, and
• At least three years of experience in computational science or engineering; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required knowledge, skills, abilities:

• 
  Skilled in writing and assessing scientific code.
• 
  Skilled in object-oriented and generic programming.
• 
  Skilled in using high performance computing systems.
• 
  Working knowledge of statistics, machine learning or data assimilation.
• 
  Skilled in modern software engineering practices (source code management, continuous integration, issue tracking, agile software development) with experience working on collaborative software development projects.
• 
  Excellent 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, international, and multidisciplinary team.
• 
  Ability to perform work-related travel to conferences, code sprints, and JCSDA partner organizations

Desired knowledge, skills, abilities:

• 
  Experience in programming in C++.
• 
  Scientific understanding of data assimilation, weather forecasting or a related field.
• 
  Working knowledge of background error covariance modeling.
• 
  Working knowledge of Fortran.

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.