CIRES/NOAA Professional Research Assistant (HMT Project Facilitator)

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a Professional Research Assistant to provide project managment, scientific and meteorological expertise, and technical support for the NOAA Hydrometeorological Testbed (HMT), which is jointly organized by the NWS/Weather Prediction Center (WPC) and the OAR/Earth Systems Research Laboratory (ESRL). The position will be based at the WPC 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 Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) and Climate Prediction Center (CPC). The incumbent will interact with HMT staff, NOAA scientists and forecasters, and externally funded researchers to facilitate the transition of new science to NWS forecast operations for hazardous weather.

The principal duties of this position are:

1. Serve as the HMT Project Facilitator to coordinate effective execution of externally funded projects in a manner that complements existing HMT test and evaluation activities;
a. Coordinate with project Principal Investigators (PIs), HMT staff, and WPC/NWS forecasters to ensure timelines and test metrics (including objective and subjective) for successful outcomes are followed, and that proper documentation, training, and instructions are developed for the tools and products associated with each project;
b. Manage collaborative processes through identification of HMT technical and operational focal points within WPC and ESRL as appropriate, to form effective working groups for each funded project and to determine optimal periods to incorporate projects into HMT test and evaluation activities;
c. Coordinate project access to HMT IT infrastructure (hardware/software, networking, data flow, etc.) to facilitate test and evaluation activities while ensuring compliance with NOAA and NWS IT security requirements; provide technical expertise and support to enable project testing and evaluation;
d. Provide oversight for submission of semi-annual progress reports and final reports at project conclusion; assist in the assessment of project reviews including levels of demonstrated progress; provide input on possible project modifications, recommendations for continued funding for multi-year projects, and potential for operational implementation of new tools and products.

2. Assist with the planning, coordination, and execution of internally-led (WPC, ESRL) HMT experiments and projects to ensure successful, effective, and compatible testing and evaluation activities;

3. Perform independent, operationally relevant research and/or development inspired by and consistent with the goals of the HMT and WPC;

4. As needed, represent the HMT effort by contributing to formal scientific publications, and/or attending off-site conferences, symposia and hazardous-weather-related outreach events;

5. As appropriate, develop synergy and shared accomplishments with other NOAA Testbeds.

6. Perform related duties as assigned.


Qualifications

The minimum qualifications:

A Master's or PhD Degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science or related area and at least one year experience in operational meteorology or applied research; additional post-graduate education may be substituted for experience. Preference will be given to applicants with a background of working in NOAA Testbeds.

Emphasis will be placed on applicants with considerable experience in ensemble prediction systems including operational medium range forecasts, and their application to hazardous weather diagnosis and prediction, and creation/dissemination of probabilistic hazard information.

Excellent oral and written communication skills are highly desired and a strong ability to work in a collaborative team environment is needed for the position. Please describe experience with Linux (or UNIX) operating systems, software skills including programming and scripting languages, web page development, graphic design or illustration, and AWIPS2/N-AWIPS workstations.

Normal working hours will be observed except for occasional irregular hours during data collection, warning/forecast experiments or workshops conducted at remote sites. Incumbent will receive training and gain expertise in warning and forecasting decision-making.

The new hire will be employed by CIRES with technical oversight provided by WPC management. The incumbent works under general supervision but is expected to work independently and determine action to be taken in handling all but unusual situations. This is a non-supervisory position, although the incumbent is expected to serve as a leader of scientific or technical experiments, groups, or teams; therefore strong teamwork and leadership skills are necessary.

Please contact Mr. James Nelson (james.a.nelson@noaa.gov) at NOAA for further information.

The position will be based at the WPC in College Park, MD

Special Instructions to Applicants:The University of Colorado Boulder conducts background checks on all final applicants being considered for employment, prior to the issuance of an offer letter. The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and an EPLS (Excluded Parties List System) check. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

The University of Colorado is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, the University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation or political philosophy in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Inquiries may be directed to the Boulder Campus Title IX Coordinator by calling 303-492-2127. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting Human Resources at adacoordinator@colorado.edu.

Application Materials Required:Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Reference Letters (Not Confidential), Unofficial transcript(s)

Application Materials Instructions:Applicants must complete the Faculty/University Staff and EEO Data (application) form, and upload the following required documents: 1 - Cover Letter; 2 - Resume; 3 - The document uploaded for Proof of Degree can be a Transcript which shows the date the degree was conferred; Copy of Diploma; or official letter from the Registrar or the Dean of the School or College conferring the degree; 4 - A Letter of Recommendation This position is eligible for medical, dental and life insurance, retirement benefits programs, and is eligible for monthly vacation and sick leave accruals.



Job Category: Faculty

Primary Location: Boulder

Department: B0001 -- Boulder Campus - 10080 - Coop Inst Res/Envrm Sci - Dir

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Date: Aug 19, 2016

Closing Date: Ongoing

Posting Contact Name: karen dempsey

Posting Contact Email: karen.dempsey@colorado.edu

Position Number: 00689007

PI106305289