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 950 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.

At the NOAA-Physical Sciences Laboratory, our mission is to conduct scientific research to observe, understand, model, predict and forecast weather, water and climate extremes and their impacts. Our vision is an informed society that uses science-based environmental intelligence to effectively anticipate and respond to threats and opportunities related to weather, water, and climate extremes. Our research goals are as follows:

• Rigorously characterize and predict weather, water, and climate extremes and their uncertainties to support NOAA's mission.
• Develop new process understanding, observing, and modeling capabilities to predict conditions associated with too much or too little water for early warning, preparedness, resource management, and adaptation.
• Improve monitoring and prediction of weather, climate, and water conditions impacting marine resources.

• Conduct research on predictability of western US hydroclimate at 1-3 years lead times that is relevant to the missions of NOAA, PSL and California Department of Water Resources (DWR).
• Develop diagnostic tools, using statistical and/or dynamical approaches, to identify remote influences on western US hydroclimate, and assess the impact and interplay of different potential processes and mechanisms, using observations and model simulations at different spatial resolutions.
• Work collaboratively with a research team, including colleagues at NOAA, DWR, and academic institutions.
• Effectively convey research results through reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and oral presentations.

• This is a two-year position with the possibility of extension to a third year based on performance, achievement of project goals and the availability of funding.
• This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder but will be physically situated in the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
• If you are selected for this position you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access. Non-US citizens without green cards may have limited building access, and require an escort in the building.
• Normal working hours will be observed except for occasional irregular hours during data collection or conferences/workshops conducted at remote sites.
• This position can support a hybrid work modality.

• CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
• The annual hiring salary range for this position is $64,500 - $70,000. Salary is commensurate with experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
• Relocation funds are available for this position following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
• This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality.
• 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. Boulder was recently ranked as one of the top places to live in the U.S. by U.S. News.
• 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.

• A Ph.D. in a physical science with expertise in atmospheric sciences, oceanography, or related field.
• Experience developing structured code in commonly used languages, e.g., Python and MATLAB.

We invite applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this section. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

• In-depth knowledge of climate variability on seasonal to decadal timescales.
• Familiarity or experience with analysis of large geophysical datasets such as climate model ensembles and commonly used data formats such as netCDF.

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.
• List of contact information for 3 references who will be willing to write a confidential Letter of recommendation for you if you are identified as a finalist for this position. Please include a list of their names, title, your relationship to you and current email and phone number.

If you are selected as a finalist, your degree will be verified by CU Boulder Campus HR using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.

The position will be open until May 22, 2024.

Applications will be screened as they are received.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.