UCAR - The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research · 16 hours ago
Scientist III
Boulder, CO
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid Level
$84K/yr - $109K/yrUCAR - The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research is seeking a creative and highly motivated Scientist III to conduct innovative research integrating machine learning and artificial intelligence into next-generation analysis and forecasting systems for numerical weather prediction. The role involves developing and evaluating novel approaches for data assimilation and contributing to the advancement of coupled data assimilation systems.
EducationSearch Engine
Responsibilities
Conduct innovative research exploring ML/AI approaches for satellite data assimilation, including ML-based data processing, QC, or bias/error modeling. Integrate novel methods to existing coupled DA systems in collaboration with system developers
Design and conduct cycling experiments, analyze results with sound scientific interpretation, and evaluate ML/AI enhancements on Earth system prediction, contributing to the enhancement of community coupled systems
Prepare research findings for presentation at conferences and for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Assist with the preparation of reports, scientific proposals, and documentation, as needed
Contributes to papers, reports, technical documentation, data sets, findings, and/or proposals
Mentors less experienced colleagues, collaborates across disciplines, and supports proposal development to advance scientific goals through high-quality, methodologically sound work
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
Designs and executes scientific analyses; develops, and adapts, and/or tests hypotheses, models and/or tools. Contributes to papers, reports, technical documentation, data sets, findings, and/or proposals
Designing and executing scientific investigations or analyses using established and/or emerging methods to address defined research, operational, or applied science questions
Developing or adapting tools, models, or methods to support data collection, processing, analysis, system evaluation, or experimental workflows
Performing detailed analysis and interpretation of observational, experimental, or model-generated data, contributing to new insights or improvements in scientific understanding
Leading or contributing to components of a larger project or small project teams through coordination of activities, deliverables, and technical direction across collaborators
Authoring or co-authoring peer-reviewed publications, technical documentation, data sets, findings, project reports, and/or proposals, and presenting findings in internal, sponsor, or scientific community settings
Collaborating across disciplines and institutions, contributing technical expertise to team-based projects and enhancing interdisciplinary research or operational outcomes
Supporting proposal development and project planning activities by contributing to scoping, technical writing, and alignment with programmatic objectives
Providing technical guidance to less experienced staff/students, mentoring on methods, tools, and best practices while engaging in and modeling inclusive team participation
Developing products, tools, instruments and/or technologies for projects and programs
Qualification
Required
Ph.D. degree within the last 5 years or expected within the next 6 months in atmospheric science, computer science, statistics, or a related area
Understanding of inverse modeling
Demonstrated skill in scripting languages (e.g., python/shell), especially related to tests on supercomputers
Understanding of satellite meteorology or retrievals
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team
Excellent time management and organization skills
Demonstrated and effective written and oral communication skills
Knowledge of Earth system modeling
Preferred
Demonstrated knowledge of assimilating remote sensing data
Knowledge of data assimilation or ML/AI algorithms
Experience with ML/AI approaches for Earth system modeling
Experience with data assimilation and cycling experiments
Benefits
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.
12 weeks of paid parental leave.
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.
Company
UCAR - The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Expanding horizons in meteorology and weather forecasting, water cycle hydrology, oceanography, solar physics, atmospheric chemistry and air quality, climate science, computer science, environmental science, and STEM education.
Founded in 1960
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
UCAR - The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (27)
2024 (35)
2023 (40)
2022 (20)
2021 (27)
2020 (27)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$91.8MKey Investors
National Science Foundation
2023-06-01Grant· $91.8M
Leadership Team
Justin Young
Deputy CFO
Alisha Swofford
Chief Operating Officer of the University Corporation of Atmospheric Research (UCAR)
Recent News
Nasa.gov
2025-10-01
2025-03-31
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