Post Doctoral Research Associate - Paros Center

Overview

Title: Post Doctoral Research Associate - Paros Center

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Engineering

Department: Dean - Engineering

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Conduct research in Mesoscale and Local-Scale Weather Hazards.

The main objective of this position is to conduct observations-based research, supported by numerical simulations, on high impact mesoscale and local-scale weather systems, with a strong motivation to obtain societally beneficial research outcomes. Funded by the Paros Center for Atmospheric Research at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, the incumbent will conduct original research in collaboration with the Paros Chair for Atmospheric Research (Chris Davis).

The emphasis will be on the analysis of mesoscale and local scale weather systems over central and eastern North America, in highly anomalous environments, both in warm and cool seasons, to understand how mesoscale processes couple with moist convection to create hazardous weather. Examples of such anomalous environments include post-land falling tropical cyclones, atmospheric rivers accompanying severe convection, and extreme cold-air outbreaks in coastal and maritime environments.

Field observations obtained from projects such as the North American Upstream Feature-Resolving and Tropopause Uncertainty Reconnaissance Experiment (NURTURE), Atmospheric River Reconnaissance, or other instrument deployments, will be analyzed. Numerical simulations will be used to support interpretation of observations and explore hazard predictability.

The specific work undertaken during this postdoc will be based on discussions with the Paros Chair and on the career development goals of the incumbent.

• Conduct original research in collaboration with faculty in the College of Natural Sciences, College of Engineering, and others in the Paros Center for Atmospheric Research at UMass, Amherst.
• Participate in field data collection (as opportunities arise) and perform data quality-control.
• Synthesize observations from different instruments, on different observing platforms.
• Perform simulations and analysis of weather systems independently with some guidance.
• Produce visualizations of data for analysis and presentation.
• Co-author or lead-author scientific publications and proposals.
• Present research results at conferences and other scientific venues.
• Participate in, and sometimes lead, research discussion meetings with Paros Chair and other faculty and students or postdocs.
• Assist in mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students.
• Perform other tasks as agreed upon.

• Ph.
  
  D. in atmospheric science or related discipline.
• Experience in observational analysis.
• Experience using numerical models to simulate weather systems.
• Ability to process and analyze large datasets.
• Python programming experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Field observation experience, especially analysis of remote sensing data.
• Working knowledge of AI-enhanced workflows and machine learning techniques to accelerate analysis of models and observations.
• Experience with the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) or Cloud Model 1 (CM1).

• Priority given to applications received by March 15, 2026.
• Term is 1 year, renewable for a second year, with the possibility of further extension depending on funding.
• Desired start date range is May-June, 2026.
• Position may require travel to field sites and conferences or other scientific meetings.

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Typically Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week.

UMass Amherst expects to pay within an approximate range between $70,000 and $77,000 for this position.

Please apply online and upload your CV, cover letter and contact information for three (3) professional references. Your cover letter should include: (1) Why the position appeals to you; (2) Your relevant experience and how it fits with listed skills and aptitudes; (3) How this position fits with your career goals. For any questions, please email Chris Davis, chradavis.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.