Project scientist position in Ocean Modeling; Boulder

The CGD Laboratory at NSF’s National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is seeking a Project Scientist I to join our Oceanography Section. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge Earth system science and help guide the development of the Community Earth System Model (CESM), with a focus on its ocean component, the Modular Ocean Model version 6 (MOM6).

In this role, you will combine scientific research with community coordination, serving as the science liaison for the CESM Ocean Model Working Group (OMWG). You’ll collaborate closely with scientists across NSF NCAR and the broader university community to advance CESM’s ocean modeling capabilities and ensure effective integration with other CESM components.

We’re looking for a scientist who is passionate about improving ocean models and fostering the scientific community. You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead and contribute to research that enhances the CESM ocean model;
• Coordinate OMWG activities and foster collaboration across working groups;
• Support broader CESM ocean-related projects that inform Earth system science at NSF NCAR, and beyond.

If you’re eager to make a scientific impact while engaging with a vibrant community of Earth system modelers, we encourage you to apply.

Visa Sponsored Job:

Yes

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Job Location:

Boulder, Colorado

Position Type & Term:

Full time, Regular

Compensation Range:

Salary Range $94,406 - $118,006*

Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role.

Final date to receive applications:

• This position will be posted until 11:59 PM MT on Friday, June 20, 2025.

Required application materials: (preferably in PDF Format)

• CV
• Cover Letter (Please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information, please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections of this job posting) ALSO please describe what your research would focus on for the next 5 years if funding was not an issue.

Background Checks:
Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

Work Location:

Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories. All employees are required to work a minimum of 3 days/week at our Boulder location(s).

Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.

• Serves as the CESM OMWG science liaison, involving a broad range of activities specifically aimed at assisting the activities of scientists in the wider OMWG community, both internal and external to NSF NCAR. Fully participates in numerical experimentation into the nature of ocean processes influencing the global climate system by assisting in the experimental design, overseeing and performing integrations, managing relevant input, output, and comparative data sets, and facilitating the dissemination of results.
  
  Maintains existing post-processing tools and develops new ones as needed. Documents the setup of CESM-MOM6 configurations, including experimental procedures and diagnostics. Develops and manages a detailed database of simulation outputs and analysis.
• Conducts independent and collaborative research under general guidance in support of CESM OMWG and other projects. Engages the university community to improve parameterizations and numerical methods in MOM
  6.
• Interacts with the greater CESM and university communities by promoting and facilitating access to the CESM model codes, diagnostics tools, and results. Contributes to the coordination of OMWG’s experimental strategy and resource requirements assessments.
• Leads and participates in writing scientific journal articles and formal reports. Presents results at relevant meetings.

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education and Experience

REQUIRED:

Ph.D. in oceanic, atmospheric, or related Earth sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

DESIRED, but not

REQUIRED:

2 years of relevant experience in…