CIRES​/NOAA Weather Prediction Center, Meteorological Professional Research Assistant

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a Professional Research Assistant (Associate Scientist) to generate real-time ensemble cluster and sensitivity analysis tools from convection-allowing ensemble forecast datasets related to heavy precipitation, temperature, and other mesoscale variables of interest to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) for use by operational forecasters within the National Weather Service (NWS).

This position will also involve developing and disseminating training materials associated with probabilistic forecast tools, and assisting with ensemble post-processing workflows for applying new products in NOAA Testbed experiments. The Associate Scientist will interact with Federal WPC staff, NOAA scientists and forecasters, CIRES employees working at WPC, and external partners within the academic community and NOAA Labs such as Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) and Physical Systems Laboratory (PSL).

WPC is located 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 Office of Modeling and Development (OMD), Ocean and Tsunami Center (OTC), and WPC’s Extended Prediction Division (EPD). This position performs novel research, transitions research projects to operations, serves as Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI on funded projects, and collaborates with external partners.

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 900 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. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) provides national weather situational awareness and precipitation expertise to enable readiness for hazardous weather events from seasons to minutes. WPC is the “Foundation of the Nation’s Weather Story,” providing National Decision Support products for Emergency Management, Aviation, Media, and the general public.

• Identify and develop short-range ensemble-based tools that will assist in the preparation of forecasts. (30%)
• Participate in the maintenance and enhancement of WPC's operational forecast tools. (20%)
• Support a collaborative team to develop and fully transition to operations convection-allowing probabilistic forecast tools for short-range weather hazards. (20%)
• Develop training materials to assist users in the transition of new tools and approaches into operations. (20%)
• Collaborate on proposals, contribute through scientific publications, collaborate with colleagues, and attend various workshops and conferences. (10%)

• Applicants requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered for this position.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to legally work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• The targeted start date is November 1, 2026.
• Normal working hours will be observed except for occasional irregular hours during data collection or conferences/workshops conducted at remote sites.
• The new hire will be employed by CIRES with technical oversight provided by WPC management. This role works independently and determines action to be taken in handling all but unusual situations. The incumbent is expected to serve as a leader of scientific or technical experiments, groups, or teams; therefore, strong teamwork and leadership skills are vital.
• This role is based at the WPC in Riverdale Park, MD, but remote work within the United States will be considered.
• Selected finalists will be required to…