Risk Communication Researcher, Part-Time

Job Description The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University (CSU) seeks to fill a part‑time (42% FTE) Risk Communication Researcher position designed to conduct collaborative research and development with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The individual in this position will work in a fully remote capacity.

In the summer of 2026, CIRA was awarded two year’s worth of funding by the Weather Program Office to conduct a project, "Using Quick Response Surveys to Develop and Pilot Test Flood Risk Communication". This part‑time position will be a key contributor to an interdisciplinary two‑year NOAA‑funded project to develop and validate flood risk communication strategies to reduce public exposure to flood risk.

Communication strategies will be developed through structured engagement with National Weather Service (NWS) forecast offices, Integrated Warning Team (IWT) partners and the public. Message effectiveness will be validated through focus groups, interviews, and in a real‑life context using quick response surveys. A prototype library of field‑tested message guidance will be designed for potential integration by the NWS and amplification by IWT partners.

Candidates with risk communication experience, experience developing and testing risk or weather warning messaging, focus group and interview facilitation are strongly preferred. This position will report to the Principal Investigator. The period of performance for this project runs through April 2028. If necessary, a no‑cost extension will be requested. For full consideration, please apply by December 2, 2026, 11:59 PM (MT).

• Conduct interviews with NWS and IWT partners.
• Develop evidence‑based pre‑event and during‑event flood message strategies.
• Conduct focus groups with the public.
• Conduct testing of candidate messages with the public (through focus groups and post event surveys).
• Synthesize research findings into operational guidance and prototype message libraries for potential integration into NWS operations.
• Periodically reporting progress and activities to project sponsors and providing regular updates to the scientific team.

The individual in this position will not supervise employees.

This is a part‑time position at 19 hours/week (47.5% FTE) and does not carry university benefits. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the start of the position and through the entirety of the project (2 years from start date), because CIRA will not sponsor any type of visa for this position now nor in the future.

• Bachelor's Degree in a social science field (e.g. Risk Communication, Sociology, Geography, Anthropology, Public Health, Psychology) plus 3 years proven applied research experience resulting in publications on risk communication and natural hazards.
• OR Master's Degree.
• Demonstrated research experience related to risk communication, protective‑action decision making, flash flood hazards or closely related concepts.
• Experience developing and testing risk messaging guidance.
• Experience with qualitative or mixed methods research and analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present research to both academic and non‑academic audiences, as evidenced by an appropriate cover letter and list of publications.
• Willingness to engage with practitioners and the public as part of applied research.

• Familiarity with National Weather Service products, operations and services.
• Ability to work independently and as a team of a well‑scoped research project, from conceptualization through dissemination.
• Experience working in…