Job Opportunities

Postdoctoral Position Focused on Impacts of Improved Forecasting of Energy Load and Precipitation

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) is seeking a research scientist to conduct research on the use and value of forecasts at the Center for Science and Technology Policy Research (CSTPR)  at the University of Colorado/CIRES and the NOAA Environmental Technology Laboratory (NOAA/ETL).  There are two research foci for this position.  First is to study the use and value of load forecasts for the energy sector based on surface temperature forecasting in New England, and second is to study water management information needs in the Western U.S. in the context of the relationship of flood control and water supply and hydrometeorological forecasting.  The focus on forecasts includes evaluations based on existing forecast accuracy, as well as on potential improvements in accuracy.   Regional spatial scales and short forecast lead times (0-48 h) will be emphasized.

Duties

• Develop understanding of how weather forecasting information is used in (1) load forecasting for the New England energy sector, and (2) various aspects of water supply, flood control, and endangered species management associated with Western U.S. water.
• Identify opportunities for and obstacles to the use of improved regional, short-term temperature and precipitation forecasts, including the use of probabilistic information.
• Quantify the value of regional, short-term surface temperature and precipitation forecasts, including quantitative estimates of uncertainty in the valuations. 
• Meet regularly with the various users of weather information in the New England energy sector and in the Western water management community.
• Help design and carry out proof-of-concept demonstrations that show the link between forecasts, technology, public and private weather services and user decisions as part of a testbed approach.
• Provide feedback to NOAA on energy sector and water manager needs for improvements in NOAA’s services.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in a relevant physical or social science.
• Knowledge and experience with data collection and analysis techniques in the context of research on decision making.
• Experience with statistical techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both the users and providers of weather forecasts as well as with those who conduct atmospheric research.
• Ability to present results at technical meetings and to publish in peer-reviewed literature.
• For further information, please contact Dr. Roger Pielke Jr. (pielke@cires.colorado.edu) or Dr. F. Marty Ralph (marty.ralph@noaa.gov).
• To apply, please send your resume, salary history, and a list of three references by e-mail (jobs@cires.colorado.edu), fax (303-492-1149), or regular mail:

Human Resources
CIRES, 216 UCB
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO 80309-0216.

Climate Science and Impacts Staff Scientist

The Union of Concerned Scientists seeks an individual to serve as climate change staff scientist and member of the Sound Science Initiative project team.

Responsibilities:

• Provide substantive guidance of UCS work to assess and publicize the ecological and societal impacts of climate change in specific regions of the United States.
• Design and guide collaborative analyses of the projected impacts of climate change on key sectors (agriculture, water resources, tourism, coasts, etc.).
• Lead production of report(s) and participate in the design and implementation of outreach and media strategies.
• Help craft project grant proposals and reports and manage relevant budgets.  Initial focus will be on California with likely expansion to climate impacts activities in other regions of the United States.
• Identify, develop, and implement activities to strengthen public and policymaker understanding of climate change, the effectiveness of key climate science institutions, and the sound representation of climate change science and impacts in the media, including activities to support the work of
  the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
• Maintain strong working relationships with prominent scientists in climate-related fields and engage members of the scientific community in UCS activities.
• Provide technical review of scientific and policy aspects of UCS climate change materials.  Tailor the style and content of materials for technical and/or general audiences as appropriate.
• Serve as media spokesperson on climate science and impacts issues.
• Maintain knowledge of developments and trends on key aspects of climate and global change science and help determine appropriate UCS activities.
• Maintain awareness of role as UCS representative and perform other related functions as directed.

Qualifications: This position requires in-depth knowledge of climate change science, including the ecological and/or societal impacts of climate change, generally acquired through completion of a doctoral program in a relevant field.  This position also requires demonstrable skills in project management, as well as an ability to understand the public policy aspects of climate change and the role of technical analyses and advocacy in shaping public opinion and policy debates.  This position also requires strong public speaking skills, a demonstrable ability to write for general audiences, and the ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.

Experience: At least two years of progressively responsible related professional experience is required, including experience in communicating science to non-specialists and in developing and guiding collaborative projects.  Supervisory experience is highly desirable.  Up to one year of on-the-job training may be necessary to become familiar with UCS organization, philosophy, programs, and constituencies.

Position details: This position will be based in UCS's Cambridge office. Some travel will be required.  Salary commensurate with training and experience.  Excellent benefits and rewarding working environment.  UCS is an equal opportunity employer that continually seeks to diversify its staff.

To apply: Please send cover letter, vita, writing sample, and names of three references to:

Deputy Director
Global Environment Union of Concerned Scientists
Two Brattle Square
Cambridge, MA 02238
Email: ncole@ucsusa.org

Post-Doctoral Position in Atmospheric or Oceanic Sciences

BBSR seeks outstanding candidates for a unique post-doctoral position that allows the scientist to combine their research interests with activities that enhance interactions between the scientific and business communities.  The successful applicant’s time will be divided between their own research, which will be undertaken independently or in collaboration with other scientists at BBSR, and activities associated with the Risk Prediction Initiative.  Applicants should enjoy the challenge of making a wide range of science understandable and relevant to nonscientists.  We encourage candidates from a broad range of backgrounds to apply.  The position is for one year with renewals contingent upon satisfactory progress.

Scientists at Bermuda Biological Station for Research, Inc. (BBSR) study a wide variety of atmospheric and oceanographic processes and support atmospheric and oceanographic time series stations.  The BBSR is a US incorporated 501(c)(3) ‘not-for-profit’ marine research and education institution incorporated in New York State and based in Bermuda since 1903.  Additional information on BBSR can be found here.

The Risk Prediction Initiative (RPI) is a unique science-business partnership based at BBSR and sponsored by a group of insurance and reinsurance companies.  The RPI funds research on extreme events of interest to the catastrophe reinsurance industry (e.g., tropical cyclone landfall, European wind storms, and earthquakes) and promotes communication between the business and science communities through products such as workshops and publications.  Additional information can be found here.

For further information please contact Gillian Hollis (tel: 441-297-1880 ext. 237; email: gillian@bbsr.edu).

Applicants should send a C.V., contact information for three references, and a description of their research interests to:

Dr. Anthony Knap, Director
The Bermuda Biological Station for Research, Inc.
17 Biological Lane
St. George’s, GE01 BERMUDA

BBSR is an equal opportunity employer and operates a drug-free workplace and learning environment.

Project Scientist III - NCAR

This is a new, full-time position with the Research Applications Program (RAP) and Environmental and Societal Impacts Group (ESIG) at the National Center for Atmospheric Research.  The position provides leadership in establishing a program at NCAR on the societal impacts and benefits of improved weather information.  Through a process emphasizing extensive collaborative dialogue and community building, he or she will identify, coordinate, cross fertilize and actively engage researchers and organizations that conduct research related to understanding the societal impacts and benefits of weather information.  He or she will establish, manage and coordinate research efforts within and across participating organizations within and outside NCAR.

Duties Include:

• Establishes, leads, and manages collaborative program, coordinates research efforts within and across participating organizations, and works closely with sponsor(s) to ensure the successful completion of tasks.
• Actively manages, mentors and develops team members and other staff.
• Actively engages researchers and organizations conducting societal impact related research to facilitate information transfer to the community.
• Coordinates, synthesizes and organizes relevant data and information and ensures that the results are made accessible in a timely manner to the research community and policy makers.
• Represents the societal impacts aspects of weather research programs and activities at U.S. and international fora (e.g., conferences, working groups, task forces, etc.).
• Ensures that societal impact analyses are considered in the planning of national and international weather-related research programs (e.g., THORPEX).
• Pursues appropriate funding sources.
• Responsible for identifying funding opportunities and managing the proposal process.
• Writes and/or coordinates proposal submission.
• Writes peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, conference papers.
• Makes presentations at meetings and conferences.

Requirements, Education and Experience Include:

• Ph.D. in a social science or atmospheric science; plus
• at least 7 years' of progressively responsible, relevant research and program development experience;
• or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated skill in leading and managing complex, multi-year scientific/technical programs.
• Experience in leading and managing a diverse staff.
• Demonstrated skill in developing employees.
• Demonstrated understanding of the utility of weather information to the needs of various economic sectors and the ability to design and develop new research programs to explore and address them.
• Demonstrated skill in working effectively with the societal impacts research community.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a schedule-driven environment and produce high-quality deliverables on time.
• Demonstrated skill in representing the program to a diverse group of agency sponsors, other research laboratories, and potential sponsors and collaborators.
• Demonstrated knowledge of operational and research practices within the atmospheric sciences community.
• Skill in conceiving, developing, and writing new proposals for outside funding.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently.

How to Apply

Online: Click here to apply online:

Standard Mail: Send your paper resume to:

UCAR Human Resources
3065 Center Green Drive
Boulder, Colorado 80301

Initial consideration will be given to applications received prior to Friday, October 24, 2003.  Thereafter, applications will be reviewed on an as-needed basis.  For more information, Click here.