CIRES/ NOAA Weather Prediction Center, Meteorological Developer

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a Research Associate (Research Scientist) to generate real-time ensemble cluster and sensitivity analysis tools from 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). Serving as principal investigator for a funded project, the Research Scientist will lead projects focused on these forecast tools and analysis techniques through the research to operations (R2O) lifecycle. This will also include 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 Research 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.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

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.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• (20%) Serve as Principal Investigator to plan, conduct, and report on projects within research to operations.
• (35%) Identify and develop ensemble-based tools that will assist in the preparation of forecasts.
• (15%) Participate in the maintenance and enhancement of WPC’s operational ensemble-based forecast tools.
• (15%) Lead a collaborative team to develop and fully transition to operations convection-allowing probabilistic forecast tools for short-range weather hazards.
• (5%) Develop training materials to assist users in the transition of new tools and approaches into operations.
• (10%) Submit proposals, lead and contribute through scientific publications, collaborate with colleagues, and attend various workshops and conferences.

What You Should Know

• This is a two-year position with the possibility of extension based on the availability of funding.
• Applicants with a visa or 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 February 1, 2027.
• 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 pass a federal background check for site access.

What We Can Offer

• CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
• The annual hiring salary range for this position is $72,000- $93,992. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
• This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality.
• Some relocation funds are available to help offset expenses, following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
• CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development, and a Mentorship Program.
• Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues.
• As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing free access to the regional public transit system, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that provide service within Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be collaborative. Be effective. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A Doctoral degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or related field.
• Candidates must have successfully defended their doctoral dissertation and completed all their dissertation revisions by the start date.
• Experience working with, analyzing, and applying statistical methods to large meteorological datasets (e.g., GRIB, NetCDF).
• Experience working in Linux and high-performance computing environments.

What You Will Need

• Strong analytical and programming skills, including proficiency in Python and shell scripting.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage forecasters and incorporate their feedback into product development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to contributing to a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Proficient project leadership skills, including planning, executing, and reporting scientific objectives.

What We Would Like You to Have

Please note that while the position details both required skills and desired skills, applicants do not need to have all of the desired skills and experience to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work, along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We provide on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

• A Doctoral degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or a related field, with at least one (1) year of post-Doctoral experience.
• Experience applying statistical methods to extreme weather events.
• Experience with ensemble prediction systems and their application to hazardous weather diagnosis and forecasting. Experience with ensemble clustering and sensitivity analysis.
• Experience with verification techniques, including objective, subjective, and object-based analysis tools. Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and maintain real-time product workflows.
• Experience publishing first-author peer-reviewed manuscripts and preparing competitive research Proposals.
• Experience serving as a PI or co-PI on grant-funded projects.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV;
2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position;
3. Although not needed at the time of application, please be ready to submit contact information for 5 professional references (2 must be supervisors or professors). If you are identified as a finalist for this position, you will be asked to invite your references to complete a CrossChq questionnaire on your behalf. CrossChq is an online reference check solution. All information is kept confidential and shared only with the members of the search committee.

If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.

Please apply by November 12, 2026 for consideration.

For questions, please contact search chair, Matthew Green at matthew.green-1@colorado.edu.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Matthew Green

Posting Contact Email: matthew.green-1@colorado.edu