The Cooperative Institute for Severe and High Impact Weather Research and Operations
(CIWRO) at the University of Oklahoma, in collaboration with NOAA’s Air Resources Laboratory
(ARL), seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to participate in a new project aimed at using
experimental field data to improve the prediction and related responses of land surface and
boundary layer parameter changes on both a seasonal as well as annual time scales. Analyses
will include utilizing data not only from heterogeneous landscapes but also from observations
acquired from complex terrain environments. The position will be physically located at the
NOAA David Skaggs Research Center in Boulder, Colorado.
Overview
ARL’s effort in this research endeavor is part of a greater NOAA/Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research (OAR) research and development project intended to improve weather
and climate forecasts in support of fire weather and associated hydrometeorological processes.
This project has a primary experimental component, as well as a secondary modeling
component. The position will play a key role in both areas with a heavy emphasis on data
analysis. Four boundary layer supersites are planned to be fielded in the western U.S. in
support of these efforts. Each site will include the deployment of atmospheric profilers, eddy
covariance systems, upper air systems, meteorological equipment, and uncrewed aircraft
systems.
Responsibilities
The candidate will have an opportunity to analyze some of the initial data from these sites with a
focus on better understanding the interactions between the surface and boundary layer
processes. This work will provide opportunities for the associate to author research papers, both
as a primary and secondary author, and give professional presentations at relevant conferences
and meetings. The applicant will have opportunities to work in outdoor field settings in rural or
remote locations.
Required Qualifications and Skills
• Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, or a closely related field
• Experience with micrometeorological instrumentation, data loggers, and associated tools
• Experience with analysis of boundary layer and related surface data
Desirable Qualifications and Skills
• Familiarity with Python (preferably) or other programming languages such as Matlab,
IDL, or GrADS
• Familiarity with computer modeling of atmospheric processes
• Ability to work independently
• Good communication skills, both orally and in writing