This is a two (2) year 100% contract position. This appointment may be extended or converted to career status based on the needs and funding of the department.

This position will be located in the Seattle/Tacoma area.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) is leading the development and implementation of new research and applications capabilities focused on extreme weather and climate events in the Western US. CW3E is developing and implementing weather and climate observations, numerical models, machine learning algorithms, and decision support tools focused on atmospheric and land-surface conditions related to extreme events and their impacts. CW3E is an interface between UCSD departments, other universities around the country and local, state, and federal agencies, in the operation, utilization and expansion of a new state- of-the-art weather observing network recently deployed in California. A key program of the Center is Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), with goals to develop, demonstrate, and implement tools, including enhanced monitoring, and science that enable more effective management of reservoirs. CW3E’s mission is to provide 21st century water cycle science, technology and outreach to support effective policies and practices that address the impacts of extreme weather and water events on the environment, people and the economy of Western North America. To learn more, refer to the center’s webpage at cw3e.ucsd.edu.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The position leads research related to extreme precipitation with a focus on the Western US in support of the Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) Program, among others. Responsibilities include supporting the management of FIRO projects, and serving in FIRO technical leadership roles. Manages and organizes scientific efforts, facilitates internal and external collaborations, communicates results at steering committee meetings, contributes to quarterly and annual reporting, technical reporting, and major deliverables such as viability assessments and subsequent updates to water control manuals.

The position conducts and coordinates the development, evaluation, and improvement of numerical weather models as it applies to different storm types. Analyzes weather and climate observations, develops forecast model and decision support tools focused on mesoscale processes and boundary layer influences on weather forecasts related to extreme events and their impacts. In addition, the position analyzes climate data, both historical and future. The position should lead and contribute to scientific publications.

Provides input to management for the strategic growth of computing platforms and resources. In addition, the position will support ongoing efforts to improve data management procedures and optimization of models and programs on current servers. Supports forecasting and other roles in CW3E's AR Reconnaissance Program. Communicates results via conference presentations, peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, and other publications as well as interacts with sponsors and collaborators.

The position requires involvement in scientific, regulatory, and administrative tasks, as well as excellent communication, project management skills, and strict adherence to timelines and milestones.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Geography, Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline, or a combination of education and work experience preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial principles and practices.
• Experience in working within an academic or applied research environment, over a broad range that includes conceiving research problems and approaches, conducting research, managing research and communicating results.
• Proven program planning and management of projects. Ability to anticipate project needs and propose alternative solutions. Proven ability to independently execute research projects through the independent planning, organizing, and performing of experiments and selecting of data for analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, record, and interpret experimental data. Must be able to read and summarize scientific articles pertaining to the prosecution of broad research problems related to the interests of CW3E and proceed without specific direction to organize and plan out all the techniques involved.
• Proven leadership and management experience and skills. Strong decision-making and ability to use independent judgement and to respond effectively to unexpected events or changes. Strong knowledge and expertise in the use of project management methodologies and tools.
• Proven ability to lead complex field campaigns with multiple funding and partnering agencies, including various different types of instrumentation, managing teams, working with landowners and regulatory agencies, ensuring safety of all participants and robust and reliable data collection.
• Ability to navigate a highly matrixed organization effectively.
• Fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects, deadlines, conflicts in an environment of shifting priorities and resource and staff constraints.
• Ability to lead diverse groups of scientists, students, staff, and collaborators with different levels of seniority. Leadership experience in gaining consensus from these groups in adherence to strict mission planning deadlines and under stressful circumstances.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including thoughtfulness, diplomacy, and flexibility in order to work effectively with staff, research teams and key stakeholders.
• Strong ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills. Demonstrated ability in independent thinking, innovative decision-making, consensus building among researchers that facilitates synergy in studying complex multi-disciplinary research and education.
• Ability to consolidate and check accuracy of information from multiple team members to write comprehensive progress reports, develop presentations, write grant proposals, and develop other required documents as needed.
• Proficient in computer software applications including Microsoft Office Suite. Demonstrated aptitude for learning new computer programs and software and specialized scientific equipment and procedures. Knowledge of scientific computing systems including processors, storage and other relevant research infrastructure.
• Demonstrated proficiency to speak and write about scientific research persuasively and creatively and to express complex or technical content in understandable terms.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
• Must be willing and able to travel.
• Position will be located in Seattle/Tacoma area to support the FIRO project at Howard Hanson.
• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $85,400 - $156,800 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $40.90 - $75.10

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).