Scientist

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Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Scientist II

Job Summary:

The Space Science and Engineering Center is looking for an experienced researcher with a strong track record of tropical cyclone research and product development to join the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) tropical cyclone research team.  The CIMSS Tropical Cyclone research group are leaders in developing and implementing actionable near-real time tropical cyclone decision support information from modern weather satellites.  The researcher will lead research focused on utilizing infrared and microwave measurements from the U.S. Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) and Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) programs as well as related sensors on European, Japanese, and Korean geostationary spacecraft and new commercial satellite assets to develop state-of-the-art global tropical cyclone intensity and dynamic products. A particular focus will be on merging satellite observations with other observation and prediction tools (including radar, airborne measurements, and NWP models) to improve tropical storm development, intensification, and track forecasts. The researcher will lead tasks related to the development, testing, delivery, and integration of algorithms to operational production systems.

Experience working with large meteorological satellite data sets, passive microwave and radar data products, and interfacing numerical weather prediction (NWP) models are required. Strong technical background in numerical computing including experience with machine learning (ML, “AI”) approaches, especially as applicable to feature detection and tracking in multi-channel imagery is required.  Proficiency in scientific programming languages including Python as well as shell scripting and working with multiple scientific data formats such as HDF and NetCDF is required. Experience with Agile software development methodology, continuous integration, Git revision control, and software containerization is preferred.  Experience working with commercial satellite data providers is preferred.

The candidate must have strong written and oral communication skills and an ability to pursue collaborations with experts nationally and internationally. The candidate is expected to conceptualize new research directions, pursue federal funding, give scientific and technical presentations at national and international symposia, conferences, and workshops, author peer-reviewed journal articles, and report findings to federal sponsors.

This position is being posted at the Scientist II and III levels. Level and pay are commensurate with experience.

This position is eligible for any of the following: 40% remote work. Remote work requires an approved flexible work arrangement (FWA) agreement. An FWA requires successful candidates to possess their own high-speed internet and phone to perform the work on a university provided computer. Per University policy, transportation between home and assigned work location is not payable/reimbursable and will be at the expense of the employee.

Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (ie. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of employment. OPT and OPT-STEM are not eligible to apply. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities

• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding

• Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures

• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information

• Collects and analyzes complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision

• Serves as a unit subject matter expert and liaison to internal and external stakeholders providing advanced level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area

• Identifies research problems and develops complex research methodologies and procedures

• May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit as needed

Department:

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Space Science and Engineering Center

Compensation:

Starting salary will be based on experience and qualifications. Well-qualified applicants can anticipate a minimum starting annual salary of $120,000, with final salary based on experience and qualifications.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf.

Required Qualifications:

- Minimum of 6 years in tropical cyclone remote sensing and research.

- Established peer-reviewed publication record.

- Capacity to lead a research science team including defining research priorities, implementing approaches, managing personnel, and reporting findings.

- Experience leading or participating in tropical field campaigns.

- Broad understanding of current and future geostationary and low-Earth orbiting weather satellite capabilities for weather decision support and remote sensing applications.

- Successful record of securing extramural research funding via science proposals to federal agencies (e.g. NOAA, NASA, and DOD).

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience working with commercial satellite data sources.

Education:

PhD in Atmospheric Science or related field.

How to Apply:

Click the "Apply" button to start the application process.

You will be prompted to upload the following documents:

-Resume

-Letter of Qualifications

Applicants should attach a letter of qualifications and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process.

Please note when applying, there will be only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents in the attachment field.

Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (ie. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of employment. OPT and OPT-STEM are not eligible to apply. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

Contact Information:

Denise Weidner

[email protected]

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. 
 
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). 
 
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