Where You Will Work:
Located in Boulder, Colorado, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is one of the world's premier scientific institutions, with an internationally recognized staff and research program dedicated to advancing knowledge, providing community-based resources, and building human capacity in the atmospheric and related sciences. NCAR is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).
ACOM's research focuses on advancing understanding and predictive capability for atmospheric composition and related processes. Research is organized around two major themes - Air Quality Prediction and Weather-Chemistry-Climate Interactions. ACOM scientists work closely with the wider research community, providing intellectual leadership and facility support for measurement capabilities, laboratory and field experiments and community atmospheric chemistry models.
What You Will Do:The chosen scientist will be an established leader in the community and will engage in atmospheric chemistry observational research that is aligned with and supports the strategic vision for NCAR and ACOM as described in the current NCAR and ACOM Strategic Plans. Through independent and collaborative research, leadership, community service, education and outreach activities, and long-term strategic and scientific planning, the incumbent will help foster a culture of scientific excellence within ACOM and NCAR and support the scientific community (particularly the university community). The chosen scientist will pursue original research and seek out opportunities to develop and participate in research projects on a scale commensurate with that expected of a national center and address issues of national and international importance. Research will be focused on two main ACOM themes - air pollution processes and chemistry-climate interactions. The incumbent will be a recognized expert in atmospheric chemistry and should demonstrate a high level of expertise both in measurements and the interpretation of observational data.
The incumbent will be a leader in the ACOM observational enterprise and play a major role in defining ACOM experimental research objectives and priorities. Together with the community and NCAR partners the chosen scientist will have the expertise to define, lead, and participate in the development and organization of community field campaigns, aimed at understanding atmospheric chemical/physical processes and atmospheric composition and contribute to directing future instrument developments. The chosen scientist will show the capability to connect the observational research with the broader NCAR and community research including laboratory/chamber investigations and process and atmospheric chemistry modeling.
This is a Ladder Track appointment which is equivalent to a professorship in a university. The appointment will be made at the Scientist III or Senior Scientist level as appropriate following NCAR appointment criteria according to experience, demonstrated expertise in managing and leading projects, record of scientific accomplishments and national and international reputation.
Responsibilities:Provides leadership in defining the overall scientific direction of ACOM research. Identifies important questions in atmospheric chemistry and composition, particularly those related to the processes involved in gas phase oxidation processes in the atmosphere, and/or in secondary organic aerosol formation, growth and loss, and the resultant impact on air quality and human health and Earth's radiative budget. Leads and participates in community field investigations to address these questions. Works with ACOM staff to identify and address gaps in our observational suite of instrumentation and to pursue the acquisition and development of new instruments, or cultivate partnerships with universities needed to fill the gaps. Shares analytical knowledge with, and serves as a resource to, the greater atmospheric chemistry community. Works closely with modeling groups to identify observational gaps that are precluding advancements in atmospheric chemistry modeling and to put observational results in a broader context to advance knowledge in atmospheric chemistry. Publishes/presents results and implications at national and international scientific meetings and in refereed journals both as lead and co-author.
Coordinates and develops collaborative activities involving university and NCAR scientists. Engages in ACOM laboratory meetings and related activities and is constructively engaged in the professional life of the laboratory with the goal of providing input to ACOM/NCAR planning for future research priorities and strategies. Supervises junior and support staff and advises and mentors post-doctoral fellows. Provides leadership within NCAR and ACOM, and serves as an advocate for atmospheric chemistry in strategic and scientific planning within NCAR and ACOM.
Submits proposals for funding from outside agencies to participate in scientific activities where those activities will contribute to the more complete or prompt achievement of ACOM and NCAR organizational goals.
Contributes to scientific programs by serving on NCAR internal, and external national and international committees. Works with colleagues in NCAR, the university community and other agencies to seek opportunities to develop new activities that enhance the mission(s) of our primary sponsors and university stakeholders. Reviews manuscripts submitted to peer-reviewed journals and proposals submitted to funding agencies as appropriate.
Seeks out opportunities to contribute to the NCAR Education and Outreach and Inclusion and Diversity mission, both through individual efforts and through larger organized efforts.
What You Need:Education and Years of Experience
Education: PhD (Atmospheric Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related). Experience in Atmospheric chemistry studies (or a very closely related field):
For Scientist III: 7-12 years of experience beyond PhD, with a strong publication record and demonstrated ability to lead scientific projects and supervise junior and support staff.. Has achieved national and international reputation for research and leadership.
For Senior Scientist: At least 12 years of experience beyond PhD, with a strong publication record and demonstrated ability to lead scientific projects and supervise junior and support staff, in leading large collaborative scientific projects, and demonstrated ability to develop and maintain external funding to support research initiatives. Has achieved national and international reputation for research and leadership.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Applicant notes:
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer that strives to develop and maintain a diverse workforce. UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy.
Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). We are committed to inclusivity and promoting an equitable environment that values and respects the uniqueness of all members of our organization.