Position Type:

Regular

Visa Sponsored Job:

No

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Hiring Range:

113,700.00 USD - 147,900.00 USD

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

Application Closes at 12:00am MST on:

2026-10-02

About the Role

The Scientist IV will support HAO’s observational and instrumentation programs through the development, implementation, and scientific analysis of data products and processing pipelines. A primary focus will be supporting Mauna Loa Solar Observatory (MLSO) instrumentation through the development and advancement of data ingestion, calibration, reduction, analysis, visualization, and operational monitoring capabilities. The position will also contribute scientific and computational expertise to COSMO/COSADA and other HAO instrumentation and observational initiatives, working collaboratively with scientists, engineers, and external partners to translate instrument measurements into high-quality, scientifically useful data products.

The Scientist IV will conduct independent and collaborative research using HAO observational data, develop and refine scientific analysis methods and computational tools, and contribute to the scientific direction and successful execution of instrumentation-based projects. The incumbent will be encouraged to publish research results in peer-reviewed literature, present work at scientific conferences and workshops, participate in scientific collaborations, and develop and propose new research projects aligned with HAO and NCAR scientific priorities.

Job Description

Develops complex Earth system models and algorithms, optimizes scientific code for high-performance computing, and leads multidisciplinary research initiatives. Analyzes large-scale simulation data, implements parallel programming solutions, and ensures software quality and reproducibility standards. Provides mentorship, collaborates with other scientists, and contributes to proposals, scientific publications, and stakeholder presentations. Engages in mission-aligned activities both within the organization and throughout the broader scientific community. Contributes through a combination of scientific expertise, professional service, education, and outreach.

Responsibilities

• Developing complex computational models and algorithms to solve multidisciplinary problems in Earth system science research.

• Developing and implementing novel parallel programming techniques and optimizing code performance within high-performance computing environments for scientific applications.

• Leading development of scientific software components while ensuring code quality, documentation, and reproducibility standards.

• Analyzing large-scale simulation data using advanced computational methods to extract meaningful scientific insights and patterns.

• Collaborating with other scientists to translate research requirements into effective computational solutions and modeling approaches.

• Mentoring team members on computational methods, parallel programming approaches, and performance optimizations, and supporting collaborative working environments.

• Contributing to and/or co-leading peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, datasets, proposals, and documentation, and presenting computational research findings at national conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.

• Supporting less experienced staff and team members by providing technical guidance, fostering scientific growth, and supporting inclusive and collaborative working environments.

• Contributing to scientific proposal development and strategic planning.

• Integrating multiple computational components and numerical experiments to validate new numerical algorithms.

• Leading development of products, tools, instruments and/or technologies for projects and programs.

Requirements

Education

Typically requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree and 10 years related experience, or a Master’s degree and 6 years of experience, or a PhD in a scientific discipline and 2 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge

• Has extensive knowledge of numerical methods, computational algorithms, and mathematical modeling techniques.

• Possesses deep understanding of scientific software engineering principles, version control systems, and reproducible research practices.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates proficiency in parallel programming and code optimization techniques for high-performance computing environments.

• Is skilled in developing and integrating multidisciplinary computational models while ensuring code quality and documentation standards.

• Demonstrates expertise in performance profiling, debugging, and optimizing scientific code for large-scale computing systems.

• Possesses good mentorship and interpersonal skills for supporting less experienced staff and fostering collaboration, and scientific development.

• Is capable of analyzing complex scientific datasets using advanced computational methods to identify patterns and extract insights.

• Is able to translate complex scientific requirements into effective computational solutions through collaboration with domain experts.

• Is capable of providing technical leadership and mentoring team members in computational methods and software development practices in inclusive and collaborative teamwork.

• Is an effective communicator, capable of producing peer-reviewed publications and, sponsor reports, and presenting results to scientific and non-technical audiences.

• Is capable of making contributions to proposal development and aligning products with organizational goals and sponsor needs.

Preferred Qualifications

The High Altitude Observatory (HAO) is the Solar-Terrestrial Physics Laboratory of the US National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR).  Our overarching objective is to develop comprehensive, quantitative knowledge of the processes that connect the Sun and Earth, which is critical for the NSF NCAR mission to understand the Earth’s atmosphere, near space environment, and the impacts of their evolving state on society. The scope and breadth of our activities require fundamental and translational science extending from the solar photosphere to Earth’s upper atmosphere, using a combination of observational, theoretical, and numerical methods.  In support of this mission, HAO maintains a robust instrumentation program that designs, builds, and operates state-of-the-art instruments and delivers community data products. As part of this effort, HAO operates the Mauna Loa Solar Observatory (MLSO), which provides long-term, synoptic observations of the solar atmosphere and supports community campaigns with data that are essential for advancing solar variability, space-weather forecasting, and Sun–Earth connection research.

Application Requirements

Questionnaire, Resume/CV

For full consideration, all application materials must be submitted by 12am (MST) at the start of the application deadline. These should highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of this position. We recognize that no candidate will meet 100% of the listed qualifications. If you believe your background has prepared you for success in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Supplemental questionnaires are often requested in lieu of a cover letter, where you address critical skills needed for the position. Your answers will be read and weighed equally to your resume and should provide specific, detailed, and informative responses based on your direct and previous work experiences.

Background checks and/or federal screenings are conducted for candidates selected for hire.

Benefits Overview 

UCAR offers a comprehensive benefits package: health insurance, dental, retirement plan, leave plans, tuition assistance, and employee assistance programs:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Generous retirement plan - UCAR contributes of 10% of base salary
• Time Off Plans
  • Minimum 20 days of annual PTO
  • 10 paid holidays
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave
  • FAMLI Leave 
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer

UCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants are not required to provide age-related information (like date of birth or graduation dates) in initial submissions.

For sponsored positions: UCAR can sponsor individuals for H-1B status only if they are already in the U.S. in H-1B status or another visa status that allows them to change to H-1B status within the U.S. UCAR is unable to sponsor new H-1B visas for individuals who are outside the U.S. and need to obtain H-1B status through Consular Processing.

While UCAR does not prohibit the use of AI tools in job applications, we strongly recommend that applicants submit primarily original work.

All roles require compliance with U.S. export control regulations and work location requirements. All hybrid staff are expected to work on-site approximately 3 days per week.