Postdoctoral Research Associate in Fire Weather
- University of Oklahoma
- Location: Oklahoma, OK
- Job Number: 7141165 (Ref #: ta230991)
- Posting Date: Apr 20, 2023
- Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Job Description
Job Description
--- The Cooperative Institute for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations (CIWRO) seeks to fill a Post-Doctoral Research Associate position for its collaborative research as a Cooperative Institute with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL). The Post-Doctoral Research Associate with contribute to NSSL's new focus on fire weather research including observations, modeling, and downstream impacts.
Background
Wildfires have increased in frequency and their impacts on society have worsened over the past decade. They are also becoming three times more frequent and more widespread. High-severity fires have immediate impacts on the ecosystem, plants, animals, and local communities. This has led to an increased investment in assessing the characteristics of wildfires, their impacts, and the development of potential forecasting tools. Aspects of this work include the potential for improved observations of wildfire impacts using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), weather radar, and satellite platforms and ingesting these data in high resolution models to predict conditions which lead to wildfires, how they may evolve, and post-fire impacts. This research offers many opportunities for better understanding wildfires that have the potential to be used in future decision-making activities.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research using observations to better understand wildfire properties and/or improve the ability of high-resolution models to analyze and forecast wildfire impacts
- Analyze large and complex data sets by creating analysis and visualization code
- Development of model code that improves wildfire and smoke analyses and boundary layer interactions between the surface, atmosphere, and fire properties
- Integrate dynamically coupled fire front and microscale wind models into the Warn-on-Forecast System (WoFS), which is currently being extended to fire-weather applications
- Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present at professional conferences on a regular basis
This position starts on or after May 1, 2023 and ends on September 30, 2025. Further employment beyond this date is dependent on availability of funding and a positive assessment of the incumbent's performance. This position will be located in Norman Oklahoma at the National Weather Center.
Job Requirements
--- Required Education: PhD in Meteorology or related area
Skills:
Experience with scientific programming on UNIX/Linux systems using a high-level language (e.g., Fortran, Python, C++); experience with high performance computing is preferred
Experience in one or more topic areas including numerical weather prediction, wildfire characteristics and their impacts utilizing satellite, radar, and/or UAS observations, and/or atmospheric boundary layer properties
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to work both independently and cooperatively with others
Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.
Diversity Statement: The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.
