Research Scientist I - UVB

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 15 Oct 2023

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Research Scientist I - UVB
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202301567AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Resch Sci/Scholar I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range 62,000 - 72,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
  • For detailed benefit plan information for eligible employees, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ and https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/ .
  • For more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/ .
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 10/15/2023
Description of Work Unit
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), steward of agriculture for the nation, has long been concerned about the impacts of environmental variability and weather extremes. Changes in the environmental and weather patterns can lead to unprecedented changes in Ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface, raising the concern of direct and indirect effects to crops, ecosystems, and humans.
The UVMRP is guided by USDA NIFA’s mission to invest in and advance agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. This includes vision to catalyze transformative discoveries, education, and engagement to address agricultural challenges. Specifically, the UVMRP addresses USDA NIFA Strategic Plan goals to advance the development and delivery of science for agricultural, forest, and range systems adapted to climate variability and to mitigate climate impacts.
The UVMRP fulfills these mandates by establishing three program areas:
  • Monitor and examine UV-B radiation (with an emphasis on UV) at the Earth’s surface
  • Study the interaction among UV-B radiation, agriculture crops/production, forest, ecosystem, and climate
  • Develop an Integrated Agricultural Impact Assessment System
Position Summary
The position will be responsible for providing theoretical expertise in the techniques of atmospheric processes affecting the transfer of solar radiation and measurement in the UV radiative spectrum, and will possess the ability to run and modify existing radiative transfer models along with developing other processing algorithms using large data sets (satellite, 3d model output, network databases), and applying advanced statistical methods.
The applicant will be responsible for scientific evaluation and application of the UV data collected by the network and will be involved in UVMRP operational efforts related to the calibrations and data processing procedures and standards.
Required Job Qualifications
  • PhD in Atmospheric Science OR a PhD in a related field with atmospheric science experience
  • Demonstrated knowledge of atmospheric processes affecting the transfer of solar radiation
  • Knowledge and experience using radiation transfer models
  • Experience with large datasets (satellite, model output, network data)
  • Experience using advanced statistical methods for data analysis
  • Experience in writing and presenting scientific data
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Knowledge of remote sensing of atmospheric constituents (e.g., ozone, aerosols, and clouds)
  • Demonstrated use of one or more of the scientific programming languages: FORTRAN, PYTHON, C, C++, IDL, or MATLAB
  • Advanced knowledge of the effects of the atmosphere on the transfer of UV radiation
  • Experience with determining the quality of solar radiation data from atmospheric sensing instruments
  • Experience with model evaluation and data assimilation techniques
  • Experience using atmospheric sensing instruments
Diversity Statement
Ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through research, teaching and outreach with relevant programs, goals and activities.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Data Analysis & Data Product Development/Model Development & Evaluation
Duty/Responsibility
  • Develop Retrieval algorithms based on UV and visible irradiance data
  • Review, process, and analyze the time series of the program’s data for annual and seasonal patterns
  • Assimilate the program’s data with satellite observations
  • Evaluation and improvement of radiative transfer models with satellite and ground-based observations
  • Conduct research and publish scientific findings in refereed journals, make oral presentations at scientific conferences, and work with collaborators on all publications
Percentage Of Time 40
Job Duty Category Ensure Data Quality of the Program’s Entire Suite of Instruments
Duty/Responsibility
  • Run radiative transfer models as an ancillary way of supporting and evaluating the original data, to reveal the cause and effect of changes in the measured data
  • Evaluate current calibration procedures and develop more accurate and automatic calibration procedures using statistical methods and machine learning techniques
  • Evaluate current quality control procedures and develop more accurate and automatic procedures
Percentage Of Time 30
Job Duty Category Reporting / Meeting Organization / Scientific Coordination
Duty/Responsibility
  • Publish scientific research in refereed journals
  • Work with scientific staff to jointly prepare, organize, and coordinate reporting from regular scientific UVMRP meetings
  • Member of the UVMRP writing team that develops USDA related reports
  • Research potential opportunities to advance the UVMRP impact on the scientific community through publications, conferences, poster presentations, and workshops
  • Communicate with the principal investigator, scientists, and staff on projects regarding progress to ensure all deliverables completed in a timely manner
Percentage Of Time 30

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact george.janson@colostate.edu
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

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