Associate Data Scientist II

Job Description Summary :

NCAR is currently hiring for the role of Associate Data Scientist II.

Applying for this role is straight forward Scroll down and click on Apply to be considered for this position.

This position works closely with the Mauna Loa Solar Observatory (MLSO) science team to validate existing scientific image processing pipelines, work with the MLSO team on new data pipelines, assess data quality, develop and test new algorithms to improve MLSO data, and provide data tools for use by the community.

The Mauna Loa Solar Observatory acquires unique low and middle solar corona data from two coronagraphs : the Upgraded Coronal Multi-Channel Polarimeter (UCoMP) and the COSMO K-Coronagraph (K-Cor).

These instruments provide observations of coronal plasma motions, thermal conditions, and plasma density and diagnostics of the coronal magnetic field.

High-time cadence observations are also acquired to track the formation and dynamics of explosive events known as Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) that can drive radiation and geomagnetic storms on Earth.

Position Details :

Visa Sponsored Job : Yes

Relocation Assistance Eligible : No

Job Location : Boulder, Colorado

Position Type & Term : Full time, Regular

Compensation Range : Hiring Range : $79,698 - 99,624

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

What You Will Do

Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.

• Work with the instrument scientists and MLSO team to develop science data products from new instrumentation.
• Help develop higher-level MLSO data products and community software tools for all MLSO instruments. As necessary, support the data pipeline manager with reprocessing MLSO data.
• Improve existing calibration algorithms and verify the quality of the final science data products to the community.
• Design software noise filtering algorithms to enhance signal and reduce noise in MLSO data. Investigate the applicability of existing community software packages for removing atmospheric effects from the MLSO data.
• Develop visualization tools for combining MLSO data with other ground-based and NASA data products and with model output for community use.
• Create software to automatically detect solar activity, such as solar flares, in MLSO data. Modify existing coronal mass ejection (CME) detection software to work with a variety of MLSO images and use tools like machine learning to improve CME detection.

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria :

Education & Experience REQUIRED :

• Bachelor's (or equivalent) degree in a discipline pertinent to an NCAR / UCAR scientific program, such as applied mathematics, computer science, physics / astrophysics, or atmospheric sciences.
• Three years of experience in the analysis of scientific data sets, image processing, software development (Python required), scripting languages, and machine learning.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities REQUIRED :

• Knowledge of programming languages (Python required).
• Demonstrated ability to write new code and to modify and maintain existing science code.
• Knowledge of version control systems (GitHub preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to work in a Linux / Unix environment.
• Demonstrated ability to process and analyze 2D / 3D scientific image arrays, including but not limited to : identification of trends and patterns in data sets, data verification, noise filtering that preserves data integrity, fourier analysis, and image co-alignment.
• Familiarity with image data processing packages to improve data quality.
• Ability to extract science products and information on instrument performance from data using techniques such as statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization approaches.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with an emphasis on technical communication.

Benefits Overview

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include :

• Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities.
• UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one.
• Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions).
• 10 paid holidays.
• 10 days of sick leave each year.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary.
• EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported.

To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and our Diversity & Inclusion : A Welcoming Workplace site.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 UCAR.

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