Data Analyst/Scientific Programmer

Posting Detail Information

Working Title25-101: Data Analyst/Scientific Programmer

Position LocationKansas City, MO

Work LocationPosition is fully remote

Research Professional PositionYes

Posting NumberAP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleResearch Associate II

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary RangeCommensurate with experience and qualifications as follows: Research Associate II: $65,000 - $90,000; Research Associate III: $80,000 - $100,000

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, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
•   Review our detailed benefits information here.
•   Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
•   For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator .
•   Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in . Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on04/16/2025

Description of Work Unit

The National Weather Service ( NWS ) Operations Proving Ground ( OPG ) is part of a network of testbed facilities sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ). These organizations facilitate the orderly transition of applied research capabilities to operational implementation. This transition is accomplished through rigorous developmental testing and pre-deployment evaluation for operational readiness and sustainability. The unique niche filled by the OPG is to represent NWS field offices in the research-to-operations (R2O) process. The OPG facility has developed the capability to configure itself as any NWS Weather Forecast Office ( WFO ), or to emulate operational practices for up to five different WFOs simultaneously. Through the OPG , a new tool, data set, forecast technique, or decision aid can be integrated into a WFO production environment to evaluate whether it adds value to the forecast process with no appreciable negative impact on existing systems and practices. In recent years, the NWS has continually leaned into cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML). Thus, opportunity has risen to better explore these technologies and tools to enhance insight and improve decision making.

The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere ( CIRA ) at Colorado State University ( CSU ) proposes to support the expanding use of cloud computing and AI/MI tools by placing a Data Analyst/ Scientific Programmer at the NWS OPG in Kansas City, MO.

Position Summary

The individual in this position will develop and provide leadership of various evaluations within the OPG , with a particular emphasis on AI/ML, cloud frameworks, data science and analytics, and satellite science. In addition, the individual in this position will be expected to work extensively with the OPG's partner groups, including Emergency managers, FEMA , state officials, and others. They will be expected to actively pursue the testing of new products and decision aids, and apply new technologies and analysis on data to identify trends and develop methods to enhance IDSS content and partner interaction within the WFOs.

The individual in this position will be an employee of CIRA / CSU and will report to the CIRA Kansas City Program Manager at the Aviation Weather Center ( AWC ). Their federal advisor will be the Director of the OPG . This position may be fully remote, though the individual will be required to travel to the OPG in Kansas City, MO, for all in-person evaluations that take place.

This position is a limited, 1-year appointment with extension possible, contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance. This position requires a NOAA Common Access Card ( CAC ) ID badge for computer access and therefore is open ONLY to citizens of the United States and lawful permanent residents in possession of a physical USCIS "Green Card." This position is located in a federal facility in Kansas City, MO and requires the ability to pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries ( NACI ) federal background check for building access. This position will be classified Research Associate II or III according to the credentials of the finalist selected for hire as follows:
•   For position title Research Associate II: Bachelor's degree in Data Science/Mathematics/ Computer Science/Meteorology or related scientific field plus 3 years of experience in scientific programming in Python, or Master's Degree.
•   For position title Research Associate III : Bachelor's degree in Data Science/Mathematics/ Computer Science/Meteorology or related scientific field plus 5 years of experience in scientific programming in Python, or Master's Degree plus 2 years of experience, or a PhD. Required Job Qualifications

In your cover letter, please specifically address EACH required qualification as it relates to your experience. A cover letter that fails to address the required qualifications for this position may not be considered further after review by the search committee.
•   Must be a citizen of the United States or lawful permanent resident in possession of a physical USCIS "Green Card."
•   Must be able to pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries ( NACI ) federal background check and receive a NOAA Common Access Card ( CAC ) ID badge.
•   For position title Research Associate II: Bachelor's degree in Data Science/Mathematics/Computer Science/Meteorology or related scientific field plus 3 years of experience in scientific programming in Python or Master's Degree;
•   For position title Research Associate III : Bachelor's degree in Data Science/Mathematics/Computer Science/Meteorology or related scientific field plus 5 years of experience in scientific programming in Python, or Master's Degree plus 2 years of experience, or a PhD;
•   Demonstrated experience leading, conducting, collaborating on, and publishing scientific research;
•   At least 1 year of experience working on Linux or Unix operating systems;
•   Good oral and written communication skills and ability to work in a team environment;
•   Experience in reading, writing, and quantitatively manipulating large geophysical datasets;
•   Travel to the OPG in Kansas City, MO, for all in-person evaluations is required. Preferred Job Qualifications

In your cover letter, please specifically address the applicable preferred qualifications for this position. A cover letter that fails to address the preferred qualifications for this position may not be considered further after review by the search committee.
•   At least 2 years of experience working with meteorological satellite data observations and products as they relate to operational forecasting applications;
•   Familiarity and experience with meteorological satellite observing systems;
•   Experience with AI/ML;
•   Experience with cloud frameworks ( AWS , Azure, etc.) Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryApplied Research

Duty/Responsibility
•   Test and validate proposed new products and decision aids for operational forecasters with an emphasis on AI/ML and cloud computing technologies and exploring the value of advanced satellite derived and other products for observing or predicting public weather hazards (e.g., convection, ceiling, visibility, snow, etc.) in the NWS WFO environment.
•   Develop and/or document how these products and decision aids may improve the performance of forecasters by improving forecast and warning accuracy and reducing false alarms. Percentage Of Time30

Job Duty CategoryIndependent Research & Proving Ground Leadership

Duty/Responsibility
•   Lead efforts to incorporate AI/ML and cloud computing technologies into OPG projects, and also apply analysis on data to identify trends and develop methods to enhance IDSS and partner interaction in the OPG ;
•   Serve as "Satellite Data Analyst", supporting the Satellite Proving Ground efforts on satellite based hazardous weather products and demonstrating the unique value of satellite information to forecasters;
•   Lead in technical development and implementation of various planned NWS OPG experiments and proving ground efforts;
•   Serve as "Implementation Expert" for selected planned products and their proxies;
•   Serve as "Science Coordinator" for the NWS OPG ;
•   Participate in routine experimental projects serving as the focal point for all AI/ML and cloud computing centered activities at the NWS OPG ;
•   Lead in training operational forecasters on new and emerging techniques and tools, particularly those proposed to be transferred into NWS WFO operations;
•   Serve, if called upon, as a subject matter expert to the NWS Chief Learning Officer for the development of formal training modules or courses;
•   Provide expertise in the logistical support of any special or field excursion experiments, such as the planned NWS Impact Decision Support Services ( IDSS ); . click apply for full job details