Job Description

Job Description Summary:

The purpose of this role is to acquire post-graduate research experience in phased array radar by developing state-of-the-art signal processing algorithms. Research is directed by engineers and scientists in the Airborne Phased Array Program Office (APO) and Earth Observing Laboratory and includes pre-defined research objectives and deliverables as well as participation in laboratory and field measurements to gain broader experience with phased array radar performance.

For reference, the Airborne Phased Array Radar (APAR) is a newly NSF-funded instrument development program to provide an advanced airborne radar to the science community. The multi-year implementation plan is to build and install the radar on the NSF/NCAR C-130 aircraft and conduct data gathering and analysis during ground and flight tests. Once operational, the science community will use it to study high-impact weather events, such as hurricanes, winter storms, and supercells.

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job:

No

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Job Location:

Boulder, Colorado

Position Type & Term:

Full time, Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)

Annual Salary Range   $76,650* 

Application Notes

Job Location: Boulder, CO

Job Type options available: 

• Hybrid Preferred with a minimum of 2 days on-site

• Remote option available

Position Type & Term: Full-Time, 2-year term with the possibility of extension

Work Authorization: Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position:

• Must be (a) a U.S. citizen; (b) lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; or (c) a protected individual as defined by 8 USC1324b(a)(3)

Relocation Assistance: Not Available

Application Deadline:

• This position will be posted till Feb 20, 2024

Required application materials:

• Resume

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire.

Learn more.
 

Additional Requirements:

• Must be (a) a U.S. citizen; (b) lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; or (c) a protected individual as defined by 8 USC1324b(a)(3)

What You Will Do

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research to minimize surface clutter by tapering the active electronic scanning array (AESA) aperture.

• Investigate super-resolution techniques for improving intrinsic angular resolution.

• Collaborate with engineers and scientists on Artificial Intelligence and machine learning techniques for radar signal processing.

• Develop a conceptual framework for future engineering enhancements of the APAR.

• Prepare results for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at meetings and conferences. Prepare and deliver summary reports or contribute toward project progress reports as needed.

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

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

Education & Experience REQUIRED:

• Ph.D. within the last five years in electrical engineering, atmospheric science, physics, mathematics, or a related area.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities REQUIRED:

• Background in weather radar antenna and signal processing analysis.

• Experience with weather radar observations and inversion techniques.

• Knowledge of programming languages, including high-level programming languages such as MATLAB or Python, and scripting.

• Knowledge of electromagnetic scattering and propagation modeling methods.

• Knowledge of research instruments, measurements, and data quality control procedures.  

• Proficiency with Linux/Unix and Windows operating systems and associated display tools. 

• Skill in oral and written 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. 

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!

Some Final Considerations

At UCAR|NCAR|UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science  problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun’s core.

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.

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.

Export Control

All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

Visa Wait Times

Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.