CIRES/ GSL Temporary Researcher, Deep Cumulus Parameterization Developer

The University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a temporary researcher to support NOAA model physics development, with a focus on refining and translating the Grell-Freitas-Li deep cumulus parameterization into the next-generation Community Convective Cloud (C3) parameterization. This onsite role in Boulder, Colorado supports development, testing, and integration work across the C3 codebase, along with scientific communication for internal and external audiences.

The appointment is up to 0.25 FTE (approximately 10 hours/week) for 12 months. This is an hourly paid position requiring timesheets.

Key Responsibilities

• Deep cumulus scale-awareness development and integration (55%): Further develop, test, and refine a novel physically-based scale-awareness representation for deep cumulus parameterizations, and implement it within the community-governed Community Convective Cloud (C3) parameterization.
• Atmospheric aerosol representation (15%): Further develop, test, and refine the representation of atmospheric aerosols for the C3 parameterization.
• Scientific communication (15%): Prepare briefing materials and presentations for branch management, internal meetings, conferences, and workshops, and prepare and submit a scientific manuscript for eventual publication.
• Code contributions (10%): Contribute code development to the C3 parameterization GitHub repository and coordinate with other C3 parameterization developers to ensure contributions are designed and implemented in a mutually agreeable fashion.
• Maintenance and debugging (5%): Support other duties related to maintaining and debugging existing deep cumulus parameterization codes used in NOAA operational models as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education: A Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science (or a related field).
• Experience: At least 20 years of experience developing, testing, and evaluating deep cumulus parameterizations.

What You’ll Use

• GitHub

Compensation and Appointment Details

• Hourly rate: $55.88 - $74.04 per hour (commensurate with education and experience).
• Location: Boulder, Colorado (onsite).
• Work schedule: Expected to be approximately 10 hours per week; hours may vary and are not guaranteed.
• Term limit: Temporary position cannot extend past a maximum of 12 months.

Benefits and Leave Information

• Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave.
• Accrues 0.034 hours of sick leave for every hour worked.
• This appointment is not eligible for vacation leave, holidays, annual merit pay increases, nor employee health, retirement, or related benefits, except those required by law.

Application Instructions

• To apply, submit Resume/CV.
• If identified as a finalist, the search committee will request one letter of recommendation at a later time.
• Degree verification may be performed by CU Boulder Campus Human Resources using an approved online vendor.
• If your degree was obtained outside the United States, you may submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
• Apply by September 24, 2026 for consideration.
• Application materials will not be accepted via email. Please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

Posting contact: Boulder Campus Human Resources ([email protected]).