24-122: Mathematician for Atmospheric Science Applications

Fort Collins, CO

Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Yes

202500024AP

Admin Professional/ Research Professional

Resch Sci/Scholar I

40

$61,800 - $68,000

02/17/2025

02/11/2025

The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University (CSU) is a multi-million dollar research organization located on CSU’s Foothills Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. CIRA is a cooperative institute (CI) that is also a research department within CSU’s College of Engineering, in partnership with the Department of Atmospheric Science. Its vision is to conduct interdisciplinary research in the atmospheric sciences by entraining skills beyond the meteorological disciplines, exploiting advances in engineering and computer science, facilitating transitional activity between pure and applied research, leveraging both national and international resources and partnerships, and assisting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), CSU, the State of Colorado, and the Nation through the application of our research to areas of societal benefit. Expanding on this Vision, our Mission is to serve as a nexus for multi-disciplinary cooperation among CI and NOAA research scientists, University faculty, staff and students in the context of NOAA-specified research theme areas in satellite applications for weather/climate forecasting. Important bridging elements of the CI include the communication of research findings to the international scientific community, transition of applications and capabilities to NOAA operational users, education and training programs for operational user proficiency, outreach programs to K-12 education and the general public for environmental literacy, and understanding and quantifying the societal impacts of NOAA research.

The individual in this position will report to CIRA’s Machine Learning lead and will be co-mentored by the Principal Investigators of projects they participate in. Specifically, the individual in this position will explore mathematical methods to extract information from satellite imagery to support CIRA projects in remote sensing, with emphasis on properties of clouds. Mathematical methods of interest include those from Topological Data Analysis, such as persistent homology, and from Harmonic Analysis, such as Fourier and Wavelet transforms, with additional methods to be identified during the course of the research. The individual in this position will also explore machine learning algorithms, such as artificial neural networks, for these tasks to be applied either by themselves or in combination with the mathematical methods. They are expected to establish strong partnerships with both CIRA research staff and sponsors and assist in pursuing sponsored research opportunities.

This position is overarching in that it seeks to expand CIRA’s overall capabilities to extract key information from satellite imagery, thus supporting a broad range of CIRA projects including efforts funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The objective of this position is to provide an opportunity for a motivated researcher to push the boundaries of mathematical methods and AI algorithms in several high-impact, cutting-edge environmental science applications and to explore innovative approaches while working in a highly stimulating and interdisciplinary team environment. This position qualifies for flexible work arrangements including hybrid office/telework.

Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Applied Research

60

Independent Research

20

Collaborative Research

10

Documentation & Reporting

10

To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

Applications must be submitted via online portal. We will not accept materials sent via email or other mode. NOTE: In your cover letter, please specifically address the required and preferred qualifications of this position. A cover letter that fails to address the qualifications of this position may not be further considered after review by the search committee. Likewise, an online application with a generic cover letter or missing a cover letter, and/or an application that does not include current/correct reference contact information may not be further considered after review by the search committee.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

linn.barrett@colostate.edu

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.

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.