Research Assistant Jobs in Maryland

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a Professional Research Assistant (Associate Scientist) to generate real-time ensemble cluster and sensitivity analysis tools from convection-allowing ensemble forecast datasets related to heavy precipitation, temperature, and other mesoscale variables of interest to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) for use by operational forecasters within the National Weather Service (NWS). This position will also involve developing and disseminating training materials associated with probabilistic forecast tools, and assisting with ensemble post-processing workflows for applying new products in NOAA Testbed experiments. The Associate Scientist will interact with Federal WPC staff, NOAA scientists and forecasters, CIRES employees working at WPC, and external partners within the academic community and NOAA Labs such as Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) and Physical Systems Laboratory (PSL).

WPC is located in College Park, MD, within the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP). The NCWCP is a highly collaborative environment containing several NOAA organizations, including the Office of Modeling and Development (OMD), Ocean and Tsunami Center (OTC), and WPC’s Extended Prediction Division (EPD). This position performs novel research, transitions research projects to operations, serves as Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI on funded projects, and collaborates with external partners.

CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 900 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) provides national weather situational awareness and precipitation expertise to enable readiness for hazardous weather events from seasons to minutes. WPC is the “Foundation of the Nation’s Weather Story,” providing National Decision Support products for Emergency Management, Aviation, Media, and the general public.

• Identify and develop short-range ensemble-based tools that will assist in the preparation of forecasts. (30%)
• Participate in the maintenance and enhancement of WPC's operational forecast tools. (20%)
• Support a collaborative team to develop and fully transition to operations convection-allowing probabilistic forecast tools for short-range weather hazards. (20%)
• Develop training materials to assist users in the transition of new tools and approaches into operations. (20%)
• Collaborate on proposals, contribute through scientific publications, collaborate with colleagues, and attend various workshops and conferences. (10%)

• Applicants requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered for this position.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to legally work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• The targeted start date is November 1, 2026.
• Normal working hours will be observed except for occasional irregular hours during data collection or conferences/workshops conducted at remote sites.
• The new hire will be employed by CIRES with technical oversight provided by WPC management. This role works independently and determines action to be taken in handling all but unusual situations. The incumbent is expected to serve as a leader of scientific or technical experiments, groups, or teams; therefore, strong teamwork and leadership skills are vital.
• This role is based at the WPC in Riverdale Park, MD, but remote work within the United States will be considered.
• Selected finalists will be required to pass a federal background check for site access.

• CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
• The annual hiring salary range for this position is $60,000 - $97,000. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
• Some relocation funds are available to help offset expenses, following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
• CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development, and a Mentorship Program.
• Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues.
• As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing free access to the regional public transit system, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that provide service within Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

• A bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or related field, with at least two years of directly relevant experience (or a master’s degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or related field).
• Experience working with, analyzing, and applying statistical methods to large meteorological datasets (e.g., GRIB, NetCDF).
• Experience working in Linux and high-performance computing environments.

• Strong analytical and programming skills, including proficiency in Python and shell scripting.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage forecasters and incorporate their feedback into product development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to contributing to an inclusive and supportive work environment.

Please note that while the position details both required skills and desired skills, applicants do not need to have all of the desired skills and experience to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work, along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We provide on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

• A master's degree or higher in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or a related field, with at least one year of relevant experience.
• Experience applying statistical methods to extreme weather events.
• Experience with ensemble prediction systems and their application to hazardous weather diagnosis and forecasting.
• Experience with ensemble clustering and sensitivity analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and maintain real-time product workflows.
• Experience preparing peer-reviewed manuscripts and competitive research proposals.
• Willingness to contribute to web development.

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• Resume or CV;
• Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position;
• Although not needed at the time of application, please be ready to submit contact information for 5 professional references. If you are identified as a finalist for this position, you will be asked to invite your references to complete a CrossChq questionnaire on your behalf. CrossChq is an online reference check solution. All information is kept confidential and shared only with the members of the search committee.

If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.

Please apply by September 4, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.