Research Scientist II-Special/UV-B Monitoring and Research Program
Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory
The USDA UV-B Monitoring and Research Program (UVMRP) at the Natural
Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University seeks a
full-time Research Scientist II. The position will be responsible for
providing scientific expertise regarding the measurement and modeling
of UV atmospheric radiation and for providing modeling expertise
related to linking climate and crop models for the purpose of
forecasting crop yield under various climate change scenarios. The
position is supported by a USDA grant that funds the establishment
and operation of a national network of surface solar radiation
monitoring sites. Currently 37 UV radiation monitoring sites exist in
the USDA UVMRP network. Emphasis is on the region of ultraviolet
radiation commonly referred to as "UV-B", an area of the solar
spectrum identified as responsible for plant and materials damage as
well as human health problems. Since UV-B radiation has been
significantly affected over the past two decades as a result of
stratospheric ozone reduction, monitoring of current radiation
levels, natural variations, and trends are critical to the
understanding of the potential impacts on agricultural productivity
and human health. The USDA UV-B Monitoring and Research Program
coordinates with other federal agencies with UV-B measurement
programs as well as those in Canada, New Zealand, and Europe and
works with the U.S. Weather Service, Canadian Atmospheric and
Environment Service, and World Meteorology Organization (WMO) to
establish an international data base for UV-B.
The responsibility of the position is twofold in nature. First, the
successful applicant will be expected to provide scientific expertise
in the techniques of atmospheric radiation theory and measurement in
the UV radiative spectrum. The candidate will coordinate with project
members working on other aspects of the UVMRP, specifically in the
development of network-based products and statistical analyses of
temporal and spatial data through improved algorithms and quality
control of the UVMRP database. The applicant will be responsible for
quality assurance of the UV data collected by the network and will be
required to attest to the fidelity of the UVMRP monitoring
observations through instrument calibrations and data processing
procedures and standards. Second, the candidate will be responsible
for developing integrated agricultural meteorological models that are
coupled with climate change and variations of ultraviolet-visible
solar radiation by use of remote and in-situ observations. This
position will actively participate to seek and submit proposals to
obtain additional project funding from other grant sources. Reporting
research results through conference presentations, written reports,
and peer-reviewed articles is also expected.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate must have earned a PhD in Agricultural
Meteorology, Atmospheric Sciences, Plant Physiology, Applied
Statistics or related discipline. Knowledge of the effects of the
atmosphere on the transfer of UV radiation including the effects of
clouds, aerosols and gases is desired. An understanding of basic
radiation transfer modeling is preferred. Familiarity with
atmospheric radiation measurement technology is strongly preferred
including the ability to scientifically evaluate the short and
long-term performance of instrumentation, although expertise at the
level of electronic engineering is not required. Experience running
numerical models and simulation modeling of agricultural and natural
resource systems is required as well as
excellent and demonstrated verbal and written communication skills. A
sound understanding of computer simulation software/GIS software,
data assimilation, relational databases, and system analyses; are
desirable. Applicants with previous experience in ecosystem, climate
and /or land-surface modeling, and programming and debugging ability
are preferred.
Although this long-term program has been running for over 16 years,
funding of the position is dependent upon continued federal support
that is renewed on an annual basis. This position is dependent upon
performance and continued availability of funding. Salary is
negotiable, commensurate with experience, in the range of
$70,000-$76,000 per year, with benefits. Start date will be as soon
as practical upon selection of a candidate. Availability for an
interview in Fort Collins is required and reasonable travel costs
will be reimbursed including coach airfare (no business class) and
lodging in standard rooms (not upgraded rooms); shuttles, mileage and
per diem while travelling are also included. A link to the detailed
job description can be found at http://uvb.nrel.colostate.edu under
Latest News. To apply, send a CV, statement of research interest,
list of publications and three letters of reference to Rita Deike,
Program Assistant, USDA UV-B Monitoring and Research Program,
Colorado State University, 419 Canyon Avenue, Suite 226, Fort
Collins, CO 80521-2671; and a PDF file by e-mail to
[email protected]; The deadline and postmark for
applying is December 1, 2009.
Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and
productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we
conduct background investigations for all final candidates being
considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not
limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor
vehicle history. Colorado State University is an equal
opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all Federal
and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding
affirmative action requirements in all programs. The Office of Equal
Opportunity and Diversity is located in 101 Student Services
Building. In order to assist Colorado State University in meeting its
affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities, women and
other protected class members are encouraged to apply and so identify
themselves.
