Scientist IV (Casual) - Dynamics of Human Behavior

Position Type:

Casual

Visa Sponsored Job:

No

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Hiring Range:

100,880.00 USD - 131,170.00 USD

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

Application Closes at 12:00am MST on:

2026-10-17

About the Role

We seek a highly motivated social scientist to partner with our team on conducting innovative research on the dynamics of human risk communication, risk assessment, behavioral responses, well-being outcomes, and associated factors (past experiences, demographics, etc.) in response to dynamic weather risks of varying predictability and predictive skill.

This will be a Casual appointment, working intermittently as the work needs and scientist’s schedule allow. The estimated work is an average of 4 hours per week, with more some weeks and less other weeks.

The focus of this position will be on contributing to the development and implementation of longitudinal research to study members of the public who face evolving hazardous weather risks, on conducting appropriate longitudinal analyses of the data, and on disseminating results to different scientific audiences and to sponsors. The scientist will contribute their ideas and expertise to work being led by members of the Weather Risk Analysis and Decision-making (WRAD) research team in the Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology (MMM) Lab. As feasible and of interest, the scientist may also lead some research components.

Job Description

Responsibilities specific to this Scientist IV role

• Contribute to the development of longitudinal research designs of varying structures for different types of hazardous weather events (hurricanes, heat waves, atmospheric rivers, fire weather, etc.). This will include contributing to the design of the longitudinal survey structure, survey questions, and the target populations and survey sampling decisions.
• Contribute to the development of research designs and data collection of datasets that complement the longitudinal panel survey data collection (e.g., use of mobile sensing, collection and integration of secondary data such as transactional data).
• Contribute to the advancement of empirical, theoretical, and methodological knowledge pertaining to risk analysis and risk communication.
• Engage with other researchers—including other social scientists, atmospheric scientists, data scientists, and others—including those who are internal and external to NCAR to integrate research perspectives, co-analyze data, and co-develop meaning about implications of results.
• Contribute to (and lead, as feasible) scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at meetings and conferences, and other outputs (e.g., reports, websites).

Requirements specific to this Scientist IV role

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of various longitudinal research designs, including intensive longitudinal data collection
• Comprehensive knowledge of longitudinal data analyses, including growth models and dynamic network models in multilevel modeling and structural equation modeling frameworks
• Comprehensive knowledge of statistical data analysis programs (e.g., R, SPSS, Python)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a disciplinarily diverse research team
• Excellent time management and organization skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills, both within field of expertise and across disciplinary boundaries

Designs and executes scientific projects of significant complexity, advancing understanding in theoretical, observational, and/or applied domains. May lead some aspects of the project. Manages technical direction for projects, contributes to scientific communication, and supports institutional and sponsor engagement. Provides mentorship, enhances research quality, and plays a key part in shaping team and program outcomes. Engages in mission-aligned activities both within the organization and throughout the broader scientific community. Contributes through a combination of scientific expertise, professional service, and education and outreach efforts.

Responsibilities

• Designing and executing complex scientific and/or technical investigations, to address complex, often interdisciplinary problems.
• Developing or refining scientific models, algorithms, experimental methods, observational techniques, or analytical tools, applying advanced technical principles and incorporating recent developments in the field.
• Leading or coordinating scientific components of projects or programs, including establishing goals, methodologies, timelines, and overseeing deliverables across internal and external collaborators.
• Applying advanced data analysis and interpretation techniques, including statistical, computational, or simulation-based approaches to extract insights and validate results.
• Authoring peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, data sets/findings, proposals, and documentation, and presenting findings at national and international conferences, workshops, and stakeholder briefings.
• Supporting less experienced staff and team members by providing technical guidance, fostering scientific growth, and supporting inclusive and collaborative working environments.
• Contributing to scientific proposal development and strategic planning, identifying new opportunities and aligning efforts with institutional or sponsor goals.
• Engaging with internal and external stakeholders, translating complex scientific findings for diverse audiences and helping to shape project direction or programmatic priorities.
• Leading development of products, tools, instruments and/or technologies for projects and programs.

Requirements

Education

Typically requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree and 10 years related experience, or a Master’s degree and 6 years of experience, or a PhD in a scientific discipline and 2 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge

Has advanced knowledge of scientific principles, methods, and observational and/or modelling techniques in a primary discipline, with a sound understanding of related fields.

Skills and Abilities

• Possesses good mentorship and interpersonal skills for supporting less experienced staff and fostering collaboration, inclusion, and scientific development.
• Is skilled in developing or refining scientific models, algorithms, techniques, or tools, with attention to technical accuracy, usability, and applicability.
• Possesses advanced skills in data analysis and synthesis, including statistical, computational, or simulation-based approaches using relevant tools or domain-specific platforms.
• Be capable of making contributions to strategic planning and proposal development, aligning research efforts with organizational goals and sponsor needs.
• Demonstrates the ability to lead components of scientific projects, manage deliverables, coordinate across collaborators, and contribute to successful outcomes.
• Is an effective communicator, capable of producing peer-reviewed publications, sponsor reports, and presenting results to scientific and non-technical audiences.
• Has a proven ability to design, execute, and interpret complex scientific investigations using both established and evolving methodologies.

Work Environment

Work may be performed in a combination of office, laboratory, industrial, and research environments depending on project assignments. Office-based work typically involves maintaining concentration and focus on assigned tasks, extended periods of computer use, prolonged periods of sitting or standing, reviewing information on screens or documents, applying established protocols in a timely manner, communication with others regarding project assignments, and participating in meetings or collaborative activities.

This role and assigned projects may also include laboratory or field research activities that involve travel, work in variable environmental conditions such as weather and altitude (including extreme temperature changes, heat exposure, cold exposure, and other exposure to severe weather), and the use of specialized scientific instrumentation or equipment. Field assignments may occur in remote locations and may involve navigating uneven terrain, accessing elevated platforms, performing high-intensity manual tasks, or positioning oneself in constrictive spaces such as vehicles or aircraft.

Work may involve interaction with hazardous equipment and processes including electrical systems, heavy machinery, or chemicals that may lead to exposure to irritants or pollutants. Participation in workplace safety training is mandatory, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on the assignment.

Staff assigned to this role are expected to follow all applicable safety policies and procedures and must not pose a threat to the safety or wellbeing of themselves or others. Employees must be able to perform all mental and physical requirements necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position and project assignments as outlined in the job description, which are considered essential functions of this position. All essential functions of the position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

-

Application Requirements

Cover Letter, Questionnaire, Resume/CV

For full consideration, all application materials must be submitted by 12am (MST) at the start of the application deadline. These should highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of this position. We recognize that no candidate will meet 100% of the listed qualifications. If you believe your background has prepared you for success in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Supplemental questionnaires are often requested in lieu of a cover letter, where you address critical skills needed for the position. Your answers will be read and weighed equally to your resume and should provide specific, detailed, and informative responses based on your direct and previous work experiences.

Background checks and/or federal screenings are conducted for candidates selected for hire.

UCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants are not required to provide age-related information (like date of birth or graduation dates) in initial submissions.

For sponsored positions: UCAR can sponsor individuals for H-1B status only if they are already in the U.S. in H-1B status or another visa status that allows them to change to H-1B status within the U.S. UCAR is unable to sponsor new H-1B visas for individuals who are outside the U.S. and need to obtain H-1B status through Consular Processing.

While UCAR does not prohibit the use of AI tools in job applications, we strongly recommend that applicants submit primarily original work.

All roles require compliance with U.S. export control regulations and work location requirements. All hybrid staff are expected to work on-site approximately 3 days per week.

About Us

At NCAR - the National Center for Atmospheric Research - we study weather, water, climate, air quality, and space weather to help protect lives and livelihoods, grow the economy, and enhance our nation’s security and well-being. We collaborate with research partners to advance the science that makes predictions better and with end users to develop applications for forecasters, farmers, resource managers, retailers, the military, and many other stakeholders.

UCAR - the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research - manages NCAR on behalf of the National Science Foundation. We are a nonprofit consortium of more than 115 colleges and universities with research and training programs in Earth system science. We bring together the academic community and provide the operational management that are both essential to NCAR's success. UCAR’s community programs, from educational resources to data delivery and other services, extend the reach and impact of NCAR’s world-class research to the community and society.

We seek talented people with diverse backgrounds, training, and skills to join us in our mission of science in service to society. Want to learn more? Visit ucar.edu.