Posting Detail Information

Working Title24-110 Data Assimilation/Machine Learning Intern

Position LocationFort Collins, CO and Boulder, CO

Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person

Research Professional PositionYes

Posting Number202401836AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleResearch Associate II

Number of Vacancies2

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$60,0000 - $65,000 Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date01/02/2025

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on11/11/2024

Description of Work Unit

Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.

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 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 NOAA , Colorado State University, the State of Colorado, and the Nation through the application of our research to areas of societal benefit.

NOAA’s Global Systems Laboratory ( GSL ) is a federal science and research laboratory under NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. GSL provides the National Weather Service ( NWS ) and the nation with environmental observing, prediction, computer, visualization, and information systems. These systems deliver data, forecasts, and predictions of weather, including severe weather events, within the next few minutes to weeks away. GSL is a leader in the applied research, directed development, and technology transfer of environmental data, models, products, and services that enhance environmental understanding with the outcome of supporting commerce, protecting life and property, and promoting a scientifically literate public.

Position Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere ( CIRA ) at Colorado State University ( CSU ) seeks to fill 2 internship positions to start as early as January 2025 as part of a joint CIRA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ) effort to increase expertise in the fields of data assimilation, machine learning, and potential synergy of the two. The internship positions involve both theoretical and practical training elements. These interns will be based in NOAA’s Global Systems Laboratory ( GSL ), located at the David Skaggs Research Center ( DSRC ) in Boulder, Colorado, and they will report to CIRA’s Data Assimilation (DA) team lead at CIRA in Fort Collins and they will be co-mentored by members of CIRA’s Machine Learning team at CIRA in Fort Collins and NOAA / GSL technical project advisors in Boulder. These internship positions are limited 1-year appointments with a 1-year extension possible, contingent upon satisfactory performance and available funding.

For the initial core training during the first 3 months of the internship, the interns will commute to CIRA in Fort Collins, Colorado, located on the CSU Foothills Campus (approximately 50 miles north of DSRC , or 1.25 hour drive time) two times per week. The remaining days will be spent at the DSRC becoming acquainted with their projects and setting up accounts and access to necessary datasets. Interns located 60 miles or further from CIRA in Fort Collins will receive reimbursement of roundtrip mileage for the twice weekly commutes to CIRA in Fort Collins.

During the core training period, the interns will learn how to use several models and cutting-edge data assimilation techniques used operationally at NOAA and machine learning methods that can support these DA techniques. Specifically, both interns will learn the basic theory and applications of data assimilation and machine learning methods through supervised instruction and hands-on practice. Both interns will also receive specific training tailored to their assigned project. The interns will then apply their knowledge to a relevant applied topic assigned to them by NOAA / GSL technical project advisors. CIRA trainers/mentors at CIRA Fort Collins will continue to be available during the remaining 9 months of the internship to provide assistance and guidance as needed to assure progress on the research. A review of progress at the 9 month mark will be used to determine a possible 1 year extension of the internship, contingent on satisfactory progress and available continuation of funding.

These positions require a NOAA Common Access Card ( CAC ) ID badge for computer access and therefore these positions are open ONLY to citizens of the United States and lawful permanent residents in possession of a physical USCIS “Green Card.” Additionally, these positions will require regular access to a Federal facility ( DSRC ) in Boulder, CO and thus will require the ability to pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries ( NACI ) Tier 1 federal background check for building access. These positions are fully onsite at the DSRC and do not offer telework from off-site.

Required Job Qualifications

Note: Please address required job qualifications in your cover letter. A cover letter that fails to address the required qualifications of this position may not be further considered after review by the search committee.

• Master’s Degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or closely related fields, such as Applied Mathematics. Degree must be conferred prior to the employment start date.

• Experience with Fortran 90;

• Ability to travel between place of residence and CIRA in Fort Collins and DSRC in Boulder twice weekly for the first 3 months of the internship;

• Ability to pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries ( NACI ) federal background check and receive a NOAA Common Access Card ( CAC ) ID badge;

• Must be a citizen of the United States or Lawful Permanent Resident with a physical USCIS “Green Card.”

Preferred Job Qualifications

Note: Please highlight preferred job qualifications in your cover letter. A cover letter that fails to highlight preferred qualifications may not be further considered after review by the search committee.

• Interest in NOAA -focused research atmospheric science and numerical weather prediction topics;

• Knowledge of machine learning methods;

• Knowledge of numerical analysis methods;

• Knowledge of numerical modeling;

• Experience with command line interfaces;

• Experience with high-end computing;

• Experience with scientific programming languages like Python.

Diversity Statement

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

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryData Assimilation and Machine Learning Education

Duty/Responsibility

• Actively participate in theoretical data assimilation lectures;

• Actively participate in machine learning training;

• Complete assigned reading and/or coding tasks intended to further the interns’ knowledge on data assimilation and machine learning.

Percentage Of Time25

Job Duty CategoryResearch Project

Duty/Responsibility

• Work on a data assimilation research project applicable to NOAA operational systems;

• Interact with NOAA GSL personnel to optimize the value of the research;

• Support technical presentations of related work;

• Conduct research on relevant science and technology.

Percentage Of Time70

Job Duty CategoryDocumentation and Reporting

Duty/Responsibility

• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals;

• Present results at scientific conferences.

Percentage Of Time5

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

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. Please list only professional references who have worked or collaborated with you within the last 3 years.

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.

References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. 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.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Special Requirements/Other - These positions require a NOAA Common Access Card (CAC) ID badge for computer access and therefore these positions are open ONLY to citizens of the United States and lawful permanent residents in possession of a physical USCIS “Green Card.

Search ContactJennifer Raab, Jennifer.Raab@colostate.edu

EEO Statement

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. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) 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 theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .

Background Check Policy Statement

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.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • This position requires a NOAA Common Access Card (CAC) ID badge for computer access and therefore is open ONLY to citizens of the United States and lawful permanent residents in possession of a physical USCIS “Green Card.” Are you a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident in possession of a physical USCIS "Green Card?"

• yes

• no

Applicant Documents Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume or CV

Optional Documents