Post Doctoral Research Associate - Weather Hazard Testbed Development and Research

Title: Post Doctoral Research Associate - Weather Hazard Testbed Development and Research

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Engineering

Department: Dean - Engineering

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule:Full Time

Work Arrangement:Hybrid

Job Summary

Funded by the UMass, Amherst, Paros Center for Atmospheric Research, this position is integral to establishing a testbed centered on the UMass, Amherst, campus that integrates a variety of instruments to conduct original research into local and mesoscale processes contributing to extreme weather. We are looking for a Ph. D. scientist who is knowledgeable in one or more of the areas of boundary layer meteorology, terrain-induced circulations, precipitation processes and ground-based measurements, and has extensive experience in deploying and analyzing observations from ground-based field measurements. The UMass testbed is intended to provide research and educational opportunities to explore the weather phenomena of Western Massachusetts including, gravity waves, diurnal wind circulations, heavy precipitation, winter precipitation, and implications for local flooding or other impacts. At this time, the testbed is envisioned to emphasize three integrated observing sites in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, the most extensive of which will be near the UMass campus and proximate to the UMass dual polarimetric x-band radar (UMaXX).

Essential Functions

Field and test meteorological sensors, including sonic anemometers, Paroscientific instruments, disdrometers and rain gauges.

Conduct original research on atmospheric boundary layer phenomena, atmospheric turbulence, local wind circulations, and precipitation processes, with applications to extreme weather.

Lead the collection and analysis of field observations, with guidance from Paros faculty. Synthesize observations from different instruments, on different observing platforms.

Produce visualizations of data for analysis and presentation.

Co-author or lead-author scientific publications and proposals.

Present research results at conferences and other scientific venues.

Participate in, and sometimes lead, research discussion meetings with Paros Center faculty and staff.

Assist in research instruction and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students.

Other Functions

Potential travel to field sites and conferences or other scientific meetings.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph. D. in atmospheric science, or related engineering discipline.

Experience in ground based meteorological instrumentation.

Knowledge of atmospheric turbulence.

Field measurement experience.

Data analysis skills, particularly for networks of multiple sensors.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Working knowledge of AI-enhanced workflows and machine learning techniques to accelerate analysis of models and observations.

Knowledge of infrasound measurements from nanobarometers.

Additional Details

Priority application review date is June 15, 2026.

One year appointment, renewable for a second year, with the possibility of further extension based on performance and the availability of funding.

Desired start date fall semester, 2026.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Varies, but typically M-F, 8am-5pm.
This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week.

Salary Information

Pay Grade:No Pay Grade

The annual salary for this Postdoctoral Research Associate position is between $72,000-$77,000 USD.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Applicants should apply online and provide a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for three professional references, one of whom should be a current supervisor.

The cover letter should include: Why the position appeals to you; your relevant experience and how it fits with listed skills and aptitudes; how this position fits with your career goals.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.