The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Visiting Scientist Programs office is recruiting a project scientist to work at the NOAA Office of Hydrological Development in Silver Spring, Maryland.

The selected scientist will conduct research in several areas relevant to precipitation frequency estimation. Responsibilities include recommending, developing and establishing national policies or techniques for statistical analysis of precipitation data. Specific research areas may include regionalization approaches, spatial interpolation methods, goodness-of-fit tests and construction of confidence intervals on frequency estimates, use of partial-duration vs. annual-maximum series, non-stationary time series. The scientist will develop precipitation frequency estimates, such as data collection, statistical modeling and interpretation of results, and will also have an opportunity to author technical reports, scientific publications and present papers at seminars and scientific meetings.

The Hydrometeorological Design Studies Center (HDSC) of the National Weather Service is responsible for de-facto U.S. standards for precipitation frequency used by Civil Engineers in hydrologic design. Since 2003, HDSC has been updating precipitation frequency estimates for different U.S. states or dependencies as volumes of NOAA Atlas 14. This position will perform research in several scientific areas relevant to precipitation frequency estimation.

Qualified applicants should have a PhD in engineering with specialization in hydrology or hydrometeorology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Perform research and assist in recommending, developing, and establishing national policies or techniques for statistical analysis of precipitation data. Specific research areas include, but are not limited to: regionalization approaches, spatial interpolation methods, goodness-of-fit tests and construction of confidence intervals on frequency estimates, use of partial-duration vs. annual-maximum series, non-stationary time series. (20%)
• Author technical reports, scientific publications and present papers at seminars and scientific meetings. (5%)
• Develop precipitation frequency estimates, such as data collection, statistical modeling and interpretation of results. (75%)

Decision Making & Problem Solving

Incumbent is expected to develop solutions to a wide range of problems which require regular use of ingenuity and creativity and to provide high level technical expertise to other group members. He/she will work as a member of a team, but will also serve as the lead on some aspects of the project. Incumbent may supervise other team members in consultation or under the supervision of senior scientific staff and/or program managers.

Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in statistical methods relevant to precipitation or/and flood frequency analysis, such as, statistical treatment of hydrometeorological data, frequency analysis of extreme events, analysis and modeling of time series, geostatistics.
• Excellent programming skills, preferably in MATLAB.
• Knowledge of civil engineering design principles for managing rainfall and runoff
• Excellent oral and written skills
• Ability and willingness to travel infrequently.

Education & Experience

PhD in engineering with specialization in hydrology or hydrometeorology an equivalent combination of education and experience.

To apply, send the following materials:

• Cover letter stating the name of this position
• Curriculum vitae including list of publications
• Name and contact information for three or more professional references (applicant responsible to request letters be sent directly to UCAR by application deadline)
• Masters or PhD dissertation abstract, including title
• One to two-page description of experience & interests relevant to this position

Applications may be sent by email to vspapply@ucar.edu or visit VSP website at http://www.vsp.ucar.edu/opportunities/ .

Applicants may also mail materials to: UCAR Visiting Scientist Programs, P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000 USA.