Precipitation Frequency Analysis

Project Scientist II

NOAA Office of Hydrological Development

Silver Spring, Maryland

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Visiting Scientist Programs office is recruiting a project scientist to work at the NOAA/National Weather Service/ Office of Hydrological Development/Hydrometeorological Design Studies Center (HDSC) in Silver Spring, Maryland.  The HDSC is responsible for de-facto U.S. standards for precipitation frequency estimates used in numerous engineering designs,  Since 2003, HDSC has been updating precipitation frequency estimates for different U.S. states or dependencies as volumes of NOAA Atlas 14.

The selected scientist will conduct research in several areas relevant to precipitation frequency estimation.  His/her responsibilities will include taking a lead role in recommending, developing and establishing national policies or techniques for statistical analysis of extreme precipitation data for engineering design.  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 is expected to author technical reports, scientific publications and present papers at seminars and scientific meetings.  He/she will work as a member of a team, but will also serve as the lead on various aspects of one or more precipitation frequency projects.  Incumbent will lead other team members in consultation with or under the supervision of senior scientific staff and/or program managers.

The 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 should also posses advanced 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;  comprehensive knowledge of civil engineering design principles for managing rainfall and runoff ;  excellent oral and written skills; and the ability and willingness to travel infrequently.

The incumbent should hold a PhD in Civil Engineering with specialization in hydrology or hydrometeorology, and at least three years of work and research experience in precipitation or flood frequency analysis; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

This position will remain open until filled.

UCAR Visiting Scientist Programs

P.O. Box 3000

Boulder, CO 80307-3000, USA

303.497.8649

To apply:

To apply, go to http://www.vsp.ucar.edu/opportunities.

The following materials will need to be submitted:

·          Cover letter stating the name of this position

·          Curriculum vitae including list of publications

·          Name and contact information for three or more professional references

Mission of VSP

Enhance the readiness of scientists in the atmospheric and related Earth science communities through postdoctoral fellowship and visiting scientist programs, and educational workshops that will:

•    Lead to advancements in research
•    Develop the next generation of scientists
•    Provide an efficient mechanism to facilitate collaboration and exchange of ideas

VSP partners with federal agencies, universities, and other members of the atmospheric and related Earth science communities to provide a cost-effective and efficient means to achieve each program's goals.