Research Operations Manager, NSF-NCAR Research Aviation Facility

NSF NCAR is excited to announce an opening for the Research Operations Manager (ROM) at the Research Aviation Facility.

The Research Operations Manager (ROM) ensures the effective use of NCAR aviation resources to support the scientific and engineering needs of the scientific community. In partnership with the Aviation Operations Manager, the ROM sustains a program of scientific research at the Research Aviation Facility to advance airborne measurement capabilities, facilitates airborne field deployments and instrumentation developments, and manages and supports RAF employees.

As a facility within NSF NCAR's Earth Observing Laboratory (EOL), the Research Aviation Facility (RAF) is a national resource for advancing geoscience airborne research. Serving the NSF geosciences community since 1964, the RAF provides a unique set of airborne research platforms together with a broad suite of instrumentation maintained by RAF scientists and technicians. An array of related services, including data management, field project logistic support, and assistance with certification and integration of user-supplied instruments, ensures comprehensive support for field deployments and subsequent data analysis. Research and development efforts at the RAF focus on the future scientific needs of the community while aligning with EOL and NCAR strategic priorities.

The Earth Observing Laboratory, one of seven NCAR laboratories, provides state-of-the-art atmospheric observing systems, leadership, and scientific expertise to enable the university-based research community to advance climate, weather, and related Earth system science. EOL manages most of the NSF Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities and deploys them to support observational field campaigns for researchers from universities, government agencies, and NCAR, as well as in support of education.

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the National Center for Atmospheric Research NCAR is devoted to research, education, and service in the atmospheric and related Earth system sciences. NCAR's mission is to understand the behavior of the atmosphere and related Earth and geospace systems; to support, enhance, and extend the capabilities of the university community and the broader scientific community, nationally and internationally; and to foster the transfer of knowledge and technology for the betterment of life on Earth. NCAR is a federally funded research and development center sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and operated by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, a nonprofit consortium of 120+ North American academic institutions.

  Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job: NO

• Must be (a) a U.S. citizen; (b) lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; or (c) a protected individual as defined by 8 USC1324b(a)(3)

Relocation Assistance Eligible:  YES

Job Location:  KBJC - NCAR Research Aviation Facility, 10802 Airport Ct, Broomfield, CO 80021

Job Type:  Hybrid (minimum of 3 days a week is required to be on-site)

Position Type & Term:  Full-time, Regular

Compensation Range:

Salary Range $163,107-$225,000

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

Application Deadline: October, 2nd 2024

Required application materials:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter - Please look at how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information, please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections of this job posting).

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides scientific and technical leadership and management of RAF research, development of measurement capabilities, and research operations that serve the NSF research community and integrate with other EOL Facility and NCAR research priorities. 
• Works closely with the RAF Aviation Operations Manager and RAF Administrator to ensure strategic and logistical alignment between RAF Research Operations, RAF Aviation Operations, RAF staff, EOL, and NCAR leadership.
• Develops budget, personnel requests, and actions aligned with RAF research, development, and research operations challenges and opportunities.
• Serves as supervisor and manager of group leaders for scientists, engineers, data managers, project managers, and technicians.
• Oversees field project support, from initial planning stages and feasibility assessments to data quality review and data management, ensuring safe and productive field missions.
• Interfaces with EOL as a member of the EOL Management Council, NCAR, and UCAR management on developing and implementing strategy, resource distribution, policies, and procedures.
• Conducts personal research in areas aligned with NCAR/EOL/RAF priorities and professional service, such as service on panels, organizing committees, reviews, and editorial boards. 
• Works as an ambassador for RAF to garner interest from potential users in the broader community and assist in campaign conceptualization and planning.
• Maintains a safe, productive, supportive, and inclusive working environment, following UCAR policies and Federal regulations, and otherwise addresses institutional priorities for the workplace, including attention to diversity and career development and mentoring of staff.

Education and Experience (Required):

•  Ph.D. or equivalent experience in atmospheric science, Earth science, related science, or engineering AND
• At least ten years of professional experience as a scientist or engineer in field research AND
• Previous supervision and/or management experience or reputation/experience in a leadership role.

​Education & Experience Desired but Not Required:

• Experience with leading or participating in airborne research campaigns.
• Experience in developing, using or deploying atmospheric airborne observation systems.
• Experience in field experiments conducted by collaborative multi-institution projects in atmospheric science.
• Experience managing budgets and personnel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities REQUIRED:

• Expertise in scientific and technical aspects of atmospheric observational science, specifically in airborne research applications, as demonstrated through a documented record of research and scientific or technical accomplishment in an area related to RAF’s mission.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with the research community and a diverse and multidisciplinary staff.
• Strong team leadership skills and ability to work in a team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and effective advocacy and diplomacy skills.
• Demonstrated skills in managing scientific and technical personnel, as well as budget administration in a research setting.
• Demonstrated skill in the planning of major scientific field deployments.