Colorado State University
25-116: Tropical Cyclone Applied Mathematician
Colorado State University, Denver, Colorado, United States
Position Location: Fort Collins, CO
Work Location: Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Posting Number: 202501506AP
Position Type: Admin Professional / Research Professional
Proposed Annual Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000, commensurate with experience & qualifications.
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 10/21/2025.
Position Summary The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University, located on the CSU Foothills Campus 5 miles northwest of the main campus, seeks to hire a Research Scientist to develop mathematical tools for remote sensing applications and assist in the development and improvement of forecast and hazards‑based decision support products. This position will allow flexible work arrangements including hybrid office/telework, although a consistent and substantial on‑site presence is preferred.
The objective of this position is to provide an opportunity for a motivated researcher to push the envelope of capabilities in high‑impact, operationally relevant mathematical algorithms and applications tied to Tropical Cyclone (TC) research, and to explore innovative numerical approaches while working in a highly stimulating and interdisciplinary team environment. The individual will interface closely with CIRA’s Tropical Cyclone, Artificial Intelligence, and Meteorological Satellite Applications core expertise groups, and CIRA’s on‑site Federal team from NOAA/NESDIS/STAR, reporting to the Tropical Cyclone Group Lead.
This role seeks to expand CIRA’s overall capabilities using novel image processing, satellite retrieval, and machine learning techniques to extract key information from satellite imagery, supporting a broad range of CIRA projects, including those funded by the Office of Naval Research and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The individual will design algorithms for these tasks to be applied either independently or collaboratively, and is expected to establish strong partnerships with both CIRA research staff and sponsors, potentially leading to sponsored research opportunities.
Required Job Qualifications In your cover letter, please specifically address EACH required qualification as it relates to your experience. An application without a cover letter that addresses each of the required qualifications for this position will not be considered further after review by the search committee.
Ph.D. in mathematics, meteorology, earth sciences, or a related field plus 1-2 years of experience creating and evaluating mathematical models, datasets, and products for tropical cyclone forecast applications for operational partners and end users;
A demonstrated (preferably via published peer‑reviewed literature) deep understanding of methods for image processing tasks, including TC structural analysis;
Experience applying multi‑sensor datasets and processing methods to the analysis of meteorological or environmental imagery;
Understanding of the mathematical foundation for machine learning;
Programming experience in Python, IDL, or similar diagnostic‑enabled processing software;
Experience reading, writing, and manipulating scientific datasets;
Experience working with a variety of remote sensing data, with emphasis on satellite datasets;
Ability to communicate well, orally and written, and particularly across disciplinary boundaries.
Preferred Job Qualifications In your cover letter, please specifically address the applicable preferred qualifications for this position. A cover letter that fails to address the preferred qualifications for this position will not be considered further after review by the search committee.
Experience working with GOES (ABI), Himawari (AHI), or JPSS (VIIRS) satellite data;
Experience extracting information about cloud properties and/or tropical cyclones from satellite data using geospatial tools;
Experience working on projects sponsored by NSF, ONR, NOAA or NASA;
Experience with the OpenCV library for image processing;
Experience with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools and processing;
Experience working with FORTRAN;
Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Job Responsibilities
Conduct research and develop novel mathematical methods geared towards better characterizing TC structure, track, and intensity;
Utilize mathematical and statistical techniques, including novel image processing, satellite retrieval, and artificial intelligence approaches to exploit information from datasets;
Development and improvement of forecast and hazards‑based decision support products;
Coordinate and collaborate with other team members towards targeting and use of these methods in support of various applications in weather and environmental research;
Contribute to and lead research studies that serve and advance the CIRA mission;
Help develop future proposals that may lead to an independent research program;
Collaborate with CIRA scientists working on relevant/complementary research projects;
Collaborate with operational partners and product end users as needed;
Build collaborations across universities, agencies, and internationally to meet research goals;
Collaborate with faculty and mentor students in the Atmospheric Science Department;
Publish work by writing and submitting papers to peer‑reviewed scientific journals;
Present results at conferences and sponsor‑hosted reviews.
Conditions of Employment Pre‑employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
Search Contact Applications must be submitted via online portal. 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. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you need assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
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.
EEO Colorado State University provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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.
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Work Location: Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Posting Number: 202501506AP
Position Type: Admin Professional / Research Professional
Proposed Annual Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000, commensurate with experience & qualifications.
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 10/21/2025.
Position Summary The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University, located on the CSU Foothills Campus 5 miles northwest of the main campus, seeks to hire a Research Scientist to develop mathematical tools for remote sensing applications and assist in the development and improvement of forecast and hazards‑based decision support products. This position will allow flexible work arrangements including hybrid office/telework, although a consistent and substantial on‑site presence is preferred.
The objective of this position is to provide an opportunity for a motivated researcher to push the envelope of capabilities in high‑impact, operationally relevant mathematical algorithms and applications tied to Tropical Cyclone (TC) research, and to explore innovative numerical approaches while working in a highly stimulating and interdisciplinary team environment. The individual will interface closely with CIRA’s Tropical Cyclone, Artificial Intelligence, and Meteorological Satellite Applications core expertise groups, and CIRA’s on‑site Federal team from NOAA/NESDIS/STAR, reporting to the Tropical Cyclone Group Lead.
This role seeks to expand CIRA’s overall capabilities using novel image processing, satellite retrieval, and machine learning techniques to extract key information from satellite imagery, supporting a broad range of CIRA projects, including those funded by the Office of Naval Research and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The individual will design algorithms for these tasks to be applied either independently or collaboratively, and is expected to establish strong partnerships with both CIRA research staff and sponsors, potentially leading to sponsored research opportunities.
Required Job Qualifications In your cover letter, please specifically address EACH required qualification as it relates to your experience. An application without a cover letter that addresses each of the required qualifications for this position will not be considered further after review by the search committee.
Ph.D. in mathematics, meteorology, earth sciences, or a related field plus 1-2 years of experience creating and evaluating mathematical models, datasets, and products for tropical cyclone forecast applications for operational partners and end users;
A demonstrated (preferably via published peer‑reviewed literature) deep understanding of methods for image processing tasks, including TC structural analysis;
Experience applying multi‑sensor datasets and processing methods to the analysis of meteorological or environmental imagery;
Understanding of the mathematical foundation for machine learning;
Programming experience in Python, IDL, or similar diagnostic‑enabled processing software;
Experience reading, writing, and manipulating scientific datasets;
Experience working with a variety of remote sensing data, with emphasis on satellite datasets;
Ability to communicate well, orally and written, and particularly across disciplinary boundaries.
Preferred Job Qualifications In your cover letter, please specifically address the applicable preferred qualifications for this position. A cover letter that fails to address the preferred qualifications for this position will not be considered further after review by the search committee.
Experience working with GOES (ABI), Himawari (AHI), or JPSS (VIIRS) satellite data;
Experience extracting information about cloud properties and/or tropical cyclones from satellite data using geospatial tools;
Experience working on projects sponsored by NSF, ONR, NOAA or NASA;
Experience with the OpenCV library for image processing;
Experience with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools and processing;
Experience working with FORTRAN;
Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Job Responsibilities
Conduct research and develop novel mathematical methods geared towards better characterizing TC structure, track, and intensity;
Utilize mathematical and statistical techniques, including novel image processing, satellite retrieval, and artificial intelligence approaches to exploit information from datasets;
Development and improvement of forecast and hazards‑based decision support products;
Coordinate and collaborate with other team members towards targeting and use of these methods in support of various applications in weather and environmental research;
Contribute to and lead research studies that serve and advance the CIRA mission;
Help develop future proposals that may lead to an independent research program;
Collaborate with CIRA scientists working on relevant/complementary research projects;
Collaborate with operational partners and product end users as needed;
Build collaborations across universities, agencies, and internationally to meet research goals;
Collaborate with faculty and mentor students in the Atmospheric Science Department;
Publish work by writing and submitting papers to peer‑reviewed scientific journals;
Present results at conferences and sponsor‑hosted reviews.
Conditions of Employment Pre‑employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
Search Contact Applications must be submitted via online portal. 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. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you need assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
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.
EEO Colorado State University provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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.
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