ASRC Job Opportunities

Join our team of world-class scientists and faculty

As an ASRC faculty, researcher or student, you can advance the well-being of New York State’s citizens by transforming your research into innovative solutions, increasing economic development in the state, and helping to prepare tomorrow’s experts. ASRC positions are state-supported, which gives you more security and a wide discretion of what you can research and for how long.

You will have access to best-in-class instrumentation and sensors, providing unparalleled technological capability and data quality to advance research across all facets of atmospheric science. ASRC's unique relationship with the New York State Mesonet allows you to use their data from their network of 126 weather stations across the state for your research.
 

ASRC Relationships and Facilities

ASRC maintains collaborative relationships across several UAlbany departments and with a number of facilities, including;

ASRC is housed in the ETEC building. This state-of-the-art facility features excellent laboratory and teaching facilities and offers rich new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Richard Perez of ASRC, and solar panels on the roof of a UAlbany building with tower in the background.
Postdoctoral Research Scientist - 2 Positions
Postdoctoral Research Scientist Job Description
Postdoc Jason Covert (right). The University at Albany Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC), funded through $500,000 in support from the Department of Energy (DOE), works on a buoy-based flux measurement system at Lake George on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. (photo by Patrick Dodson)

A new interdisciplinary research project at UAlbany, Exploitation of Mesonets for emergency Preparedness and respOnse in Weather ExtRemes (EMPOWER), has just been established through funding from the Department of Homeland Security.

Led by the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center and the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, the project will focus on leveraging real-time weather data from the New York State Mesonet, a statewide weather network operated by the University at Albany, and other advanced weather observations, in addition to social vulnerability indices, to create a suite of new support tools that are designed for emergency managers, first responders, and other key public and private stakeholders.

Two postdoctoral research scientists are sought with expertise in data analytics and data visualization; especially of meteorological datasets, and an interest in creating tools to help solve real-world problems related to emergency management.

These positions are full-time three-year term positions. The chosen candidates will work in an interdisciplinary team of atmospheric scientists, data scientists and social scientists to address the goals of empowering emergency managers with tailored weather data provided by the New York State Mesonet.

This position will communicate extensively with a diverse interdisciplinary team at UAlbany as well as emergency manager stakeholders at Federal, State and Local levels.

Postdoctoral Associate Application Instructions

Prospective applicants are asked to submit via email to Dr. Chris Thorncroft ([email protected]), Director of Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, the following information:

  • A curriculum vitae including publications or relevant conference presentations
  • A list of three references (name, title, and contact information)
  • A brief statement of interest
  • If available,
    • a webpage that you have created (ideally with some type of inherent mapping)
    • GitHub page illustrating experience in web programming and/or data analytics and version control competency.

The position will remain open until filled. Preference will be given to applications that are received before 1 December 2023. Ideally this position would begin by January 2024.

 

REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

Education and Experience
  • A Ph.D. Degree in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Information Science, Data Science or related field from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or an international recognized accrediting organization (equivalent combination of education/related experience accepted).
  • Demonstrated record of research and publication and/or product development and/or website creation
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Advanced understanding of Linux CLI -Strong programming skills (Python and/or JavaScript preferred, others considered)
  • Strong visualization software skills (Matplotlib, Plotly, D3, GIS, NCL, etc.)
  • Web programming experience (JavaScript/React, PHP, APIs, etc.)
  • Familiarity with programming management tools (e.g., GitHub, Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Familiarity with map libraries (e.g., Leaflet, OpenLayers, Mapbox)
  • Experience with applied statistics, numerical models, and/or creation of analyses
  • Ability to work independently and/or together as a team, and to work with minimal supervision
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
Recommended
  • An enthusiasm for working with key stakeholders to improve their operations, and ultimately improve the lives of those affected by extreme weather
  • An interest in developing operational products

Please contact Dr. Chris Thorncroft ([email protected]) with any questions.

Postdoctoral Research Scientist - 1 Position (Social Science/CEHC)
Postdoctoral Research Scientist Job Description

A new interdisciplinary research project at UAlbany, Exploitation of Mesonets for emergency Preparedness and respOnse in Weather ExtRemes (EMPOWER), has just been established through funding from the Department of Homeland Security.

Led by the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center and the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, the project will focus on leveraging real-time weather data from the New York State Mesonet, a statewide weather network operated by the University at Albany, and other advanced weather observations, to create a suite of new support tools that are designed for emergency managers, first responders, and other key public and private stakeholders.

A postdoctoral research scientist is sought with expertise in mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) social science inquiry for studies of real-time protective action decision-making by elected officials and public, private and non-profit emergency responders in extreme weather events. The work will involve reviewing literature, designing and implementing case studies, conducting interviews and focus groups with experts and decision-makers, performing cognitive task and social vulnerability analyses, content analysis of documents etc.

Substantive expertise and/or prior experience in crisis studies and/or disaster science and management is preferred, though applications from candidates with knowledge of and/or experience from related fields will be considered.

This is a full-time three-year term position. The chosen candidate will work in an interdisciplinary team of atmospheric scientists, data scientists, and social scientists to address the EMPOWER goals of empowering emergency managers with tailored weather data provided by the New York State Mesonet. This position will communicate extensively with a diverse interdisciplinary team at UAlbany as well as emergency management stakeholders at Federal, State and Local levels.

Postdoctoral Associate Application Instructions

Prospective applicants are asked to submit via email to Dr. Eric K. Stern ([email protected]) of the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, the following information:

(a) a curriculum vitae including publications or relevant conference presentations
(b) a list of three references (name, title, and contact information)
(c) a brief statement of interest
(d) two published or publishable writing samples.

The position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and preference given to applications received before 15 December 2023. Ideally, the successful candidate position will begin in January 2024.

REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

Education and Experience

  • A Ph.D. Degree with a degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Political Science, Sociology, Social Anthropology, Management, Organizational Psychology or related field from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or an international recognized accrediting organization (equivalent combination of education/related experience accepted) within the last 2 years.
  • Demonstrated record of research and publication.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Fluency in multiple qualitative and quantitative methods (see above)
  • Ability to conduct interviews and lead focus groups with experienced practitioners.
  • Ability to work independently and/or together as a team, and to work with minimal supervision.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills in general and ability to communicate with across academic disciplines and with policy practitioners.


RECOMMENDED:

  • An enthusiasm for working with key stakeholders to improve their operations, and ultimately improve the lives of those affected by extreme weather
  • An interest in supporting the development of operational products through a stakeholder-engaged design process.
  • Ability to supervise undergraduate interns or capstone project groups supporting project tasks.
  • Some prior public, private, or non-profit sector work experience.

Please contact Dr. Eric K. Stern [email protected] with any questions.