Research Scientist – Lightning and Storm Electrification

Research Scientist – Lightning and Storm Electrification 

The Cooperative Institute for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations (CIWRO), formerly CIMMS, at the University of Oklahoma (OU) is currently seeking a Research Scientist to collaborate on lightning and storm electrification research with the National Severe Storm Laboratory (NSSL) located in Norman Oklahoma. NSSL has made world-class, innovative observations of storm electrification and lightning for more than 40 years. The incumbent is expected to work as part of this team deploying instrumentation in the field and collaborate with team members on meteorological implications of observed lightning processes. This position will focus on physical lightning processes and detection implications in severe storms. 

The principal duties of this position are: 

1. Apply knowledge of lightning physics and leader propagation to lightning detection technology. 

2. Participate in the collection and analysis of data during field experiments. 

3. Relate optical signals from high speed video to signals from other lightning detection instrumentation. 

4. Provide expertise and contribute to development of new lightning products and algorithms. 

5. Contribute to science publications and attend off-site conferences, workshops, symposia and NOAA testbed-related outreach events as needed. 

6. Collaborate on scientific proposals related to lightning and storm electrification research. 

The minimum qualifications for the position are: 

1. A PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or related area. 

2. Experience with storm electrification, lightning measurements, and instrumentation including but not limited to high-speed video and/or electric field meters. 

3. Experience with scientific programming on UNIX/Linux using a high-level language (e.g. C++, Java, Python). 

4. Ability to communicate scientific research through conference presentations, formal publications and technical documents. 

Applicants should identify expertise with any of the following areas: Lightning and storm electrification observations, lightning physics, and severe local storms. Strong oral and written communication skills are needed for the position, including the ability to collaborate on proposals and reports. Please indicate experience with Linux (or UNIX) operating systems and relevant programming skills. 

Supervision will be provided by CIWRO staff. Technical oversight will be provided by CIWRO staff, NSSL scientists, and NSSL management. Applicant will work under general supervision but is expected to determine action to be taken in handling all but unusual situations. Normal working hours will be observed except for occasional irregular hours during data collection or workshops conducted at remote sites. 

The beginning salary will be based on qualifications and experience with University benefits. Information on benefits may be found at https://www.hr.ou.edu. The position will be located in Norman Oklahoma. 

To apply for the position, please forward your resume, cover letter and list of three references to: 

CIWRO Careers 

University of Oklahoma CIWRO 

120 David L. Boren Blvd., Suite 2100 

Norman OK 73072-7304 

ciwro-careers@ou.edu 

Job Reference: Lightning and Storm Electrification 

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer