Research Associate - AQ Modeler

About the job

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The UNC Institute for the Environment (IE) has a multifaceted mission: (1) To strengthen environmental research capacity across UNC by supporting a multi-disciplinary community of scholars that enhances collaboration, increases sharing of knowledge, and identifies solutions to the world’s critical environmental problems. (2) To work in partnership across UNC and with external partners to coordinate and deliver 21st century educational programs that provide students with the experience and skills to thrive in a growing global economy. (3) To put new environmental knowledge into action by engaging and serving communities, here in North Carolina and around the world. (4) To fuel and harness the university’s sustainability activities through the Sustainable Carolina Initiative

Position Summary

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

This position serves as a Research Associate – Air Quality Modeler reporting to the Director of the Center for Environmental Modeling for Policy Development, within the Institute for the Environment. The Research Associate – Air Quality Modeler will develop regional-scale air quality model applications for various source types with a focus on atmospheric chemistry and source-specific impact assessment by applying source apportionment and source sensitivity approaches on cloud computing solutions. This position with work with multiple stakeholders in the Government, academia and industry to develop / incorporate new modeling approaches for air pollution studies used for impact assessment and also support a global user community on best practices for air quality modeling. Lastly, the Research Associate – Air Quality Modeler will perform research dissemination and serve as contributor to grant proposals and publication / presentation of findings.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Experience and proficiency with CMAQ source code
• Experience with preparing inputs for CMAQ or similar models
• Experience and proficiency developing source apportionment or source sensitivity studies using forward and inverse modeling
• Proficiency in Fortran90
• Proficiency in R/Python and EPA guidance on model evaluation procedures
• Experience in working with big data and parallel computing in the cloud environment with major vendors
• Experience in developing and offering training to user community

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Advanced degree in a discipline related to the field of physical or atmospheric sciences and 3 to 5 years of related training or experience with a focus on numerical modeling of air pollution at multiple scales and model evaluation and source attribution.

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.