Employment Opportunities

Atlantic Coastal Snowstorms

The University of North Dakota has a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) position open for a qualified student pursuing an M.S. in Atmospheric Sciences. The work performed under this GRA would be in support of a study of East Coast winter storms, with a focus on cloud microphysical processes. This would involve deploying a suite of cloud probes for a series of airborne measurement campaigns and would include instrument operation and maintenance, flying in a research aircraft, data processing, and data analysis.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Atmospheric Sciences (as of August 2020) or closely-related field
• Strong software skills (e.g. IDL, Python, Linux, scripting)
• Interest in cloud microphysics and airborne cloud measurements
• Experience in instrumentation is desirable

For additional information, contact Mike Poellot.

Cape Experiment 2019 (CapeEx19) - Chain Aggregates and Electrical Fields

The University of North Dakota (UND) conducts research on cloud-physics to understand convective storm development, including the measurements of the micro-physical and electric field properties of clouds. The North Dakota Citation Research Aircraft was deployed in the summer of 2019 to obtain cloud microphysical properties and state-of-the-atmosphere parameters in and around convective storms during a two-week field project based at the Space Coast Regional Airport near Titusville, Florida. Dr. Delene is looking for a graduate student to research the processes leading to the formation of chains of plate particles observed in cirrus clouds during the CapeEx19 field project, including evaluation of the importance of the electric fields for the formation of the observed chain aggregates.

Qualifications

• Strong software and programming skills (e.g. Python)
• Interest in cloud microphysics and airborne measurements
• Experience in instrumentation is desirable

For additional information, contact David Delene.

sUAS Open Source Weather Forecasting System

The Kennedy research group at UND has a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) position open for the 2021-2022 academic year. This position includes three years of funding (stipend + tuition) and will be filled at either the Ph.D or MS level depending on experience level.

This opportunity will meld meteorological and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) fields to develop real-time hazardous weather guidance for year-round (small) UAS operations. As part of the project, the student will work closely with the Research Institute for Autonomous Systems (RIAS), the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS), and WxByte LLC. Besides normal research duties, the student will assist these partners with transitioning research to application development and providing forecast expertise for test flights.

Ideal candidates will have experience in programming (e.g. Python) including familiarity with gridded data formats used in numerical weather prediction such as GRIB and netCDF. General knowledge of weather hazards and UAS is a plus, and any experience with communication (e.g. disseminating forecasts) should be highlighted. Above all else, candidates should have an inquisitive mind and a passion for the field of atmospheric sciences and unmanned aircraft systems. Interested individuals should contact Aaron Kennedy. Opportunities to virtually visit will be available during, and outside of, the AMS annual meeting.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Several graduate teaching assistantships (GTA) are available at M.S. or Ph.D. level. The graduate students hired for these positions would assist faculty with the instruction of undergraduate and graduate courses in Atmospheric Sciences. These assistantships provide an employment opportunity for students to help defray the costs of education and provide teaching experience within the field. These assistantship positions are also accompanied by tuition waiver support.

For additional information, contact Gretchen Mullendore.

UND provides outstanding opportunities for flight instructors to gain valuable experience and further their careers. With an emphasis on safety, standard operating procedures, and customer service, UND flight instructors are well-prepared for their next steps in the aviation industry.

Year round, UND Flight Operations operates a fleet of over 100 aircraft. Annually, UND conducts over 110,000 hours of training with over 1,000 students on the flight schedule. UND Flight Instructors average over 100 billable hours every month with an open opportunity to work more if you prefer. UND operates with a management culture that is based on teamwork rather than micro management.

Benefits

These benefits may be available to flight instructors and are offered based on the individual instructor's education status, rating, and number of students instructing:

• CompChoice 250 Health Insurance: Summary Plan Description
• CompChoice 250 Health Insurance: Summary of Benefits and Coverage
• UNUM Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Plan
• Employer Group Requirements for Medicare Part D Notice

Competitive Pay and Benefits - Whether you are looking for part-time work or a full-time career, UND Aerospace provides a competitive pay schedule and employer-sponsored benefits, including excellent health insurance.

Room for Advancement - Successful, self-motivated flight instructors will have opportunities to join the management team.

Flexible Schedule - With over 900 students and hours of operation from 6am to midnight, early-risers and night owls each get the opportunity to fly.

FAR 141 Curricula - The structured Part 141 curricula and supporting training materials allow the flight instructor to provide quality instruction to their students. Tools available include on-line teaching aids, podcasts, and course and maneuver guidance manuals.

Standardized Procedures - Aircraft standardization manuals provide detailed information and explanations of procedures, maneuvers, and how to perform them.

Computerized Scheduling and Records - The Aviation Information Management System (AIMS) is designed to facilitate the management of aircraft, students, flight instructors, and both flight and academic records.

Records Department - The flight records department provides support to the flight instructors and students by maintaining accurate flight records and ensuring all TSA requirements are met prior to the start of flight training.

Standards and Safety Departments - Every professional aviation organization places safety and standard operating procedures as two of their highest priorities. UND has both Safety and Standards departments to work with flight instructors and students on those respective areas.

MEI Training at Reduced Rates - For those who qualify, you can get your MEI at reduced rates.

Minimum Requirements

• FAA Flight Instructor Certificate
• Valid FAA Class III Medical Certificate
• Bachelor's Degree in an aviation or equivalent related field
• Ability to work in the United States

Preferred Requirements

• Prior experience with a Part 141 flight training environment
• Prior experience with highly-structured and standardized flight training procedures

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and references via email. We will schedule a phone interview shortly after we have received your information. For current UND students, please refer to the job posting and CFI hiring information available on the Flight Training Labs website. Send all information to Paula Raaum.