Employment Opportunities

Cape Experiment 2019 (CapeEx19) - Chain Aggregates and Electrical Fields, Dr. David Delene

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.

Kennedy Research Group, Dr. Aaron Kennedy

The Kennedy research group at the University of North Dakota (UND) has an M.S. graduate research assistantship (GRA) position open for the 2020-2021 academic year. This position will focus on remote sensing of blowing snow at Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) climate research facilities. Activities will include the analysis and detection of the process using lidars, cloud radars, and ancillary instruments. These observations will be placed into context of meso- and synoptic scale meteorological fields. In addition to these duties, students within the research group are expected to assist with local winter weather fieldwork and outreach activities. This position includes a tuition waiver for 30 credit hours, equivalent to the requirements for a M.S. degree.

Ideal candidates should have experience in programming (e.g. Python), communication skills, and possess (or are willing to gain) a tolerance of cold weather. Above all else, candidates should have an inquisitive mind and a passion for the field of atmospheric sciences. For information on the admissions process, please visit the Atmospheric Sciences (M.S.) program page.

Interested individuals should contact Aaron Kennedy.

Observing and Simulating the Vertical Structure of Severe Storms, Dr. Gretchen Mullendore

A graduate research assistantship (GRA) is available at M.S. or Ph.D. level to research the vertical structure of severe storms. The graduate student hired for this position would participate in the DCOTSS (Dynamics and Chemistry of the Summertime Stratosphere) field campaign in 2021 and use these aircraft observations to inform modeling studies of the vertical structure of deep convection. The UND component of the DCOTSS campaign is focused on the mass transport by deep convection into the lower stratosphere; possible modeling studies include quantification of the operational model errors in storm outflow levels and/or idealized simulations of the interaction between storms and the tropopause layer.

For additional information, contact Gretchen Mullendore.

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Fog Dispersal Research, Dr. David Delene

The University of North Dakota (UND) has ongoing interest in conducting atmospheric research to understand fog, the process of fog formation, and fog dissipation. UND is working with Weather Modification International (WMI) to address the economically important issue of fog slowing down and closing airports. Certain major airport hubs, for example Abu Dhabi in the UAE, have experienced major delays and even closures for several days. Hence, fog costs the airline industry millions of dollars each year. Recent advances in technology has provided new tools for the application of materials to dissipate fog, namely unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). UAS provides a platform for releasing cloud seeding material and for obtaining in-situ measurements necessary for determining the effectiveness of dissipation methods. Our project's objective is to test cloud seeding of fog using a UAS platform and evaluate the effectiveness of different fog dissipation methods. The project will enable the effectiveness of the dissipation methods to be quantified and provide measurements for understanding of the physical processes that lead to fog formation and dissipation. Dr. Delene is looking for a Master level graduate student to help with field operations and analyze measurements related to fog formation and dissipation.

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.

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.