Undergraduate Research Assistant - Hurricane Wind Field Structure
Grand Forks, ND, USA
USD 18-18 / hour
Posted on Jun 18, 2026
Undergraduate Research Assistant – Hurricane Wind Field Structure
- 498263
- Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States
- Institutional Student
- Closing on: Jun 22 2026
Salary/Position Classification
- $18.00 hourly, Non-Exempt (Eligible for overtime)
- 10 hours per week
- 100% Remote Work Availability: No
- Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): No
Purpose of Position
This is a part-time, non-benefited position. Only UND students are eligible to be hired in this position.
Prof. Jake Carstens in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences seeks one (1) Undergraduate Research Assistant to investigate hurricane wind field structure using state-of-the-art satellite tools. Specifically, the student will use the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) instruments (https://manati.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/datasets/ASCATData.php) to calculate the integrated kinetic energy of global tropical cyclones since 2019. Recent updates to ASCAT data allow for stronger winds to be captured more reliably near the center of the storm, making it a valuable tool to validate operational estimates of both tropical cyclone strength and size. NOAA scientists recently published an interactive webpage containing the data: https://manati.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/datasets/CycloneMonitor.php?product=ASCATC.
The project will likely culminate in a poster presentation at the American Meteorological Society Student Conference in Denver, CO and an oral presentation at UND’s Symposium for Local Atmospheric Research. The student will be co-mentored by Prof. Carstens and graduate student Sydney Walters, who will be concurrently performing a comprehensive analysis of tropical cyclone winds using another satellite tool, Synthetic Aperture Radar.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Identify the center of a tropical cyclone from satellite wind data
- Calculate integrated kinetic energy (IKE) of tropical cyclones inside of the ring where winds reduce to tropical storm force (39 mph)
- Compare IKE calculations to estimates of IKE performed using official estimates of tropical cyclone size
- Document code, scripts, and workflow during the project for future research to use and expand on
Required Competencies
- Data analysis and computer programming experience using Python, MATLAB, or an equivalent language
- Familiarity with the UNIX environment, including command line tools and bash scripts
- Basic knowledge of tropical cyclone dynamics and structure
- Technology
- Professionalism
Minimum Requirements
- Must be majoring in Atmospheric Sciences
- Must have completed ATSC 270 (Computer Concepts in Meteorology)
- Successful completion of criminal history background check.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Successful completion of ATSC 391 (Research Methods in Atmospheric Sciences)
To Apply
For full consideration, applications must be received by the closing date and include the following materials:
• Updated resume
• Unofficial transcript
• Programming sample – attach your favorite plot you have made to visualize weather or climate data, and write a corresponding caption
Please include in the application if you are currently or have in the past 12 months been employed with the University of North Dakota, the North Dakota University System or any other North Dakota State agency. If so, include which agency/department, as well as how many hours you work a week.
Career Services is here to help students looking for student employment positions at UND by offering individual sessions that include resume, cover letter reviews, and interview preparation. Please schedule an appointment through Hawk Central or email us at und.careerservices@und.edu.
