[Hiring] Risk Communication Researcher @Colorado State University

Role Description

The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University (CSU) seeks to fill a part-time (42% FTE) Risk Communication Researcher position designed to conduct collaborative research and development with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The individual in this position will work in a fully remote capacity.

In the summer of 2026, CIRA was awarded two years' worth of funding by the Weather Program Office to conduct a project, “Using Quick Response Surveys to Develop and Pilot Test Flood Risk Communication.” This part-time position will be a key contributor to an interdisciplinary two-year NOAA-funded project to develop and validate flood risk communication strategies to reduce public exposure to flood risk. Communication strategies will be developed through structured engagement with:

• National Weather Service (NWS) forecast offices
• Integrated Warning Team (IWT) partners
• The public

Message effectiveness will be validated through:

• Focus groups
• Interviews
• Real-life context using quick response surveys

A prototype library of field-tested message guidance will be designed for potential integration by the NWS and amplification by IWT partners. Candidates with risk communication experience, experience developing and testing risk or weather warning messaging, focus group and interview facilitation are strongly preferred. This position will report to the Principal Investigator.

The period of performance for this project runs through April 2028. If necessary, a no-cost extension will be requested.

For full consideration, please apply by December 2, 2026, 11:59 PM (MT).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a social science field (e.g. Risk Communication, Sociology, Geography, Anthropology, Public Health, Psychology) plus 3 years proven applied research experience resulting in publications on risk communication and natural hazards.
• OR Master's Degree.
• Demonstrated research experience related to risk communication, protective-action decision making, flash flood hazards or closely related concepts.
• Experience developing and testing risk messaging guidance.
• Experience with qualitative or mixed methods research and analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present research to both academic and non-academic audiences, as evidenced by an appropriate cover letter and list of publications.
• Willingness to engage with practitioners and the public as part of applied research.

Requirements

• This is a part-time position at 19 hours/week (47.5% FTE) and does not carry university benefits.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the start of the position and through the entirety of the project (2 years from start date), because CIRA will not sponsor any type of visa for this position now nor in the future.

Benefits

• Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service.
• With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Application Instructions

• Applications must be submitted via online portal. We will not accept materials sent via email or other mode.
• COVER LETTERS ARE REQUIRED.
• In the body of your application materials, please specifically address all required qualifications and applicable preferred qualifications when describing your work experience.
• Application materials that fail to address the qualifications of this position may not be further considered after review by the search committee.
• References will be requested for finalists and will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.

Salary Range

Full time salary range is $71,500 - 81,000; at 42% FTE, salary range is $30,000 - 34,000. This range was determined based on the organization salaries of RA II's, the expertise required and the funding available in the project budget.