NCAR Scientific Appointments Criteria
This document more fully describes the scientific appointment criteria which appear in UCAR's policy Scientific Appointments, 2-2-1. Each criterion is listed and a number of measures are provided by which to evaluate the nominee's record of achievement. These measures are provided for clarification and explanation of the scope of accomplishments that are considered when a scientist is considered for promotion at NCAR.
Scientific Excellence
Scientific excellence is a fundamental requirement for any NCAR Scientific Appointment. Excellence will be demonstrated by some substantial measure of the following characteristics.
- Productivity
- Leadership
- National and International Reputation
- Contributions to NCAR Programs
- Breadth
- Scientific and Technical Service in the NCAR Context
- Broad Community Service
- Awards
The complete absence of any characteristic, or marginal accomplishments in one or more of them, may stand in the way of promotion.
Scientist III - The candidate is nationally recognized in the relevant community for high scientific competence and productivity, as well as on skills for managing scientific research programs and service activities when required by the position.
Senior Scientist - The highest level of scientific excellence in areas of NCAR's interests is the fundamental requirement for a Senior Scientist appointment. The candidate is internationally recognized in the relevant community for the quality of an individual's theoretical, technical, and numerical work; the extent that the work is set apart from or above that of others in similar fields; and the impact or significance of the work in the field.
Productivity
The rate at which significant new knowledge and/or goals are achieved. Usually reflected in the rate of publication of new results in peer-reviewed journals and books. Also, the rate at which a person produces instruments, models and programs. Measures:
- Publication List
- Curriculum Vitae
- Citation Index
Leadership
The extent to which the person's work leads or is at the cutting edge in a field. The ability to bring together groups internally, externally, nationally, internationally, to develop new and important undertakings. Measures:
- Acknowledgment of particular contributions to or advancements in understanding made by the individual in his/her field of research
- Recognition by peers of leadership role
- Appointments to scientific/technical/program committees in leadership positions
- Appointments to scientific/technical/program leadership role at NCAR (e.g., CSM Chair), section head, project leader
Scientist III - The candidate has demonstrated national leadership.
Senior Scientist - The candidate has demonstrated international leadership.
Contributions to NCAR Programs
The extent to which the individual's research contributes to development or leadership of NCAR-wide programs. The extent to which the individual places divisional and cross-divisional research above his/her own. Measures:
- Opinion of peers within the home division
- Participation in NCAR-wide programs
- Leadership in developing divisional and/or NCAR-wide programs
- Comfortable and productive in team efforts
- Is sought regularly by other groups/divisions for advice and as a partner.
Scientist III - The candidate demonstrates a growing scientific leadership role in internal NCAR programs and national scientific programs.
Senior Scientist - The candidate has demonstrated effective judgment on the importance, relevance, and tractability of scientific problems, on research strategy and development, and on development of facilities, models, and services for the scientific community which have influenced the shape and direction of NCAR programs.
Breadth
The extent to which the individual is knowledgeable about NCAR's programs and plans and can provide advice on research and development issues. Also, the range of activities in which the individual is engaged. Measures:
- The range of scientific/technical research in which the individual is engaged
- Contributions to internal advisory mechanisms, e.g., ARG, NCAR-Wide Programs, Divisional Programs
- Staff supervision
- External activities such as journal editorships, committee membership
Scientific and Technical Service in the NCAR Context
This service is of a type that requires an experienced and knowledgeable scientist to explain how to use a facility/model in order to accomplish specific scientific objectives and goes beyond a straightforward description of how to run the code or operate the instrument. Measures:
- Assistance to users of NCAR's facilities in Computational and Information Systems Laboratory and the Earth Observing Laboratory as well as with models or instruments
- Field program leadership, in either developmental or operational phases or both
Broad Community Service
The contribution of the individual in service to the atmospheric sciences community through professional development, information and outreach activities, and education. Measures:
- Service on Ph.D Advisory Committees and in other educational activities
- Service as journal editors, reviewers
- Service on professional society committees
Awards
The extent to which contributions have been recognized by the community. Measures:
- Professional Association Fellowships (AMS, AGU)
- Honorific positions, e.g. Election to National/International Academies
- National or international scientific awards/prizes
- Publication prizes
- UCAR Outstanding Performance Awards
National and International Reputation
The extent to which scientists outside of NCAR recognize the individual's work and contributions, and identify with him/her as a peer. Measures:
- Collaborative research
- Awards and Honors as noted above
- Appointments to National Academy committees
- Participation in national and international scientific/technical/advisory committees
- Letters of Reference sought in the ARG promotion process
Supplemental Information: The Scientist Matrix
