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SEARCH| CAREER PATHS and FOCUS AREAS in |
Career Paths within NOAA Research
Most of the programs that carry out research for NOAA have at least two of three primary components: (1) theoretical research, (2) field research and (3) laboratory research. These three components are usually extensively cross-linked. As an example, at NOAA's Aeronomy Laboratory the laboratory program supplies input to the theoretical models and frequently helps in the development of new instruments needed for field measurements. The modeling investigations often point to the need for new laboratory studies and field measurements. The field research sometimes suggests new directions for laboratory investigations and can provide critical diagnostic tests of model predictions. Within all the organizations, each of these major program components offers specialty areas unique to their scientific mission and goals.
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Field researchers launch instrumented balloons into thunderstorms to gather data that will lead to a better understanding of storm structure and dynamics. |
Climate Research
Focus Areas in Climate Research
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Oceans, Great Lakes and Coastal Research
aquatic biologists, chemists, geologists, oceanographers, limnologists, meteorologists, physical scientists, engineers, technicians, computer scientists, hydrologists, and ecologists.
- marinecareers.net -- an introduction to marine science career fields and profiles in oceanography, marine biology and ocean engineering
- careers in oceanography and marine biology
Focus Areas in Ocean and Coastal Research
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Weather and Air Quality Research
Scientists who specialize in weather research are primarily Meteorologists, Physicists, Electrical Engineers, and Computer Scientists with PhD or MS degrees. Many of them are NOAA employees who work at the various NOAA Research laboratories while others work through our university partnerships with the Joint Institutes.
There are three main types of jobs for meteorologists or atmospheric scientists:
- research (basic and applied)
- operational (forecasting)
- teaching / consulting
Jobs may be found within the government (including the military), private companies (including TV and radio) and colleges and universities.
Education and Training
Meteorology has its roots in math, physics, and chemistry. The
best preparation for high school students considering going into meteorology
is to have a strong math and science (physics, chemistry) background.
Many universities offer weather-related
degree programs.
There are occasionally internships or summer research programs for motivated undergraduate students interested in a career in scientific research, as well as opportunities for college students to work at a research facility part time under the direction of a scientist.
Focus Areas in Weather Research
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