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JCSDA Associate Scientist III - NIO UFO

Employer
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Location
Boulder, Colorado OR College Park, Maryland
Closing date
Apr 7, 2019

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Discipline
Atmospheric Sciences
Career Level
Mid Career
Education Level
Bachelors
Job Type
Full-time
Relocation Cost
Paid
Sector Type
Non-Government Organization/Non-Profit

Where You Will Work:

The Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA) is a multi-agency research center committed to improving and accelerating the quantitative use of research and operational satellite data in weather, ocean, climate, and environmental analysis and prediction systems. In close collaboration with NOAA, NASA, the Air Force, and the Navy, the JCSDA strives to be a center of excellence for data assimilation through the transition of state-of-the-art research to operational applications for the benefit of society. JCSDA employees operate in a fast-paced, agile, and collaborative environment.

 

JCSDA is hosted by the Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System Science (CPAESS—pronounced: see-pass) within University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) in service of advancing knowledge, providing community-based resources, and building human capacity in atmospheric and related sciences.

 

This position will be located at the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP) in College Park, MD or the UCAR Foothills Campus in Boulder, CO.

 

What You Will Do:

  • This position is under the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA) and provides support for the enhancement of the New and Improved Observations (NIO) project. The key objective of NIO is to accelerate the use of new and improved observations in JCSDA partners’ operational applications.
  • The primary role of this position is to help accelerate development of the Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI) Unified Forward Operator (UFO). JEDI is an inter-agency plan aimed at developing a unified community Data Assimilation system for research and operations. The JEDI system is slated to be next generation data assimilation system for the NOAA Unified Forecast System. As part of JEDI, UFO introduces a standard interface for transforming model state variables to the observational space.
  • The incumbent will also provide support to other NIO efforts, e.g., the JCSDA satellite readiness plans, satellite data assimilation, as needed.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Survey and evaluate existing and developmental observation operators from JCSDA partners and other meteorological centers as well as new technologies from the research community.
  • Working with JCSDA and partners agencies scientists and software engineers, transition existing operators to UFO.
  • Participate in the design and development of new capabilities related to UFO and other observation-related components (quality control, bias correction, observation errors, etc) of the data assimilation system in the context of JEDI.
  • Provide support to other NIO tasks, e.g. satellite readiness plans, satellite data assimilation, as needed.
  • Present and discuss the results with project lead and team members and assist the project lead in forming a work plan for NIO tasks. Contribute to project reports. Attending/giving presentations at national or international scientific conferences may be expected.
  • In coordination with the NIO project lead, establish and maintain collaborations with other JCSDA partners and researchers in the broader community.

 

What You Need:

Education and Years of Experience:

  • Bachelor or higher degree in atmospheric science or a relevant physical or mathematical science, and at least five years of experience in relevant area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  
  • Applicants should have expertise in atmospheric data assimilation. Knowledge of remote sensing, atmospheric radiative transfer, or a similarly skill is desirable. Technical skills include proficiency in programming on high-performance computers and familiarity with operational-quality data systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Strong knowledge and experience with satellite data assimilation and data assimilation system(s) (e.g., JEDI, GSI, WRFDA, etc).
  • Strong programming (particularly Fortran 90+) and scripting skills are a necessity. Knowledge of C++, Python, and other object oriented programing and scripting languages would be an advantage.
  • Ability to work as a part of a larger group using a modern code management framework (Git, Continuous Integration / Agile programming methods, etc.)
  • Well-developed skills in planning and organizing project objectives. Able to work independently, requiring minimal supervision.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with an emphasis in technical communication. 

 

Applicant Notes:

  • This position may be subject to work location requirements for obtaining access to facilities and research systems. These requirements may include a combination of national security checks, credit checks, fingerprinting, or other security clearance requirements.

 

What’s in it for You:

  • Compensation
  • PTO
  • Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
  • Retirement Plan
  • And more!

 

EEO/AAP Statement:

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer that strives to develop and maintain a diverse workforce. UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy.

 

Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). We are committed to inclusivity and promoting an equitable environment that values and respects the uniqueness of all members of our organization.

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