JCSDA Project Scientist I/II - NIO RadDA

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.

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 use of new and improved observations in JCSDA partners’ operational applications.

The incumbent will work on adding new sensors/instruments (e.g., radiance, Lidar wind, etc) to data assimilation systems JCSDA is supporting, as well as improving current use of satellite observations. The instruments and observations to be worked on will be determined by the JCSDA Annual Operation Plans (AOP).

JCSDA is a distributed facility in partnership with multiple national agencies. Therefore, the incumbent will be closely connected with these partners, eg., NCEP/EMC, NESDIS, on the ongoing efforts of all-sky all-surface data assimilation and relevant working areas (e.g., quality control, bias correction). The incumbent will also work with other JCSDA teams, e.g., the Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI) and the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM), to assist accelerate satellite data assimilation through JEDI and CRTM enhancement.

Responsibilities:

• Evaluate and assess satellite observation quality against independent observations and analyses.
• Develop data assimilation capabilities to improve existing satellite data assimilation and include new instruments (e.g., radiance, Lidar, etc) for all surface and all sky conditions. These efforts may touch multiple components of a data assimilation system, e.g., forward operator, quality control, bias correction, observation/background error estimation, etc.
• Perform tests and evaluation of development and research related to satellite data assimilation. Draft and/or contribute to project reports.
• Contribute to transitions of new development to operational systems and CRTM improvement for satellite data assimilation, in support of NIO tasks.
• Provide support to other NIO tasks, e.g., satellite readiness plans, JEDI unified forward operator (UFO) development, etc, as well as help build and maintain connection and collaboration with JCSDA partners.
• Author scientific/resource publications and presentation research at meetings and conferences

What You Need:

Education and Years of Experience:

REQUIRED FOR I LEVEL:

• Ph.D. in atmospheric science or a relevant physical or mathematical science

REQUIRED FOR II LEVEL:

• Ph.D. in a relevant science, and at least three years of experience in the scientific field of specialization; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED FOR BOTH LEVELS:

• Applicants should have expertise in satellite data assimilation. Working experience in cloudy radiance data assimilation, or radiance data assimilation over land (e.g., emissivity, bias correction, etc), or assimilation of other satellite types (satellite wind, etc.) are preferred. Knowledge of atmospheric radiative transfer, or a similarly transferable skill are desired. Technical skills include proficiency in programming on high-performance computers and familiarity with operational-quality data systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

For I Level:

• Knowledge of numerical weather prediction and data assimilation theory.
• Knowledge and experience with satellite data assimilation (radiance IR/MW, Lidar wind, etc) and data assimilation system(s) (e.g., GSI, WRFDA, JEDI, etc).   CRTM, RTTOV, or other radiative transfer model experience is a plus.
• Strong programming (particularly Fortran 90+) and scripting skills are a necessity. Knowledge of C++, Python, and other objective oriented programing and scripting language is plus.
• Ability to work as a part of a larger group using a modern code management framework (Git, Continuous Integration / Agile programming methods, etc.)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with an emphasis in technical communication.
• Demonstrated ability to be a productive member of a research team with good interpersonal skills.

For II Level (In Addition to I Level):

• Advanced knowledge of numerical weather prediction and data assimilation theory.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with satellite data assimilation (radiance IR/MW, Lidar wind, etc) and data assimilation system(s) (e.g., GSI, WRFDA, JEDI, etc).   CRTM, RTTOV, or other radiative transfer model experience is a plus.
• Advanced programming (particularly Fortran 90+) and scripting skills are a necessity. Knowledge of C++, Python, and other objective oriented programing and scripting language is plus.
• Strong ability to work as a part of a larger group using a modern code management framework (Git, Continuous Integration / Agile programming methods, etc.)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with an emphasis in technical communication.
• Demonstrated ability to be a productive member of a research team with good interpersonal skills.

Applicant Notes:

• This position is 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.