JCSDA Project Scientist I/II - ESRL Liaison

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 partial support for the Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI). The JEDI project is an inter-agency effort aimed at developing a unified community data assimilation system for research and operations. This position provides support for rapid data assimilation cycling in JEDI for convective/mesoscale data assimilation.

This position holds two major responsibilities. First, the incumbent will work closely with scientists at JCSDA and ESRL, serving as a liaison between the two organizations on the development of JEDI for relevant working areas, for example for assimilation of high-frequency data (e.g., radar) and surface observations as well as transitioning existing capabilities to JEDI.

Secondly, the Project Scientist will be in charge of developing tools to handle pre-processing of observations in the context of rapid refresh applications. In that context, observations must be made available to the data assimilation system in smaller batches but with much shorter lead-time than the typical 6-hour data assimilation cycles. This work will include developing or adapting software for rapid decoding and pre-processing of observations and for making them available to the data assimilation system in the expected format. The Project Scientist will also contribute to the evolution of the system towards a real-time continuous ingest of observations.

This position will be located at NOAA DSRC in Boulder, CO.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and test efficient observation decoding and pre-processing software for use in the context of rapid refresh data assimilation, in collaboration with scientists at GSD and software engineers and scientists of the JEDI project team
• Facilitate communication between JEDI and ESRL on the forward operator development in the context of JEDI/UFO development. Contributes to the implementation of JEDI/UFO for radar, surface data, as well as relevant observation data for convective/mesoscale data assimilation, in collaboration with other scientists and software engineers in the JEDI project team and scientists at GSD
• Contributes to the development of continuous ingest of observations by the JEDI data assimilation system
• In coordination with the project lead, establish and maintain collaborations with ESRL and other JCSDA partners. Will have daily interaction with government scientists and contractors, and other members of the JEDI project team.
• Writes and presents scientific papers and documentation material in conferences, workshops, tutorials and educational events to EMC, the JCSDA partners and the scientific data assimilation community

What You Need:

Education and Years of Experience:

Required for Level I:

• Ph.D. in a relevant science.

Required for Level II:

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Required for I Level:

• Knowledge of data assimilation techniques and systems (e.g., GSI, WRFDA, JEDI, etc.)
• Good understanding of the use of observations in data assimilation
• Very good programming skills: software design, object-oriented programming and parallel programming
• Good knowledge of C++ and Python
• Knowledge of modern software engineering practices (source code management, continuous integration, issue tracking)
• Excellent English language communication skills, ability to communicate with software engineers and scientists
• Ability to work well within a diverse and multidisciplinary team

Required for II Level (In Addition to Level I):

• Advanced knowledge of data assimilation techniques and systems (e.g., GSI, WRFDA, JEDI, etc.)
• Advanced understanding of the use of observations in data assimilation
• Excellent programming skills: software design, object-oriented programming and parallel programming
• Strong knowledge of C++ and Python
• Advanced knowledge of modern software engineering practices (source code management, continuous integration, issue tracking)
• Excellent English language communication skills, ability to communicate with software engineers and scientists
• Ability to work well within a diverse and multidisciplinary team

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in assimilation of radar, surface and/or other derived cloud related observations
• Experience of high-resolution rapid update data assimilation systems for convective weather forecasts

Notes to Candidates:

• 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 or work authorization 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.