JCSDA Project Scientist I/II - EMC 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) project.   The JEDI project is an inter-agency plan aimed at developing a unified community Data Assimilation (DA) system for research and operations.

The Project Scientist is in charge of the transition of the JEDI software to EMC and eventually to operations. The role includes participating in JEDI developments, particularly aspects of interest to EMC, ensuring effective portability to NWS computing environments and workflows, scientific validation of data assimilation and ensuing forecast and acting as a liaison between EMC and the rest of the JEDI project team. This role also participates in the development, testing and improvement of data assimilation and related algorithms in JEDI with a special focus on observation operators and quality control aspects.

Responsibilities:

• Test and evaluate JEDI software for EMC’s applications in view of transition to operations, in collaboration with scientists at EMC and other members of the JEDI project team
• Implements appropriate scripts and workflows to run the JEDI software in EMC’s computing environment
• Contributes to design and implementation of JEDI in collaboration with other scientists and software engineers in the JEDI project team and scientists at EMC and other JCSDA partner agencies, with a primary focus on observation operators and quality control aspects
• Contributes to the coordination and integration of EMC in-kind contributions to the JEDI project in consultation with the project lead and EMC scientists.
• 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:

Level I:

• Ph.D. in a relevant science.

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 Level I:

• Strong background in data assimilation and atmospheric sciences, with a focus on use of observations in data assimilation
• Experience in evaluating forecasting systems performance for transition to operations
• Good programming skills: software design, object-oriented programming and parallel programming
• Knowledge of modern software engineering practices (source code management, continuous integration, issue tracking)
• Good English language communication skills, ability to communicate with software engineers and scientists
• Ability to work well within a diverse and multidisciplinary team

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

• Advanced background in data assimilation and atmospheric sciences, with a focus on use of observations in data assimilation
• Advanced experience in evaluating forecasting systems performance for transition to operations
• Excellent programming skills: software design, object-oriented programming and parallel programming
• Strong 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:

• Knowledge of GSI, FV3 dynamical core and other data assimilation and model codes in use at EMC

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.