[ES_JOBS_NET] Associate Scientist III - Data Assimilation (DA), NCAR, Boulder, CO

[Christine Wiedinmyer]

https://ucar.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UCAR_Careers/job/Foothills-Lab-3/Associate-Scientist-III---Data-Assimilation--DA-_REQ-2019-64-1

*         Associate Scientist III - Data Assimilation (DA)
*

Job Title: Associate Scientist III - Data Assimilation (DA)
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Type: Full-time
Application Deadline: This position will be posted until 11/8/19 or until this position is filled.
Work Authorization: UCAR/NCAR will not sponsor a work visa (e.g., J-1, H1-B, etc.) for this position.
Relocation: No relocation package is offered for this position.

Where You Will Work:

Located in Boulder, Colorado, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is one of the world's premier scientific institutions, with an internationally recognized staff and research program dedicated to advancing knowledge, providing community-based resources, and building human capacity in the atmospheric and related sciences.  NCAR is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).

The Research Applications Laboratory is one of seven laboratories within NCAR<https://ncar.ucar.edu/who-we-are/labs>.  Its mission is to conduct directed research that contributes to fundamental understanding of the atmosphere and related physical, biological, and social systems; to support, enhance, and extend the capabilities of the scientific community; and to develop and transfer knowledge and technology for the betterment of life on Earth.

The Joint Numerical Testbed (JNT) is a collaborative facility within RAL that is connected to an international network of collaborators.  The main goals of the JNT are to test and evaluate numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems, including data assimilation. Test results provide meaningful information about forecast performance to operational decision makers and to provide the research community with support in their development of these systems. Currently the primary JNT activities cover the following: regional and global modeling activities to support the Developmental Testbed Center (DTC)<http://www.dtcenter.org/>, activities to support the Tropical Cyclone Modeling Team (TCMT)<https://ral.ucar.edu/jntp/tropical-cyclones>, development and testing of real-time regional numerical weather prediction systems, applied statistics, advanced forecast verification, and satellite radiance data assimilation with an emphasis on all-sky (clear and cloudy) radiances.

What You Will Do: The incumbent will contribute to the planning and execution of NCAR Research Applications Lab (RAL) projects related to data assimilation. Conduct research, and testing and evaluation of Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) capabilities including data assimilation systems/techniques applied in real-world applications. Serve as a link between distributed user and developer groups for the data assimilation (DA) community, e.g. for the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) and EnKF DA systems.

Responsibilities:

Serves as a liaison between geographically- and institutionally-distributed developer groups for the data assimilation (DA) systems supported by the Developmental Testbed Center (DTC).  Provides education, outreach and community services related to projects on behalf of NCAR and DTC, including contributions to documentation, organization and facilitation of tutorials and workshops, and user support, e.g. GSI/EnKF support to sponsors and the user community.

Works with RAL scientists, engineers and our partners to conduct testing and evaluation (T&E) of various NWP components and capabilities in order to provide rational basis to operational centers and the research community for enhancement of weather forecast systems.  The incumbent will be involved in various T&E activities that are in line with RAL's commitment to improving numerical weather forecasts.
*         Works closely with designated points of contact in the NWP community to finalize configuration/version of modeling system(s) to be used in RAL tests of NWP components.
*         Sets up an end-to-end NWP system for testing.
*         Conducts day-to-day extended experiments and case studies (e.g., hurricane cases).
*         Analyzes and evaluates the results through examination of the model output and verification metrics directed at assessing the impact of the new technique being tested.
*         Leads the preparation of and/or contribute to reports on testing and evaluation projects.

Represents NCAR and DTC at major national and international meetings and conferences, interacts with the international science community to advocate and promote DA science and technology, and helps achieve the goals of NCAR and DTC.

Contributes to and may lead the preparation of scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed publications.

DECISION MAKING&PROBLEM SOLVING - i.e., types of problems that are solved independently

Ability to diagnose and solve problems related to the applications of testing and evaluation systems (pre-processor, forecast model, data analysis, post-processor, graphical display, and verification programs) with guidance from supervisor or senior team members.

Ability to develop and implement scientific methodologies related to achieving the goals of a project based on past experience and general scientific research skills.  Incumbent seeks guidance from supervisor or senior team members to ensure methodologies are sound.

What You Need:

Education and Years of Experience:
*         Bachelor's degree in atmospheric science, physical sciences, or engineering science plus substantial experience (e.g., 3-5 years as an ASII or equivalent position) in related research.
*         A master's degree in one of these fields is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
*         Demonstrated understanding of numerical weather prediction.
*         Advanced skill in analyzing numerical model output and verification results.
*         Demonstrated knowledge of data assimilation techniques (e.g. variational, ensemble) and systems (e.g. WRFDA, GSI)
*         Experience running and testing WRFDA, GSI, or other data assimilation systems.
*         Advanced skill in programming (Fortran) and scripting languages (UNIX, PERL, etc), and graphical display programs such as NCL, GRADS, GEMPAK, IDL, RIP, etc.
*         Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively as part of a team effort.
*         Ability to finish large projects and smaller assignments on schedule with some supervision.
*         Ability to communicate effectively in English with scientists of diverse backgrounds and to present research results accurately in both oral and written form.
*         Developed skills in carrying out and, when necessary, modifying general instructions to assigned tasks.

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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