[ES_JOBS_NET] Research Scientist - OU CIMMS NSSL FACETs

[Reinke, Tracy L.]

The Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies (CIMMS) at the University of Oklahoma (OU) is currently seeking a Research Scientist to provide scientific and meteorological expertise for collaborative work to advance the National Severe Storm Laboratory's (NSSL) Forecasting a Continuum of Environmental Threats (FACETs) initiative.  The FACETs concept is broad, but an important component is its envisioned role as the NWS delivery mechanism for the next generation forecast and warning system.  This position will focus on development of calibrated severe weather forecast guidance for experimental real-time applications, as well as archival and verification of that guidance to measure progress over time.  The forecast guidance will include operational and experimental guidance that NWS forecasters use to inform issuance of operational NWS/Storm Prediction Center (SPC) Outlook and Watches, experimental Warn-on-Forecast-generated probabilistic guidance that is used for Warning-scale products, and other statistical AI/Machine-Learning derived products based on gridded radar products and Probabilistic Hazard Information (PHI) tools under development.  Importantly, the position also involves establishing performance metrics to measure the skill of these outputs and track improvement over time.  This position is within NSSL's Forecast Research & Development Division (FRDD), but will involve close collaborative work with colleagues in the Warning Research & Development Division (WRDD), particular the WRDD scientists involved with Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) and Probabilistic Hazard Information (PHI) products.  Outside of NSSL, there will be close collaborations with the SPC and local weather forecasting offices of the NWS.  A successful candidate for this position will need knowledge in AI/ML algorithms, experience working and collaborating with operational forecasting centers in formulating AI/ML-based hazardous weather forecasting tools and experience in verification and validation of severe weather forecasts.  The position will be based at NSSL in Norman, OK within the National Weather Center, a highly collaborative operational, research, and academic environment containing a number of NOAA and OU organizations.

The principal duties of this position are:

  1.  Develop severe weather forecasting guidance with emphasis on AI/Machine-Learning for experimental real-time applications, and establishment of an archive.
  2.  Develop ML interpretability techniques that can be used in real-time by forecasts to determine how the ML algorithm is arriving at its predictions.
  3.  Establish performance metrics to measure the skill of severe weather forecasting guidance over time.
  4.  Collaborate with NOAA testbeds, especially the Hazardous Weather Testbed, to design real-time forecasting experiments using newly developed, AI/ML-based hazard guidance, and lead/organize post-experiment evaluations.

5.      Contribute to science publications and attend off-site conferences, workshops, symposia and NOAA testbed-related outreach events as needed.


The minimum qualifications for the position are:

1.      A PhD in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or related area.

2.      Experience applying AI/Machine-Learning algorithms to produce severe weather guidance and/or experience in verification and validation of severe weather forecasts.
Excellent oral and written communication and public speaking skills are highly desired, as well as proficiencies in weather visualization software and coding languages like Python, C++, and Fortran.  Applicants should identify experience in collaborating with operational forecast centers, graphic design/visualization, programming, and scripting languages, as well as skills using numerical weather prediction models and skills with observational datasets.

Normal working hours will be observed except for occasional irregular hours during data collection, warning/forecast experiments or workshops conducted at remote sites.  CIMMS staff will provide general supervision with technical oversight provided by NSSL staff and management.  The incumbent works under general supervision, but is expected to work independently and determine action to be taken in handling all but unusual situations.

The beginning salary is commensurate with educational background and experience, with OU benefits.  Information on OU's excellent benefits can be found at https://hr.ou.edu/Employees.

To apply for the position, please forward your resume, cover letter and list of three references to:



CIMMS Careers

University of Oklahoma CIMMS

120 David L. Boren Blvd., Suite 2100

Norman, OK 73072-7304

CIMMS-careers at ou.edu<mailto:CIMMS-careers at ou.edu>

Attn: FACETs


The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer


Tracy Reinke, CRA
Executive Director, Finance and Operations
Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies
120 David L. Blvd., Suite 2100
Norman, OK 73072
(405) 325-3043
(405) 325-3098 (FAX)

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