Atmospheric Transport and Dispersion Modeler - Staff Scientist

LLNL•Livermore, CA

5h•$146,340 - $222,564

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is hiring an Atmospheric Scientist and Modeler to conduct consequence assessment for hazardous-material dispersal. The position is part of a multidisciplinary team in the National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (NARAC), which supports emergency planning, real-time assessment, emergency response, and detailed studies of atmospheric releases of nuclear, radiological, chemical, biological, and hazardous natural materials. It is located in the Atmospheric Science Research and Applications group within the Atmospheric, Earth, and Energy Division of the Physical Life Science Directorate. The role creates atmospheric dispersion modeling calculations and consequence assessments, develops scientific assessments using NARAC modeling tools, communicates results to internal and external audiences, and supports NARAC users and stakeholders. It also participates in monthly on-call rotations, develops and documents operating procedures, and performs monthly tests of the NARAC modeling suite. At the SES.3 level, the role additionally leads complex technical projects, contributes to or leads sponsor proposals, conducts novel research, develops or adapts modeling methods and capabilities, documents research findings, and provides technical guidance and input to technical strategy. This is a Career Indefinite position. The position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

Requirements

Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
M.S. or higher in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Engineering, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Desire to work in an operational or emergency-response role.
Experience applying microscale, boundary-layer, or regional meteorology theories to solve moderately complex to complex problems.
Verbal and written communication skills to interact clearly and concisely and explain technical information.
Initiative, interpersonal skills, and ability to work in a dynamic, sometimes fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment.
Ability to travel occasionally to coordinate work with collaborators.
At the SES.3 level, advanced knowledge in atmospheric science, atmospheric transport and dispersion, numerical modeling, or a related specialty, with demonstrated ability to independently lead technical work.
At the SES.3 level, demonstrated experience in proposal development.
At the SES.3 level, an established record of advancing research in atmospheric processes, demonstrated through publications and other research products.
At the SES.3 level, advanced verbal and written communication skills to provide technical advice to management, sponsors, and collaborators.

Nice To Haves

Experience creating regional or national weather forecasts and communicating weather impacts to a non-expert audience.
Familiarity with atmospheric forecast models such as WRF, MPAS, CESM, or similar, including urban-scale atmospheric models.
Familiarity with atmospheric dispersion models such as Hysplit, FLEXPART, STILT, AERMOD, CALPUFF, CMAQ, or similar.
Programming experience with languages such as Python, Matlab, C++, FORTRAN, or Java.

Responsibilities

Create atmospheric dispersion modeling calculations for hazardous atmospheric releases and provide consequence assessments.
Develop assessments using NARAC modeling-tool output to support scientific work and resolve moderately complex to complex technical problems.
Communicate results to internal and external audiences, including peers and sponsoring organizations, through technical reports and presentations.
Participate in monthly on-call rotations in the NARAC Operations Center.
Provide technical expertise and scientific support to NARAC users and stakeholders.
Develop and document operating procedures and perform monthly testing of the NARAC modeling suite.
Perform other duties as assigned.
At the SES.3 level, lead complex technical projects and tasks, providing technical direction and coordinating project scope, staffing, schedules, and budgets.
At the SES.3 level, develop proposed work scopes and contribute to or lead written proposals for sponsors.
At the SES.3 level, independently conduct novel research, develop or adapt modeling methods and capabilities, and document findings in technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations.
At the SES.3 level, serve as a technical expert, guide team members, and contribute to technical strategy for atmospheric consequence assessment activities.