Physical Scientist and Ensemble Modeler for Atmospheric River Forecasting

Lynker Corporation•College Park, MD

74d

About The Position

Lynker is seeking a talented Physical Scientist and Ensemble Modeler for Atmospheric River Forecasting, to support the Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) in carrying out research and development work related to the Unified Forecast System (UFS) based Atmospheric River Forecasting System.. The Physical Scientist and Ensemble Modeler will support the Water in the West initiative by supporting the development and implementation of the On-Demand Regional Atmospheric River Ensemble Forecast System (AR-EFS) within the Unified Forecast System (UFS) framework. The position focuses on advancing ensemble-based regional modeling, developing data assimilation and post-processing techniques, and preparing the system for real-time applications and potential transition to NWS operations.

Requirements

An Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Oceanography, Computer Science, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in scientific programming.
3+ years of specialized experience in coupled forecast and data assimilation systems.
Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in at least five of the following areas:
Demonstrated experience in numerical weather prediction (NWP) model development and testing (preferably UFS, FV3, HAFS, or similar).
Strong background in ensemble forecasting, data assimilation, or stochastic physics.
Proficiency with high-performance computing (HPC) environments and parallel programming.
Strong analytical and communication skills; ability to work in collaborative, multi-institutional teams.
Candidates must be U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder to qualify (please indicate in your cover letter).

Nice To Haves

Experience with NOAA operational or experimental modeling systems.
Familiarity with probabilistic verification metrics and ensemble bias correction methods.
Experience coordinating transition-to-operations (T2O) or real-time testbed activities.
Record of peer-reviewed publications in ensemble modeling or atmospheric river prediction.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement ensemble-based regional AR-EFS configurations using the UFS framework.
Develop and test ensemble perturbation methods, multi-physics configurations, and stochastic physics schemes to improve probabilistic AR prediction skill.
Integrate and evaluate regional data assimilation components using in-situ and satellite observations (e.g., AR Recon data, ASSIST radiances).
Conduct retrospective and near-real-time ensemble experiments for multiple Atmospheric River (AR) seasons.
Collaborate with partners (e.g., EMC, WPC, CW3E, and OAR) to refine model configurations and evaluate system performance.
Support Transition to Operations (T2O) planning with NCEP Central Operations (NCO), ensuring compliance with operational standards and HPC constraints.
Prepare scientific documentation, technical reports, and peer-reviewed publications summarizing findings and outcomes.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
Flexible spending accounts
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Life and accident insurance
Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
Employee Referral Program
Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
Personalized career growth plans for every employee