Physical Scientist for All-sky and All-surface Radiance Satellite Data Assimilation

Lynker Corporation•College Park, MD

9d•$75,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Lynker is seeking a Physical Scientist to support the Office of Modeling and Development (OMD) of the National Weather Service (NWS) in research, development, and operational transition of satellite data assimilation for the Unified Forecast System (UFS). The role involves developing, executing, testing, and evaluating techniques to improve the direct assimilation of “all-sky/all-surface” satellite radiances for operational environmental prediction. This is a hybrid role, requiring 2 days per week in the College Park, MD office.

Requirements

Knowledge of data assimilation with focus on the assimilation of satellite data for numerical weather prediction.
Knowledge of the physical and mathematical basis of geophysical modeling (atmospheric and/or environmental) and experience running advanced numerical weather prediction models.
Advanced knowledge of radiative transfer and experience with radiative transfer modeling for data assimilation, such as the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) or Radiative Transfer for TOVS (RTTOV).
Knowledge and experience of modern programming languages such as object-oriented FORTRAN, Python, and/or C++.
Experience working in a UNIX environment with advanced scripting languages.
Good oral and written communication skills in English.

Nice To Haves

Experience in running numerical models on High Performing Computer (HPC) platforms using MPI, OpenMP, Slurm, LSF, etc.
Familiarity with variational data assimilation techniques.
Familiarity with the assimilation of satellite radiances impacted by clouds and precipitation.
Experience with coupled earth system models.
Knowledge of modern software engineering practices (requirements gathering, design, prototyping, version control, integration, testing, and documentation).

Responsibilities

Develop new or enhance existing techniques for the assimilation of microwave radiance data from prototype and operational low Earth orbit satellites in all sky conditions and over heterogeneous surface conditions.
Improve quality control, bias correction, and/or observation error specification, including through AI/ML techniques, to enhance the assimilation of all-sky/all-surface satellite radiance data and AMVs.
Design, setup, and execute impact assessment and pre-implementation testing to facilitate transition to operations.
Other duties as assigned.

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)
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