Physical Scientist for Atmospheric Wind Data Assimilation
About The Position
Lynker is seeking a talented Physical Scientist for Atmospheric Wind Data Assimilation to support a long-term contract with the Office of Modeling and Development (OMD) of NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS). This role involves research, development, and operational transition work related to satellite data assimilation for the Unified Forecast System (UFS). The candidate will focus on developing, executing, testing, and evaluating innovative techniques to enhance the direct assimilation of atmospheric wind data, including aircraft winds, ocean surface winds, and atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) derived from various satellite measurements (infrared, microwave, GNSS-RO) and lidar. The position is based at the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP) in College Park, MD, with the possibility of remote work for the right candidate.
Requirements
- Background in atmospheric science, numerical weather modeling, and meteorological satellite data analysis.
- Knowledge of atmospheric data assimilation with focus on the assimilation of wind observations, satellite radiances, or AMVs 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.
- 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 atmospheric wind data assimilation with global and regional atmospheric data assimilation systems.
- Experience in running numerical models on High Performing Computer (HPC) platforms using MPI, OpenMP, Slurm, LSF, etc.
- Familiarity with variational data assimilation techniques.
- Experience with space-borne or airborne wind measurements made from microwave, infrared, or GNSS-RO data.
- 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 improved assimilation of atmospheric wind data, including aircraft winds, ocean surface winds and AMVs.
- Prepare, design, or enhance existing components to enable the assimilation of wind observations and AMVs derived from future satellite missions (infrared, microwave, GNSS-RO) and airborne/space-borne lidar.
- Improve upon quality control and observation error specification, including through the use of AI/ML techniques, to enhance the assimilation of atmospheric wind data and AMVs.
- Design, setup, and execute impact assessment and pre-implementation testing to facilitate transition to operations.
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
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
