Research Physical Scientist

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration • Boulder, CO

1d

About The Position

This position is with NOAA’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL), with two vacancies located in Silver Spring, Maryland; Boulder, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; Miami, Florida; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Plainsboro, New Jersey; or Norman, Oklahoma. The role develops weather forecast model dynamic cores and data-assimilation software for massively parallel supercomputers across on-premises and cloud environments. It applies expertise in atmospheric processes, data assimilation, and atmospheric modeling to lead theoretical and experimental research on advanced weather-forecasting technologies across a range of time and space scales. The position also develops forecast products using several programming languages and domain-specific approaches, including technologies for GPUs and exascale computing in next-generation Earth-system prediction models.

The scientist presents research findings at significant national or international scientific conferences and workshops, participates in working groups, formulates recommendations, and advises managers. The role requires communicating scientific and technical information verbally and in writing to stakeholders, members of the public, and other groups. This is a ZP-4 position, equivalent to GS-13/14, and is subject to a low-risk security clearance and background investigation. A three-year probationary period may be required; relocation expenses are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Must be suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation, and obtain favorable adjudication of the required low-risk security investigation.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• A degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science; alternatively, equivalent education with at least 24 such semester hours plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• At least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-3 or GS-12 level in the Federal service.
• Specialized experience must include developing weather forecast models and data-assimilation software codes; programming in several languages such as Python, Fortran, C, and C++ to develop forecast products; and communicating scientific findings verbally and in writing to the scientific community or other stakeholders.
• Qualification requirements must be met by the announcement’s closing date.
• Transcripts must be submitted with the application. Foreign education must be documented as comparable to U.S. education standards.
• Education cannot substitute for specialized experience for this vacancy.
• A probationary period may be required; continued employment is subject to successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication.

Responsibilities

• Develop weather forecast model dynamic cores and data-assimilation software for massively parallel supercomputers across on-premises and cloud environments, optimizing code for accuracy, performance, and portability.
• Lead theoretical and experimental research into advanced weather-forecasting technologies across a wide range of time and space scales.
• Develop forecast products using programming and debugging expertise in languages such as Python, Fortran, C, and C++.
• Use domain-specific languages and work with novel computer architectures, including GPUs, to support exascale needs of next-generation Earth-system prediction models.
• Present research findings at significant national and/or international scientific conferences and workshops, and participate in working groups.
• Formulate recommendations and provide advice to managers.
• Communicate scientific and technical information verbally and in writing to stakeholders, members of the public, and other groups.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior