Scientist, Plume Modeling and Forecasting

Reflective•San Francisco, CA

3d•Remote

About The Position

Reflective is a global nonprofit research organization that aims to accelerate research into sunlight reflection and provide the data and tools needed to support informed decisions. The organization studies stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) through modeling and, where scientifically required, assessment of small-scale outdoor experiment feasibility. Its modeling includes AIDE-SAI, a linked set of machine-learning emulators simulating SAI from stratospheric circulation through aerosol microphysics to radiation. The Scientist for Plume Modeling and Forecasting will lead plume forecasting for partner-run balloon-based tracer campaigns and build Reflective’s forecasting capabilities for the 24- to 72-hour horizons relevant to a potential field study. The role will run plume-resolving simulations from release through dispersion, translate results into dilution rates, an effective source term, and a parameterization usable by the global framework, and serve as mission scientist if a field study proceeds. The position works between the multi-scale and experiment teams and reports to Reflective’s Head of Research, Marianna Linz. It collaborates closely with the OSSE Senior Scientist, the In-Situ Observing Lead and instrument specialists, the experiment operations lead, and external forecasting and modeling partners. The position can be fully remote, with candidates based anywhere in the world if they can overlap with core working hours (9 a.m.–1 p.m. PST). Reflective slightly prefers candidates able to work from its Bay Area office 2–3 days per week and plans regular team co-working weeks, typically in the Bay Area. Visa sponsorship may be possible for US-based foreign nationals, and a moving stipend is available for candidates interested in relocating to the Bay Area.

Requirements

PhD in atmospheric science, fluid dynamics, or a closely related field, or equivalent research experience.
Experience running high-resolution or large-eddy simulations of dispersing material, such as plumes, tracers, or reacting flows, and comparing simulations against measurements.
Hands-on forecasting or mission-science experience on an airborne or balloon field campaign, including planning flights from ensemble forecasts and making real-time calls during campaigns.
Comfort with Python; Fortran experience is ideal.
Experience working on high-performance computing systems.
Ability to clearly state what model results do and do not support, and document conclusions so others can act on them.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially with scientific, engineering, and non-technical audiences.
Creative, outcome-focused approach and willingness to change methods when a faster or better approach is available.
Low-ego approach and a proven ability to work across disciplines and with external partners.
Passion for Reflective’s mission.

Nice To Haves

Experience with JAX or other differentiable modeling frameworks.
Stratospheric experience is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

Lead plume forecasting for balloon-based tracer campaigns with external partners, working within partner data-assimilation and forecasting processes while developing in-house capabilities.
Develop and evaluate plume forecasting capabilities over 24- to 72-hour horizons, documenting performance limits and their implications for feasibility.
Quantify forecast uncertainty, including ensemble plume spread and its growth over time, and assess implications for search patterns and instrument settings.
Translate forecast results into observing-team requirements, including viewing geometry, altitude, timing, and expected plume extent for daytime visualization systems.
Model detailed plume evolution to support numerical experiments testing candidate observing suites and sampling cadences at realistic density and instrument fidelity.
Verify forecasts from tracer campaigns against observations and report where forecasts failed.
Lead plume-scale modeling through large-eddy and plume-resolving simulations of injected material from release through dispersion.
Translate plume-scale results into dilution rates, an effective source term, and a parameterization of plume-scale effects as a function of background conditions for use by the global framework.
Serve as the multi-scale team’s point of contact for the experiment team on plume-scale questions, communicating modeling capabilities, limitations, and potentially useful observations.
If a field study proceeds, serve as mission scientist by providing real-time forecast updates and go/no-go input, and directing pilots and instrument operators on where to sample.