Physical Scientist – EVU Regional Verification

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Maryland.

📋 Description

• Conduct research and implement object-oriented verification techniques like METplus MODE to assess the performance of high-resolution models.

• Enhance the evaluation of spatial skills.

• Collaborate with developers on RRFS, REFS, and WoFS to establish tailored, automated verification processes for model development.

• Serve as a technical intermediary between WPC and EVU/OMD regarding NBM and NDFD verification matters, with an emphasis on QPF.

• Create advanced metrics and methodologies for verifying and evaluating high-resolution AI/ML models, including HRRRCast.

• Contribute to the community-driven METplus framework by providing verification metrics, code improvements, and graphical capabilities.

• Assist the Model Evaluation Group (MEG).

• Engage with NWS/NCEP domain scientists.

• Comply with NOAA/NWS IT regulations.

• Regularly present findings during technical and status meetings.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Master's degree (or equivalent experience) in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, scientific programming, mathematics, or a related physical science with over 7 years of expertise in numerical model analysis, evaluation, or verification.

• Proven experience utilizing object-oriented verification methods such as METplus MODE.

• Background in evaluating high-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) models.

• Extensive proficiency with Python in a high-performance computing (HPC) UNIX setting.

• Experience in calculating verification metrics and producing custom visual representations.

• Skilled in using GitHub for managing software repositories, code versions, and collaborative projects.

• Familiarity with meteorological data formats, including GRIB2, NetCDF, HDF, and BUFR.

• Experience with model verification software systems, particularly METplus.

• Ability to effectively communicate technical results across interagency teams, developers, and operational forecasters.

• Knowledge of web technologies and programming languages such as HTML and JavaScript.

• Capability to analyze, plot, and verify model outputs independently.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively on complex issues.

• Ideal candidates will have experience developing customized verification processes or evaluation tools for convective-scale/rapid-refresh models and ensembles.

• Familiarity with evaluating AI/ML weather models or creating metrics for machine learning forecasting systems is a plus.

• Experience in QPF verification and familiarity with operational datasets/systems like NBM or NDFD is preferred.

• Knowledge of programming languages such as Fortran, HTML, JavaScript, GrADS, GEMPAK, or MATLAB is advantageous.

• Understanding of National Weather Service operational centers, OMD workflows, or operational forecasting environments is beneficial.

• Strong analytical skills and knowledge of statistical principles are essential.

• Must be able to accept assigned tasks and engage as a creative self-starter.

• Willingness to adapt as projects and assignments evolve.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage for the employee at no monthly cost.

• Healthcare benefits include medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.

• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy along with paid holidays.

• Highly competitive compensation package regularly adjusted based on 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 coverage.

• Tuition assistance, training, and workforce improvement reimbursement each year.

• Spot bonuses awarded for exceptional performance.

• Annual Employee Recognition Awards, including bonuses.

• Employee Referral Program.

• Access to a free, centralized, self-directed Learning Management System.

• Personalized career growth plans for all employees.

• An employee-owned business model.

• Flexible work arrangements available, including remote options.