Support Scientist – JEDI Data Assimilation Transition to Operations

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

📋 Description

• Assist the Office of Modeling and Development at the National Weather Service with research, development, and operational transition tasks related to atmospheric data assimilation.

• Design, implement, test, and assess components of the atmospheric data assimilation system for numerical weather prediction.

• Collaborate with OMD scientists and external partners to create and evaluate atmospheric data assimilation components for the Unified Forecast System.

• Analyze components of the JEDI project for global numerical weather prediction applications at NCEP.

• Aid in the development, assessment, testing, and transition of JEDI-based advancements to replace the current GSI-based infrastructure.

• Transition observation modeling, quality control, and bias correction processes to JEDI.

• Develop and maintain the atmospheric model interface within JEDI.

• Test and assess JEDI-based algorithm advancements for operational NWP applications.

• Assist in coordinating JEDI-related development efforts from other OMD developers.

• Utilize JEDI infrastructure to investigate data assimilation research pertinent to future operational transitions.

• Perform additional duties as required.

⛳️ Requirements

• Understanding of data assimilation techniques, including variational-based and/or ensemble methods.

• Familiarity with the physical and mathematical principles of geophysical modeling, particularly in atmospheric and/or environmental contexts.

• Experience in executing advanced numerical weather prediction (NWP) models.

• Proficiency in modern programming languages such as object-oriented FORTRAN, Python, and/or C++.

• Experience operating in a UNIX environment with advanced scripting languages.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in Satellite Radiance Data Assimilation.

• Advanced knowledge of satellite radiance data assimilation techniques.

• Understanding of radiative transfer and experience with radiative transfer modeling for data assimilation, including CRTM or RTTOV.

• Experience executing numerical models on HPC platforms using MPI, OpenMP, Slurm, LSF, etc.

• Familiarity with coupled earth system models.

• Knowledge of contemporary software engineering practices, including requirements gathering, design, prototyping, version control, integration, testing, and documentation.

• Experience in model testing and evaluation and/or understanding of verification principles.

• Experience in model development within infrastructures such as ESMF and NEMS.

🏝️ 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 plan that is regularly adjusted against industry and location benchmarks.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

• Flexible spending accounts.

• Employee assistance program (EAP).

• Short- and long-term disability insurance.

• Life and accident insurance policies.

• Tuition assistance, training, and workforce improvement reimbursement annually.

• Spot bonuses awarded for exceptional performance.

• Annual Employee Recognition Awards accompanied by bonuses.

• Employee Referral Program.

• Free access to a centralized, self-directed Learning Management System.

• Tailored career growth plans for every employee.