Physical Scientist

DescriptionSAIC, a Federal Government Contractor, is seeking to fill a full-time position supporting the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) at the Environmental Modeling Center (EMC). This position serves as a member of the Verification team within the Verification, Post-Processing, and Product Generation Branch (VPPPGB) in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. The incumbent will perform verification, validation, evaluation, and diagnostic studies of EMC’s Global Forecast System (GFS), using scientific analysis methods, numericalalgorithms, and advanced software tools. The incumbent will be expected to communicate scientific results via both oral presentation briefings and written reports to internal and external customers, and will have direct interaction with NOAA scientists, NCEP centers, National Weather Service (NWS) forecast offices, and academic partners. Additional responsibilities will include providing support and development of model verification graphics via the world wide web.More information about VPPPGB can be found at: work will primarily include the following responsibilities: Evaluate and assess the guidance provided by the EMC global forecast model, the Global Forecast System (GFS), including both atmospheric and marine (ocean, wave, and ice) components. Design new methods and verification tools for assessing global model results for forecasts with the EMC Verification System (EVS). Assess longer-term performance of parallel versions of the GFS using objective methods. Validate performance of new, emerging parallel versions of the GFS, using both statistical and subjective methods. Work with forecasters in the NWS field and NCEP National Centers to keep them informed of global model biases and upcoming changes, and investigate global model problems that are reported. Provide general support on verification of GFS output, including support of standard global forecast metrics used by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Maintain an ongoing archive of global model and observations data. Interact with NWS/NCEP/EMC and external partner domain scientists and engineers. Adhere to DOC/NOAA/NWS Information Technology policies and procedures. Adhere to project-specific software development guidelines and practices.Complete scientific projects in a timely fashion according to internal and external schedules. Actively contribute to review of scientific ideas at status/technical meetings. Contribute to a monthly task status report. Report regularly to senior project managers on project task completion status.QualificationsQualifications:At least an M.S. or equivalent experience in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, mathematics, or a related physical science and at least two years experience with analysis, modeling or monitoring of ensemble Earth System Models (ESM’s). Knowledge, Skills, and Requirements: Knowledge of the verification methods and techniques for verifying ensemble and deterministic Earth System Models (ESMs).. Extensive experience with working with the Python programming language in a high performance supercomputing UNIX environment, to both calculate ESM verification metrics and create custom graphical plots to view and communicate results. Knowledge of the FORTRAN computing language and graphical display programs such as GRADS, GEMPAK, MATLAB, IDL, etc. Knowledge of common meteorological data formats, such as GRIB2, NetCDF, HDF, BUFR, etc. Knowledge of model verification software systems, such as the Model Evaluation Tools (METplus). Demonstrated knowledge with using GitHub to manage software repositories and projects. Some knowledge of using web page technology and common languages (e.g., HTML, Javascript) to display plots of ESM verification data. Demonstrated skill in communicating effectively with scientists of diverse backgrounds, and the ability to present results accurately and clearly in both oral and written form. Ability to analyze/plot and verify model output independently. Ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex problems. Demonstrated skill in performing tasks requiring organization and attention to detail.Desired skills: Familiarity with ESM datasets, including observations and global models such as the Global Forecast System (GFS) and the Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS). Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated skill in performing tasks requiring organization and attention to detail. Knowledge of statistical principles and strong analytical skills. Familiarity with operational global model systems and/or an operational forecasting environment. A passion for the National Weather Service mission. Ability to accept assigned tasking, but also engage as a creative self-starter. Driven by curiosity and willing to try new techniques and learn new skills. Ability to remain flexible as projects and tasks evolve.Clearance:Candidates must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder to qualifyJob Field: Engineering and SciencesTravel: No