Physical Scientist for Atmospheric Wind Data Assimilation

Overview

Lynker is seeking a talented Physical Scientist for Atmospheric Wind Data Assimilation, to support a long term contract with the Office of Modeling and Development (OMD) of NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) in carrying out research, development, and operational transition work related to satellite data assimilation for operational applications of the Unified Forecast System (UFS). The candidate’s work will involve the development, execution, testing, and evaluation of innovative techniques to enhance the direct assimilation of atmospheric wind data, specifically, aircraft winds, ocean surface winds and atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs), derived from infrared, microwave, and GNSS-RO measurements made by geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites, as well as space-borne or airborne lidar measurements. The ideal Physical Scientist for Atmospheric Wind Data Assimilation, will be capable of working a hybrid schedule, with the work location being the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP) in College Park, MD. Remote may be considered for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

The candidate will perform the job duties in a collaborative environment, assisting in developing and applying innovative methods for the primary work areas described below. The candidate will work with OMD scientists and external collaborators to develop innovative ocean surface wind and AMVs data assimilation capabilities for use in applications of the UFS, with emphasis on global atmospheric data assimilation systems. The work will leverage and contribute to the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation, including the Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI) project. Duties of the Physical Scientist for Atmospheric Wind Data Assimilation will include the following:

• Develop new or enhance existing techniques for the improved assimilation of atmospheric wind data, including aircraft winds, ocean surface winds and AMVs.
• Prepare, design, or enhance existing components to enable the assimilation of wind observations and AMVs derived from future satellite missions (infrared, microwave, GNSS-RO) and airborne/space-borne lidar.
• Improve upon quality control and observation error specification, including through the use of AI/ML techniques, to enhance the assimilation of atmospheric wind data and AMVs.
• Design, setup, and execute impact assessment and pre-implementation testing to facilitate transition to operations.

Qualifications

The Physical Scientist for Atmospheric Wind Data Assimilation selected should have the following:

• Background in atmospheric science, numerical weather modeling, and meteorological satellite data analysis.
• Knowledge of atmospheric data assimilation with focus on the assimilation of wind observations, satellite radiances, or AMVs data for numerical weather prediction.
• Knowledge of the physical and mathematical basis of geophysical modeling (atmospheric and/or environmental) and experience running advanced numerical weather prediction models.
• Knowledge and experience of modern programming languages such as object-oriented FORTRAN, Python, and/or C++.
• Experience working in a UNIX environment with advanced scripting languages.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English.

The Ideal Physical Scientist for Atmospheric Wind Data Assimilation will have the following:

• Experience in atmospheric wind data assimilation with global and regional atmospheric data assimilation systems.
• Experience in running numerical models on High Performing Computer (HPC) platforms using MPI, OpenMP, Slurm, LSF, etc.
• Familiarity with variational data assimilation techniques.
• Experience with space-borne or airborne wind measurements made from microwave, infrared, or GNSS-RO data.
• Experience with coupled earth system models.
• Knowledge of modern software engineering practices (requirements gathering, design, prototyping, version control, integration, testing, and documentation)

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities - creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - we're all company owners!
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

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