Physical Scientist - High-Resolution Regional Modeling for Atmospheric Rivers

Overview

Axiom is looking for a Physical Scientist to support the Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) in developing high-resolution regional modeling applications within the Unified Forecast System (UFS) for prediction of atmospheric rivers and their impacts on the U.S. West Coast. The candidate is expected to conduct scientific experiments with various atmospheric physical parameterization including the planetary boundary layer (PBL), cloud microphysics and air-sea interactions, and evaluate the results using standard verification tools (e.g., MetPlus) and in-situ observations (e.g., Atmospheric River Reconnaissance Data).UFS is a fully coupled earth system model including atmosphere, land, ocean, ice, wave, and aerosol components. UFS is configured for different operational and research applications which cover a variety of temporal and spatial scales. The work location is at the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP) in College Park, MD.

Responsibilities

The candidate will perform job duties both in an independent and collaborative environment, applying innovative methods for the primary work areas. The candidate will work in the EMC Physics and Dynamics Division.

The successful candidate will work in the following areas:

• Maintain and improve the accuracy and efficiency of PBL parameterizations for various UFS applications.
• Improve the physical parameterizations and earth system model components in the UFS.
• Collaborate with community developers to advance physics for weather and climate modeling across scales.

Qualifications

We are seeking a highly qualified candidate for the position, and the following qualifications are necessary for consideration:

Education:

• A Master's degree or higher in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, geophysics, applied mathematics, or a related physical science field.

Required knowledge and skills:

• Advanced knowledge of physics parameterization for earth system modeling applications.
• Advanced skills and knowledge of modern programming languages and object-oriented languages, such as Fortran and Python;
• Proficient with modern software development practices, such as the GitHub/Git version control software and environment;
• Experience working in a UNIX environment and familiarity with shell scripting languages and running complex jobs.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in a team environment and communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.
• Familiar with various scientific data formats like NctCDF and GRIB2 and has experience analyzing large scientific datasets.
• Candidates must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder to qualify and must live in the US for 3-5 years prior to application

Desired: 

• Experience with developing and/or applying Atmospheric Single Column Models (SCM).
• Experience with operational NWP and/or an operational forecasting environment.
• Experience in testing and evaluating SCM and 3D models using both conventional and satellite observations.