Physical Scientist - Data Assimilation - Lynker Corporation

Overview

Lynker is seeking a candidate to support the Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) in carrying out research, development, and operational transition work related to data assimilation for future operational applications of the Unified Forecast System (UFS). The candidate's work will involve the development, execution, testing, and evaluation of background error covariance modeling for numerical weather prediction. The work location is at the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP) in College Park, MD.

Responsibilities

The candidate will perform the job duties in a high-quality, independent, and collaborative way, assisting in managing projects and developing and applying innovative methods for the primary work areas described below. The candidate will work with EMC scientists and external collaborators to develop advanced background error covariance models for use in the data assimilation capabilities for UFS applications. In particular, the primary work area will focus on development of background error covariance methods in the Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI) framework for use in the Global Forecast System (GFS).

The successful candidate will work on the following scientific and engineering tasks:

• Advance the development of the background error covariance modeling capabilities in JEDI;

• Assist in development, evaluation, testing, and transition of JEDI-based developments for atmospheric data assimilation;

• Test and evaluate JEDI-based algorithm developments for use in future operational NWP applications;

• Optimize scientific and computational performance of variational solvers in JEDI for global NWP;

• Utilize JEDI infrastructure to explore data assimilation research activities relevant to future transition-to-operations of operationally relevant data assimilation research.

Qualifications

A Master's Degree or higher in atmospheric sciences or meteorology, physical oceanography, or related physical science with at least 2 years of experience in numerical prediction and analysis systems.

Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in at least five of the following areas:

• Expert knowledge of the physical and mathematical basis of geophysical modeling.

• Advance knowledge of data assimilation with focus on background error covariance modeling

• Experience in model development in various infrastructures

• Advanced 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

• Experience in working with HPC platforms (MPI, OpenMP, etc.)

• Modern software engineering practices (requirements gathering, design, prototyping, version control, integration, testing, and documentation).

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

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment on complex problems.

• Good oral and written communication skills in English

• Demonstrated skill in performing tasks requiring organization and attention to detail.

Candidates must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder to qualify (please indicate in your cover letter).

TO APPLY:

In your cover letter, please indicate the following information:

1) Timeline of availability

2) Citizenship Status

3) Salary requirements for considerations

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small 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 and diverse professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.