CIRES/ NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory, Coupled Data Assimilation Research Scientist - Posted Internal Only
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Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder seeks a Research Scientist to work in the NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory's (PSL) Modeling and Data Assimilation Division. The Research Scientist will be responsible for developing strongly coupled data assimilation methods that allow observations of the ocean (atmosphere) to impact the atmosphere (ocean) using ensemble-based estimates of error covariances. This work can include developing new localization strategies for ensemble-based data assimilation and augmenting existing algorithms with machine learning techniques. In this role, research and development will be conducted using the JCSDA Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI) framework, the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) system, and the NOAA Unified Forecast System (UFS).
Who We Are
CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is a research institute within the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 800 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.
Our mission is to conduct scientific research to observe, understand, model, predict and forecast weather, water and climate extremes and their impacts. Our vision is an informed society that uses science-based environmental intelligence to effectively anticipate and respond to threats and opportunities related to weather, water and climate extremes. Our research goals are as follows:
- Rigorously characterize and predict weather, water, and climate extremes and their uncertainties to support NOAA's mission.
- Develop new process understanding, observing, and modeling capabilities to predict conditions associated with too much or too little water for early warning, preparedness, resource management, and adaptation.
- Improve monitoring and prediction of weather, climate, and water conditions impacting marine resources.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Collaborate with PSL scientists to enable strongly coupled data assimilation capabilities with JEDI and the coupled UFS model, allowing cross-component covariances to update the coupled model states;
- Collaborate with PSL scientists to develop machine learning technologies that will enable coupled data assimilation at a lower computational cost than existing technologies;
- Test the coupled data assimilation framework developed above in multi-year experiments with a prototype system, assimilating a subset of the full global observing system to update the atmosphere and ocean states;
- Work with other PSL scientists to document and present the results in the form of journal articles, seminars, and conference presentations;
- Work with scientists at PSL and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) to further develop the coupled data assimilation framework for use in operational global prediction.
What You Should Know
- This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder but will be located at the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO.
- If you are the selected finalist, you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access. Non-US citizens without green cards may have limited building access, and require an escort in the building.
- Normal working hours will be observed except for occasional irregular hours during data collection or conferences/workshops conducted at remote sites.
- Some travel may be required, at the level of 1-3 trips/year.
What We Can Offer
- CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
- The annual hiring salary range for this position is $67,000- $83,000. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
- Relocation funds are available for this position following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
- This position can accommodate a hybrid work environment.
- Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues. Boulder was recently ranked as one of the top places to live in the U.S. by U.S. News.
- As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing free access to the regional public transit system, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that provide service within Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.
- CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development and a Mentorship Program.
Benefits
Be Statements
What We Require
- PhD in Atmospheric/Oceanic Sciences, Applied Mathematics, or a related field of study.
- Experience developing data assimilation systems and research software.
What You Will Need
- Ability to work independently and as part of an inclusive and collaborative team.
- Ability to write journal articles and prepare presentations for conferences and seminars.
- Some travel may be required, at the level of 1-3 trips/year.
What We Would Like You to Have
We invite applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this section. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.
- Experience with ensemble-based data assimilation methods.
- Familiarity with high-performance computing and command line tools (e.g., bash scripting and ssh).
- Experience using weather and climate computer model codes (e.g., general circulation models like FV3 or MOM6, or land models like Noah-MP).
- Experience with or interest in machine learning methods.
- Experience with a high-level language like Python or compiled languages like C++ and Fortran.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV
- One-page cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
- If you are selected as a finalist, we will request a letter of recommendation at a later time.
If you are selected for the position, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
Please apply by January 19, 2024 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Adam Schneider
Posting Contact Email: adam.schneider@noaa.gov