Physical Scientist for All-sky and All-surface Radiance Satellite Data Assimilation

The candidate’s work will involve the development, execution, testing, and evaluation of innovative techniques to enhance the direct assimilation of “all-sky/all-surface” satellite radiances for use in operational environmental prediction capabilities at OMD. The Ideal Physical Scientist for All-sky and All-surface Radiance Satellite Data Assimilation, will be local to the DC Metro area, and be able to work a hybrid schedule, working 2 days per week in office out of the College Park, MD location, and working from home the remaining 3 days of the week.

The Physical Scientist for All-sky and All-surface Radiance Satellite Data Assimilation will perform the job duties in a collaborative environment, assisting 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 all-sky/all-surface satellite radiance data assimilation capabilities for use in applications of the UFS, with emphasis on global medium range numerical weather prediction. In particular, the candidate will utilize the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM). 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 All-sky and All-surface Radiance Satellite Data Assimilation will include the following:

• Develop new or enhance existing techniques for the assimilation of microwave radiance data made by prototype and operational low Earth orbit satellites such as the Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) in all sky conditions and over heterogeneous surface conditions.
• Improve upon quality control, bias correction, and/or observation error specification, including through the use of AI/ML techniques, to enhance the assimilation of all-sky/all-surface satellite radiance data and AMVs.
• Design, setup, and execute impact assessment and pre-implementation testing to facilitate transition to operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Physical Scientist for All-sky and All-surface Radiance Satellite Data Assimilation selected should have the following:

• Knowledge of data assimilation with focus on the assimilation of satellite 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.
• Advanced knowledge of radiative transfer and experience with radiative transfer modeling for data assimilation, such as the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) or Radiative Transfer for TOVS (RTTOV).
• 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 All-sky and All-surface Radiance Satellite Data Assimilation will have the following:

• Experience in running numerical models on High Performing Computer (HPC) platforms using MPI, OpenMP, Slurm, LSF, etc.
• Familiarity with variational data assimilation techniques.
• Familiarity with the assimilation of satellite radiances impacted by clouds and precipitation.
• Experience with coupled earth system models.
• Knowledge of modern software engineering practices (requirements gathering, design, prototyping, version control, integration, testing, and documentation).