Satellite Data Assimilation Scientist

Job Description

Description

SAIC is looking for a candidate to support 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 satellite 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 innovative techniques to enhance the direct assimilation of “all-sky/all-surface” satellite radiances for use in operational environmental prediction capabilities at NCEP.  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 collaborative environment, assisting developing and applying innovative methods for the primary work areas described below. The candidate will work with EMC 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 numerical weather prediction for the medium range weather application.  In particular, the radiance assimilation component will utilize the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM).  Future assimilation related developments will leverage and contribute to the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation, including the Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI) project.

The successful candidate will work in the following areas:

• Develop new or enhance existing techniques for the improved assimilation of satellite radiance data in all sky conditions and over heterogeneous surface conditions
• Prepare, design, and advance components to enable the assimilation of data for future satellite missions for all-sky/all-surface radiances
• Design, setup, and execute impact assessment and pre-implementation testing to facilitate possible transition to operations
• Improve upon quality control, bias correction, and/or observation error specification to enhance the assimilation of all-sky/all-surface satellite radiance data

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Bachelors Degree and two plus (2+); Masters Degree and zero plus (0+) years of experience and demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas:

Required:

• Knowledge of data assimilation with focus on the satellite radiance assimilation 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 (NWP) 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

Desired:

• 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).

Candidates must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder to qualify and must live in US for 3-5 years prior to application

Overview

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation's technology transformation. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in engineering, digital, artificial intelligence, and mission solutions. Using our expertise and understanding of existing and emerging technologies, we integrate the best components from our own portfolio and our partner ecosystem to deliver innovative, effective, and efficient solutions that are critical to achieving our customers' missions.

We are more than 26,500 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a respectful work culture based on diversity, equity, and inclusion that values all contributors. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.1 billion. For more information, visit saic.com.