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 to atmospheric 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 several components of the atmospheric data assimilation system in the context of 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 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 and test atmospheric data assimilation components for use in the UFS. In particular, the candidate will focus on the evaluation of the components of the Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI) project for use in global numerical weather prediction applications at NCEP.

The successful candidate will work in the following areas:

• Assist in development, evaluation, testing, and transition of JEDI-based developments for replacement of current atmospheric assimilation infrastructure (GSI-based).
• Develop and support atmospheric model interface within the JEDI infrastructure.
• Test and evaluate JEDI-based algorithm developments for use in future operational NWP applications.
• Assist in coordination of JEDI-related development activities from other EMC developers.
• Utilize JEDI infrastructure to explore data assimilation research activities relevant to future transition-to-operations of operationally relevant data assimilation research.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

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

Required:

• Knowledge of data assimilation techniques (variational-based and/or ensemble methods)
• Knowledge of the physical and mathematical basis of geophysical modeling (atmospheric and/or environmental) and experience running advanced numerical weather prediction (NWP) models
• 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.
• Experience with coupled earth system models.
• Knowledge of 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.
• Experience in model development in various infrastructures like the Earth System Modeling Framework (ESMF) and NOAA Environmental Modeling System (NEMS)

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 (please indicate in your cover letter).

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.