Atmospheric Rivers Physical Scientist

Job Description

Description

SAIC is looking for a candidate to support the Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) in developing high-resolution regional modeling applications within the Unified Forecast System (UFS) for prediction of atmospheric rivers and their impacts on the U.S. West Coast. The candidate is expected to conduct scientific experiments with various atmospheric physical parameterization including the planetary boundary layer (PBL), cloud microphysics and air-sea interactions, and evaluate the results using standard verification tools (e.g., MetPlus) and in-situ observations (e.g., Atmospheric River Reconnaissance Data). UFS is a fully coupled earth system model including atmosphere, land, ocean, ice, wave, and aerosol components. UFS is configured for different operational and research applications which cover a variety of temporal and spatial scales. The work location is at the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP) in College Park, MD.

Job Description:

• The candidate will perform job duties both in an independent and collaborative environment, applying innovative methods for the primary work areas.
• Maintain and improve the accuracy and efficiency of PBL parameterizations for various UFS applications.
• Improve the physical parameterizations and earth system model components in the UFS. Collaborate with community developers to advance physics for weather and climate modeling across scales.

Qualifications

Required Education:

• Bachelors and two (2) years or more experience; Masters and 0 years related experience

Desired Education:

• Master's degree or higher in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, geophysics, applied mathematics, or a related physical science field. 

Required Experience:

• Advanced knowledge of physics parameterization for earth system modeling applications.
• Advanced skills and knowledge of modern programming languages and object-oriented languages, such as Fortran and Python;
• Proficient with modern software development practices, such as the GitHub/Git version control software and environment;
• Experience working in a UNIX environment and familiarity with shell scripting languages and running complex jobs.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in a team environment and communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.
• Familiar with various scientific data formats like NctCDF and GRIB2 and has experience analyzing large scientific datasets.

Desired Experience:

• Experience with developing and/or applying Atmospheric Single Column Models (SCM).
• Experience with operational NWP and/or an operational forecasting environment.
• Experience in testing and evaluating SCM and 3D models using both conventional and satellite observations.

Clearance:

• 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) and must be able to obtain a Public Trust Clearance.

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 approximately 24,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is core to our values and important to attract and retain exceptional talent. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $6.9 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.