Senior Associate

CSTEP; India; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

CSTEP is seeking a Senior Associate to advance weather/chemistry transport modelling using WRF-Chem/WRF-CAMx on HPC platforms. The role includes model inter-comparison, validation with satellite and ground data, and preparing inputs for reduced-complexity models.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD in atmospheric science or related field, with 2+ years of WRF-Chem/CAMx research and strong Python/Fortran programming skills. Exposure to satellite datasets (MODIS/TROPOMI) is essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in atmospheric science, air pollution, or meteorology.
• Master’s coursework in chemistry/atmospheric chemistry and meteorology.
• At least 2 years of research experience with WRF-Chem, CAMx during PhD.

Responsibilities

• Develop, configure, and optimize regional-scale chemical transport models (WRF-Chem/WRF-CAMx) on HPCs.
• Analyse and validate model outputs against ground-based and satellite measurements.
• Create data visualisations and communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

WRF-Chem

WRF-CAMx

HPC

Satellite data

Python

FORTRAN

Shell scripting

Linux/Unix

NetCDF

HDF

GRIB

Statistics

Peer-reviewed articles

Communication

Education

PhD in atmospheric science

Master’s in chemistry/meteorology coursework

Job description

For this post, we are seeking candidates with expertise in weather/chemistry transport modelling, and satellite data analysis and visualisation. The applicant must have experience working with the Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) and/or the Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extensions (CAMx) on High-Performance Computing (HPC) platforms. She/he should also have experience working with satellite datasets (e.g. MODIS and TROPOMI) and should be proficient in high-level programming languages for data processing.

The Senior Associate will work on WRF-CAMx and/or WRF-Chem or equivalent modelling systems to perform model inter-comparison and validation using satellite/ground-based measurements, make adjustments to the model setup to improve model performance, and assist in preparing model inputs for use in reduced-complexity model(s).

Responsibilities

• Develop, configure, and optimise regional-scale chemical transport models (e.g. WRF-Chem and WRF-CAMx) on HPCs.
• Analyse and validate model outputs against ground-based and satellite measurements.
• Create data visualisations and effectively communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Generate new ideas leading to project proposals and contribute to/lead project reports/journal articles/Op-Eds, etc.
• Participate in relevant conferences and workshops, as required.

Qualifications

• PhD in a discipline related to air pollution, atmospheric chemistry, meteorology, or equivalent.
• Should have studied chemistry/atmospheric chemistry and meteorology as part of the Master's degree/PhD coursework.
• Minimum two years of research experience in WRF-Chem, CAMx and/or any chemical transport model during PhD.

Skills set

• Experience with CTMs: Hands-on experience with WRF-Chem/WRF-CAMx, or similar CTMs.
• Data Analysis Skills: Ability to analyse model outputs and validate them with measurement data using statistical methods
• Programming Skills: Proficiency in Python for data analysis and visualisation, shell scripting for running models, FORTRAN to debug model code.
• High-Performance Computing: Familiarity with Linux/Unix and running CTM simulations on HPC systems.
• Ability to handle large volume of datasets (NetCDF, HDF, GRIB, ASCII, geo-referenced data).
• Should have published peer-reviewed journal articles in international journals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings, writing reports/journal articles, and contributing to proposals.

CSTEP, one of India's top think tanks, enhances policymaking through science and technology for a sustainable, secure, and inclusive society. Grants and donations made to the organisation are eligible for exemptions u/s 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. CSTEP is also registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.