26-121 Numerical Weather Prediction Analyst

Colorado State University; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks an expert to lead design and evaluation of real-time and retrospective MPAS-based experiments, guiding model development with scientific feedback for regional and global forecast systems.

The role requires a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science or related field (or MS with substantial post-M.S. experience) and strong Fortran/C++, Python, Linux, and HPC skills. Remote work options are discussed; onsite in Boulder, CO is possible.

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in numerical weather prediction testing, evaluation, and verification, including planning, coordinating, managing, and executing numerical weather prediction model experiments.
• At least two years of experience in Fortran and/or C++, Python, high-performance computing, and Linux computing environments.
• Experience communicating scientific results, such as through conference presentations, seminars, technical reports, and/or publications.

Responsibilities

• Designs, conducts, and evaluates hypothesis-driven experiments to quantify forecast errors in regional and global forecast systems.
• Contributes to leading the planning, maintenance, and execution of real-time and retrospective forecast systems.
• Provides scientific feedback to inform current and future development activities.
• Serves as a subject-matter expert on observations to inform model development and verification.
• Formulates, executes, and tracks priorities for physics and model development.
• Prepares briefing materials and publications for internal meetings and conferences.

Skills

Numerical weather prediction

Fortran

C++

Python

Linux

HPC

Education

Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science

M.S. in Atmospheric Science

B.S. in Atmospheric Science

Job description

Position Summary

The individual in this position will lead the design and evaluation of output from real-time and retrospective, hypothesis-driven numerical weather and Earth system prediction model experiments. The outcomes of these experiments will be used to inform developments necessary to improve the forecast skill and physical fidelity of the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS)-based numerical weather and Earth system prediction models developed by GSL, including regional forecast systems such as NOAA's Rapid Refresh Forecast System and future global forecast systems. The individual in this position will work closely with model developers on designing appropriate experiments, interpreting results, and translating results into scientific feedback to inform model development priorities. This position will report to the Ensemble Prediction Scientist.

Essential Job Duties

• In collaboration with model developers, designs, conducts, and evaluates hypothesis-driven experiments to quantify forecast errors in regional and global, deterministic and ensemble, physics-based and data-driven weather forecast systems and/or test and evaluate improvements proposed to reduce those errors.


• Contributes to leading the planning, maintenance, and execution of real-time and retrospective regional and global deterministic and ensemble forecast systems.


• Provides scientific feedback to inform current and future development activities.


• Serves as a subject-matter expert on routine and field-campaign observations from in situ and remotely sensed platforms to inform model development and verification.


• Contributes to formulating, executing, and tracking priorities for physics and model development for regional and global deterministic and ensemble forecast systems.


• Prepares briefing materials and presentations for branch management, internal meetings, conferences, and workshops, and regularly publishes scientific content.

Conditions of Employment

While an onsite presence at GSL in Boulder, CO, is preferred, remote work options will be considered. If onsite, if project circumstances allow and with satisfactory performance, up to 2 days per week of telework may be allowed. This full-time position requires a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI), tier 1 federal background check and a NOAA Common Access Card (CAC) ID badge for systems access. Therefore, only US citizens and lawful permanent residents with a physical USCIS "Green Card" are eligible.

Supervision

The individual in this position may eventually supervise up to two employees, as the project expands and funding is maintained.

Education Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science or related field;


• a M.S. in Atmospheric Science or related field and at least two years of relevant post-M.S. experience;


• a B.S. in Atmospheric Science or related field and at least five years of relevant post-B.S. experience

Other Requirements

• At least two years of experience in numerical weather prediction testing, evaluation, and verification, including planning, coordinating, managing, and executing numerical weather prediction model experiments.


• At least two years of experience in Fortran and/or C++, Python, high-performance computing, and Linux computing environments.


• Experience communicating scientific results, such as through conference presentations, seminars, technical reports, and/or publications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience running and evaluating the output from numerical weather prediction models to test scientific hypotheses.


• Knowledge of state-of-the-art regional and/or global numerical weather prediction models.


• Knowledge of deterministic and/or ensemble forecast system verification techniques.


• Knowledge of ensemble forecast system design and verification.


• Knowledge of the availability and strengths/weaknesses of observations from in situ and/or remotely sensed platforms as it relates to numerical weather prediction model development and evaluation.

Salary Range

$90,000 - $105,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.