CIRES/NOAA Global Systems Laboratory, Satellite Data Assimilation Scientist

University of Colorado System; Allenspark (CO); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation funds

Mentorship program

Transit pass

Job summary

CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder collaborates with NOAA to advance satellite data assimilation for RRFS, emphasizing MTG-IRS radiance and satellite retrievals. The successful candidate will develop, evaluate, and test assimilation procedures for satellite observations within the MPAS-JEDI RRFS framework, contributing to cutting-edge weather prediction capabilities.

The role requires a Ph.D. in meteorology or atmospheric science, strong Fortran/C++ programming skills, and experience

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a related field.
• Experience with atmospheric data assimilation and satellite radiance data is preferred.
• Strong programming skills in Fortran or C++, with proficiency in Python and shell scripting; Git experience required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test data assimilation for hyperspectral radiance from MTG-IRS and related satellite data.
• Evaluate satellite retrieval products and their impact on RRFS/MPAS-JEDI.
• Tune and optimize data assimilation within the RRFS framework.

Skills

Fortran

C++

Python

Shell scripting

Git

Education

Ph.D. in meteorology or atmospheric science

Tools

Git

Job description

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences(CIRES), a partnership of the University of Colorado Boulder andthe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has a jobopening for a Satellite Data Assimilation Scientist at theNOAA Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) located in BoulderColorado. The Data Assimilation Branch (DAB) within GSL’s Assimilation andVerification Innovation Division (AVID) develops and advances dataassimilation capabilities for operational numerical weatherprediction systems supporting a wide range of applications,including aviation, severe weather, renewable energy, and generalweather forecasting. The Rapid Refresh Forecast System (RRFS) isNOAA’s convection-allowing data assimilation and forecast systemdesigned to provide rapidly updated, high-resolution weatherforecasts over North America. In collaboration with other partners,GSL is developing and improving RRFS using the Model for PredictionAcross Scales (MPAS) and the Joint Effort for Data AssimilationIntegration (JEDI) framework. To support NOAA's GeostationaryExtended Observations (GeoXO) program, NOAA/GSL has been evaluatingthe data impact of hyperspectral infrared radiance data frompolar-orbiting satellites and is also expanding to evaluate thedata impact from geostationary hyperspectral infrared sounder data(i.e., the recently available Meteosat Third Generation InfraredSounder (MTG-IRS) data). CIRES/NOAA GSL seeks a Satellite Data Assimilation Scientist tojoin the Data Assimilation Branch and contribute to the continueddevelopment and improvement of RRFS. The scientist will develop,evaluate, and test modifications in data assimilation proceduresfor satellite and other observations in RRFS, with a particularfocus on satellite radiance data (e.g., MTG-IRS data) and satelliteretrieval products. The candidate will work collaboratively withscientists at GSL, external partners, and the broader RRFS and UFSmodeling communities. CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

CIRES is an internationally recognizedleader in innovative environmental science and research and islocated at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than900 environmental science professionals work to understand thedynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with theplanet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas ofexpertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles,air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earthsciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring asustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societalunderstanding of the Earth system.

The Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) isone of ten NOAA Research laboratories and is located in Boulder,Colorado. GSL researchers develop the-state-of-the-science decision support tools andvisualization systems and use high-performance computing technologyto support a Weather-Ready Nation. GSL strives to advance itsworkforce scientifically, technically, and professionally.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Development and testing of assimilation of hyperspectralsounding radiance from Meteosat Third Generation Infrared Sounder(MTG-IRS). (45%)
• Development and testing of assimilation of satellite retrievalproducts from Meteosat Third Generation Infrared Sounder (MTG-IRS)and other sounding retrieval data. (45%)
• Tune and optimize satellite data assimilation within theMPAS-JEDI based RRFS. (10%)

A scientist assigned at the Research Scientist II level willtake the following additional responsibilities:

• demonstration of independency and leadership.
• Contribute to the retrospective and real-time RRFS experimentsto evaluate novel weather observations and data assimilationinnovations.

A scientist assigned at the Research Scientist III levelwill further take more responsibilities as below:

• May be asked to supervise employees, lead projects.
• Substantial and unique contributions to the atmospheric dataassimilation, especially satellite data assimilation.

What You Should Know

• This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder but will be physically situated in the DavidSkaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305, on afederal research campus.
• Selected finalists will be required to pass a federalbackground check for site access.
• Foreign nationals’ access to the federal facility will belimited to weekdays, and with the presence of a federalescort.
• Due to project deliverables, the targeted start date for thisposition is by March 1, 2027.

What We Can Offer

• CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
• The annual hiring salary range for this position is $72,000-$114,000. Salary is commensurate with education and experience anddetermined based on our CIRES internal career trackclassification.
• The preferred modality for this position is either in-person orhybrid, but we may accommodate a fully remote work modality at thesupervisor’s discretion,
• Some relocation funds are available to help offset expenses,following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocationprocesses and procedures.
• CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robusttraining curriculum, opportunities for professional development,and a Mentorship Program.
• Boulder is a vibrant community withaccess to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers,lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sportsvenues.
• As an employee at CU Boulder, you will have free access to theregional public transit system, anoutstanding network of buses, and light rail systems that serviceBoulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surroundingcommunities.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we arecommitted to supporting the holistic health and well-being of ouremployees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical,dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuitionassistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for localtransit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulderoffers an inspiring academic community and access to world-classoutdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's BestLarge Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Coloradoand #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks andprograms through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be enlightened. Be unique. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Ph.D. in meteorology, atmospheric science, or relevant field ofstudy.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working on atmospheric data assimilation.

What You Will Need

• Strong programming skills in at least one modern advancedprogramming language (e.g. Fortran or C++).
• Demonstrated ability to use a version control system (e.g.Git/GitHub).
• Demonstrated ability to work in high-performance computingenvironments.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of ateam.

What We Would Like You to Have

Please note that while the position details both required andpreferred skills and experience, we invite applicants to apply evenif they do not have the preferred skills outlined in this section. If you meet the requirements and have passion for the work, you areencouraged to apply. We encourage on the job training for anyadditional skills or knowledge that become relevant to theposition.

• Experience with meteorological data assimilation (JEDI, GSI, orDART, etc.).
• Experience with analyzing satellite observations and theirimpact in data assimilation systems.
• Experience with satellite radiance data including dataassimilation work on hyperspectral radiance data (e.g.,AIRS/CrIS/IASI/MTG-IRS).
• Expertise with radiative transfer models (e.g., CRTM/RTTOV)used with satellite radiance data.
• Knowledge of satellite observations, satellite retrievals andthe associated error characteristics and averaging kernels.
• Experience with one or more of the following programminglanguages: Fortran, C++, Python, Linux Shell scriptinglanguages.
• Experience with scientific data formats (grib2, NetCDF,BUFR).
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills.