LIFT Data Analyst (Scientist IV)

FWI (FedWriters, Inc.); Norman (OK); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Long-term and Short-term Disability

Life Insurance

401(k) Plan

Holiday Pay

Paid Time Off

Job summary

FWI (FedWriters, Inc.) is seeking a LIFT Data Analyst to support NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, Oklahoma. You will lead scanning strategy development and analyze data from NSSL's pulsed Doppler wind LiDAR to advance the LIFT project and VORTEX-USA program.

The role requires 8+ years of experience in meteorology or atmospheric science, with heavy emphasis on data workflows, field data processing, and collaboration with field teams.

Qualifications

• MA/MS in meteorology, atmospheric science, or related field (PhD preferred).
• 8+ years of professional and/or academic experience.

Responsibilities

• Test, analyze, and implement scanning strategies using NSSL's pulsed Doppler wind LiDAR in support of NSSL research goals.
• Develop workflows to process, synthesize, and analyze existing NSSL lidar observations collected for LIFT.
• Collaborate with lidar manufacturer to incorporate updates and implement custom data collection solutions.
• Analyze LIFT LiDAR observations leading to peer-reviewed publication.
• Contribute to a modeling study on tornado-scale processes guided by LIFT LiDAR observations.
• Provide technical documentation for development activities.
• Prepare quarterly status reports and AMS-guided reports for conferences.

Skills

Python

Data analysis

Education

MA/MS in meteorology, atmospheric science

PhD preferred

Tools

HPC resources

Job description

As FWI's LIFT Data Analyst supporting NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) in Norman, Oklahoma, you will lead the development of scanning strategies and analyze data collected using NSSL's pulsed Doppler wind LiDAR in support of the Low-level Internal Flows in Tornadoes (LIFT) project and the broader VORTEX-USA program. Your work will help answer one of the most persistent questions in severe storms research: what's really happening in the lowest levels of the atmosphere near and within a tornado? From field deployments to peer-reviewed publications, you'll be at the center of NSSL's next generation of tornado-scale science.

Work Schedule and Location

Hybrid: This full-time hybrid position will work Monday through Friday, 8 AM CST to 5 PM CST, with 90% at National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), National Weather Center, Norman, Oklahoma, or designated field deployment locations.

Responsibilities

• Test, analyze, and implement scanning strategies using NSSL's pulsed Doppler wind LiDAR in support of NSSL research goals Develop workflows to process, synthesize, and analyze existing NSSL lidar observations collected for LIFT
• Work with the lidar manufacturer to incorporate updates and implement custom solutions for increasing the effectiveness of data collection and analysis
• Analyze LIFT LiDAR observations leading to one peer-reviewed publication
• Lead or contribute to one modeling study on tornado-scale processes guided by LIFT LiDAR observations
• Contribute to NSSL field data collection and collaborative research efforts led by other scientists
• Provide technical documentation (e.g., schematics, code repositories, test reports) for development activities
• Prepare quarterly reports of status
• Write a brief report following AMS guidelines and prepare a conference-style presentation outlining the experimental design and results; present to project stakeholders and at a national or international conference if possible

Required Qualifications

• MA/MS in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a related field (PhD preferred)
• 8+ years of professional and/or academic experience

Desired

• Experience collecting and processing meteorological field data, preferably from remote sensing systems
• Experience conducting rigorous scientific analysis of meteorological data
• Familiarity with Python and/or other coding languages for data workflows and analysis
• Ability to work as part of a technical team, preferably for field data collection
• Familiarity with field project design and management
• Established record of leading scientific research and publishing result

Work Setting And Environment

• Primary location: National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), National Weather Center, Norman, Oklahoma, or designated field deployment locations
• Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day / 40 hours per week, excluding federal holidays; field data-collection activities may require irregular hours during active severe weather events
• Remote work arrangements must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR); on-site presence may be required based on mission, field operations, collaboration, or security needs
• Local and non-local travel may be required, not anticipated to exceed 5% annually; all unplanned travel must be approved in writing by the COR at least 10 calendar days in advance
• Must complete an online IT security awareness course within one week of starting work
• Foreign national candidates are subject to export control review and require CO/COR approval prior to consideration
• Government-furnished equipment provided, including access to HPC resources, specialized mobile observation platforms, laboratory test equipment, computers, and office workspace, as applicable

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Why Join Our Team

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

Pay Range

$83,000.00 to $87,000.00