Physical Scientist for EVU Regional Verification

Lynker; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

PTO

401(k)

ESOP

Tuition assistance

Spot bonuses

Job summary

Lynker is seeking a Physical Scientist for EVU Regional Verification to join NOAA/NWS OMD's Evaluation and Verification Unit. The role advances object-oriented verification, develops convective-scale workflows, and evaluates AI-driven forecast systems.

You will collaborate across agencies on QPF verification and contribute to METplus development. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in numerical model analysis, strong Python in HPC, and experience with METplus and meteorological data formats like

Qualifications

• MS in atmospheric sciences or related field with 7+ years of model analysis experience.
• Proven experience with object-oriented verification methods and high-resolution NWP evaluation.
• Extensive Python experience in HPC UNIX environments for metrics and plotting.
• GitHub proficiency for code versioning and collaboration.
• Experience with GRIB2, NetCDF, HDF, BUFR and METplus.
• Strong communication and collaboration across interagency teams.
• Basic knowledge of HTML/JavaScript for web-based plotting.

Responsibilities

• Object-Oriented & High-Resolution Model Verification: apply methods to evaluate model performance.
• Convective & Rapid-Refresh Workflow Development: craft automated verification workflows.
• Liaison on NBM and NDFD verification topics with focus on QPF.
• AI & Next-Gen Model Evaluation: develop metrics for AI/ML verification (e.g., HRRRCast).
• METplus Community Contributions: enhance metrics, code, and graphics for METplus.
• Support MEG and present findings at technical/status meetings.

Skills

Python (HPC)

METplus MODE

GitHub

GRIB2/NetCDF/HDF/BUFR

HTML/JavaScript plotting

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in atmospheric sciences or related field

Tools

METplus

GrADS

GEMPAK

MATLAB

HTML

JavaScript

Unix/Linux HPC

Job description

Overview

Lynker, a Federal Government Contractor, is seeking talented Physical Scientist for EVU Regional Verification to join the Evaluation and Verification Unit (EVU) within the NOAA/NWS Office of Modeling and Development (OMD). Working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment, this position will advance object-oriented verification techniques, support customized workflows for regional and convective-scale models, and evaluate next-generation AI-driven forecast systems. The scientist will serve as a key technical liaison for quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF) verification topics while contributing to the community-based METplus software framework and supporting operational model evaluation efforts.

Responsibilities

Duties of the Physical Scientist for EVU Regional Verification will include the following:

• Object-Oriented & High-Resolution Model Verification: Investigate and apply object-oriented verification methods (e.g., METplus MODE) to evaluate high-resolution model performance and improve spatial skill assessment.
• Convective & Rapid-Refresh Workflow Development: Work closely with developers on systems like RRFS, REFS, and WoFS to create customized, automated verification workflows tailored specifically for model development purposes.
• Interagency & Operational Liaison: Act as a key technical liaison between the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) and EVU/OMD on National Blend of Models (NBM) and National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD) verification topics, with a primary focus on quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF).
• AI & Next-Gen Model Evaluation: Develop advanced metrics and methods for high-resolution AI/ML model verification and evaluation (e.g., HRRRCast).
• Community Software & METplus Collaboration: Actively support and contribute innovative verification metrics, code enhancements, and graphics capabilities to the community-based METplus verification framework.
• Operational & Science Team Support: Support the team's Model Evaluation Group (MEG) efforts, interact with NWS/NCEP domain scientists, adhere to NOAA/NWS IT policies, and regularly present findings at technical and status meetings.

Qualifications

The Physical Scientist for EVU Regional Verification selected should have the following:

• An M.S. (or equivalent experience) in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, scientific programming, mathematics, or a related physical science with 7+ years of experience in numerical model analysis, evaluation, or verification.
• Demonstrated experience using object-oriented verification techniques (such as METplus MODE) and evaluating high-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) models.
• Extensive experience working with Python in a high-performance computing (HPC) UNIX environment to calculate verification metrics and generate custom visual plots.
• Demonstrated proficiency using GitHub to manage software repositories, code versions, and collaborative projects.
• Proven experience working with common meteorological data formats (e.g., GRIB2, NetCDF, HDF, BUFR) and model verification software systems (specifically METplus).
• Strong team-player mindset with demonstrated skill in communicating technical results effectively across interagency teams, developers, and operational forecasters.
• Some knowledge of using web page technology and common languages (e.g., HTML, Javascript) to display plots of verification data.
• Ability to analyze/plot and verify model output independently.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex problems.

The Ideal Physical Scientist for EVU Regional Verification will have the following:

• Experience developing customized verification workflows or evaluation tools for convective-scale/rapid-refresh models and ensembles (e.g., RRFS, REFS, WoFS, or HRRR).
• Familiarity with evaluating AI/ML weather models (e.g., HRRRCast) or developing new metrics for machine learning forecast systems.
• Experience in precipitation verification topics (QPF) and working with operational datasets/systems like the National Blend of Models (NBM) or National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD).
• Knowledge of Fortran, web technologies (HTML, JavaScript) for web page plotting, or legacy display tools (GrADS, GEMPAK, MATLAB).
• Familiarity with National Weather Service operational centers, OMD workflows, or operational forecasting environments.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated skill in performing tasks requiring organization and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of statistical principles and strong analytical skills.
• A passion for the National Weather Service mission.

• Ability to accept assigned tasking, but also engage as a creative self-starter.
• Driven by curiosity and willing to try new techniques and learn new skills.
• Ability to remain flexible as projects and tasks evolve.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities - creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.