Physical Scientist for High-Resolution Regional Modeling for Atmospheric Rivers

Lynker Technologies; College Park (MD); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Personalized career growth plans

Job summary

Lynker Technologies seeks a Physical Scientist to advance high-resolution regional modeling for atmospheric rivers, supporting EMC of NCEP. The role emphasizes evaluating planetary boundary layer parameterizations, cloud processes, and air-sea interactions using tools like MetPlus and NetCDF data.

The position offers a hybrid work arrangement: two days per week at the NCWCP College Park office and three days remote, collaboration across research and operations teams to improve models for U.S.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, geophysics, or related physical science field.
• Advanced knowledge of physics parameterization for earth system modeling applications.
• Advanced skills in modern programming languages, especially Fortran and Python.
• Proficient with GitHub/Git version control and environment.
• Experience in UNIX environment and shell scripting.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Familiar with data formats like NetCDF and GRIB2.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve the accuracy and efficiency of PBL parameterizations for various UFS applications.
• Improve the physical parameterizations and earth system model components in the UFS.
• Collaborate with community developers to advance physics for weather and climate modeling across scales.

Skills

Fortran

Python

Git

UNIX

Shell scripting

Communication

Education

Master's degree in atmospheric sciences or related field

Tools

GitHub/Git

MetPlus

NetCDF/GRIB2

Job description

Lynker Technologies

Physical Scientist for High-Resolution Regional Modeling for Atmospheric Rivers

US-MD-College Park

Job ID: 2026-1705
Type: Full-Time
Number of Openings: 1
College Park, MD

Overview

Lynker is seeking a sharp Physical Scientist for High-Resolution Regional Modeling for Atmospheric Rivers to support the Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) in developing high-resolution regional modeling applications within the Unified Forecast System (UFS) for prediction of atmospheric rivers and their impacts on the U.S. West Coast. The candidate is expected to conduct scientific experiments with various atmospheric physical parameterization including the planetary boundary layer (PBL), cloud microphysics and air-sea interactions, and evaluate the results using standard verification tools (e.g., MetPlus) and in-situ observations (e.g., Atmospheric River Reconnaissance Data) . UFS is a fully coupled earth system model including atmosphere, land, ocean, ice, wave, and aerosol components. UFS is configured for different operational and research applications which cover a variety of temporal and spatial scales. The Ideal Pphysical Scientist for High-Resolution Regional Modeling for Atmospheric Rivers will be able to work a hybrid schedule, working 2 days per week from the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP) office in College Park, MD, and the remaining 3 days per week from home.

Responsibilities

Duties of the Physical Scientist for High-Resolution Regional Modeling for Atmospheric Rivers will include the following:

The Physical Scientist selected will perform job duties both in an independent and collaborative environment, applying innovative methods for the primary work areas seen below:

• Maintain and improve the accuracy and efficiency of PBL parameterizations for various UFS applications.
• Improve the physical parameterizations and earth system model components in the UFS.
• Collaborate with community developers to advance physics for weather and climate modeling across scales.

Qualifications

The Physical Scientist selected should have the following:

• A Master's degree or higher in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, geophysics, applied mathematics, or a related physical science field.
• Advanced knowledge of physics parameterization for earth system modeling applications.
• Advanced skills and knowledge of modern programming languages and object-oriented languages, such as Fortran and Python;
• Proficient with modern software development practices, such as the GitHub/Git version control software and environment;
• Experience working in a UNIX environment and familiarity with shell scripting languages and running complex jobs.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in a team environment and communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.
• Familiar with various scientific data formats like NctCDF and GRIB2 and has experience analyzing large scientific datasets.

The Ideal Physical Scientist will have the following:

• Experience with developing and/or applying Atmospheric Single Column Models (SCM).
• Experience with operational NWP and/or an operational forecasting environment.
• Experience in testing and evaluating SCM and 3D models using both conventional and satellite observations.

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:

• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer

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

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.