Physical Scientist - High-Resolution Regional Modeling for Atmospheric Rivers

Axiom Consultants; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

401(k) matching

Job summary

Axiom Consultants seeks a Physical Scientist to support the EMC of NCEP in developing high-resolution regional modeling within the Unified Forecast System (UFS). The role focuses on atmospheric physics parameterization, including PBL and cloud microphysics, with evaluation against observations and standard tools.

The position is based at the NOAA NCWCP in College Park, MD, requiring collaboration across divisions and with the broader community of weather and climate model developers.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, geophysics, applied mathematics, or a related physical science field.
• Strong knowledge of physics parameterization for earth system modeling.
• Proficiency in modern programming languages (Fortran and Python) and software development practices.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Atmospheric physics

Fortran

Python

Unix/Linux

Git and version control

Data handling (NetCDF/GRIB2)

Team collaboration

Scientific communication

Education

Master's degree or higher in atmospheric sciences or related physical science

Tools

Git

Unix shell

NetCDF/GRIB2 tooling

Job description

Overview

Axiom is looking for a Physical Scientist 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 work location is at the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP) in College Park, MD.

Responsibilities

The candidate will perform job duties both in an independent and collaborative environment, applying innovative methods for the primary work areas. The candidate will work in the EMC Physics and Dynamics Division.

The successful candidate will work in the following areas:

• 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

We are seeking a highly qualified candidate for the position, and the following qualifications are necessary for consideration:

Education:

• A Master's degree or higher in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, geophysics, applied mathematics, or a related physical science field.

Required knowledge and skills:

• 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.
• Candidates must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder to qualify and must live in the US for 3-5 years prior to application

Desired:

• 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.

Axiom offers competitive compensation packages including comprehensive medical/dental/life insurance and matching 401(k) contribution.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)