Support Scientist for JEDI Data Assimilation Transition to Operations

Lynker Technologies; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Lynker Technologies is seeking a Support Scientist for JEDI Data Assimilation Transition to Operations in College Park, MD to support the NWS Office of Modeling and Development. The role focuses on developing, testing, and transitioning JEDI-based components for operational weather prediction.

Ideal candidates have experience with data assimilation, programming in Python/C++/Fortran, UNIX, and strong English communication.

Qualifications

• Experience with variational or ensemble data assimilation methods.
• Knowledge of geophysical modeling and numerical weather prediction concepts.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, and Fortran within UNIX environments.
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and transition JEDI-based components to replace current assimilation infrastructure.
• Coordinate JEDI-related development across OMD and external collaborators.
• Evaluate JEDI data assimilation algorithms for operational NWP applications.
• Support observation modeling, quality control, and bias correction within JEDI.
• Collaborate with OMD scientists to test atmosphere data assimilation components.

Skills

Data assimilation

JEDI

Python

C++

Fortran

UNIX scripting

English communication

Tools

FORTRAN

Python

C++

UNIX

Job description

Lynker Technologies

Support Scientist for JEDI Data Assimilation Transition to Operations

US-MD-College Park

College Park, MD

Job ID: 2026-1699

Type: Full-Time

# of Openings: 1

Overview

Lynker is looking for a Support Scientist for JEDI Data Assimilation Transition to Operations to support the Office of Modeling and Development (OMD) of the National Weather Service (NWS) in carrying out research, development, and operational transition work related to atmospheric data assimilation for operational applications of the Unified Forecast System (UFS). The candidate’s work will involve the development, execution, testing, and evaluation of several components of the atmospheric data assimilation system in the context of numerical weather prediction. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in Satellite Radiance Data Assimilation.

Responsibilities

The candidate will perform the job duties in a collaborative environment, assisting developing and applying innovative methods for the primary work areas described below. The candidate will work with OMD scientists and external collaborators to develop and test atmospheric data assimilation components for use in the UFS. In particular, the candidate will focus on the evaluation of the components of the Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI) project for use in global numerical weather prediction applications at NCEP.

Duties of the Support Scientist for JEDI Data Assimilation Transition to Operations will include the following:

• Assist in development, evaluation, testing, and transition of JEDI-based developments for replacement of current atmospheric assimilation infrastructure (GSI-based).
• Transition observation modeling, quality control and bias correction to JEDI.
• Develop and support atmospheric model interface within the JEDI infrastructure.
• Test and evaluate JEDI-based algorithm developments for use in operational NWP applications.
• Assist in coordination of JEDI-related development activities from other OMD developers.
• Utilize JEDI infrastructure to explore data assimilation research activities relevant to future transition-to-operations of operationally relevant data assimilation research.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The Support Scientist for JEDI Data Assimilation Transition to Operations selected should have the following:

• Knowledge of data assimilation techniques (variational-based and/or ensemble methods).
• Knowledge of the physical and mathematical basis of geophysical modeling (atmospheric and/or environmental) and experience running advanced numerical weather prediction (NWP) models.
• Knowledge and experience of modern programming languages such as object-oriented FORTRAN, Python, and/or C++.
• Experience working in a UNIX environment with advanced scripting languages
• Good oral and written communication skills in English.

The Ideal Support Scientist for JEDI Data Assimilation Transition to Operations will have the following:

• Advanced knowledge of satellite radiance data assimilation.
• Knowledge of radiative transfer and experience with radiative transfer modeling for data assimilation, such as the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) or Radiative Transfer for TOVS (RTTOV).
• Experience in running numerical models on High Performing Computer (HPC) platforms using MPI, OpenMP, Slurm, LSF, etc.
• Experience with coupled earth system models.
• Knowledge of modern software engineering practices (requirements gathering, design, prototyping, version control, integration, testing, and documentation).
• Experience in model testing and evaluation and/or knowledge of verification principles.
• Experience in model development in various infrastructures like the Earth System Modeling Framework (ESMF) and NOAA Environmental Modeling System (NEMS)

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.

• 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.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.