Scientist – ECMWF

ECMWF  Vacancy – Scientist – Arctic Prediction and Diagnostics

Application deadline 27th February 2017

The successful candidate will perform research on the sensitivity of global model performance to surface-atmosphere process coupling, and on identifying key sources of model errors in the Arctic. He or she will also assess the predictability of extreme weather events in the Arctic. The outcome of these studies will contribute to the Horizon 2020 project APPLICATE (Advanced Prediction in Polar Regions and beyond: modelling, observing system design and Linkages associated with a Changing Arctic climaTE).  The Scientist will work in the diagnostic team to develop tools for the evaluation of surface-atmosphere interactions in the Earth system.

APPLICATE supports research and development for the activities of the YOPP (Year of Polar Prediction, one of the flagship activities of the WMO World Weather Research Program’s Polar Prediction Project (PPP) and the diagnostic tools will also be used to characterize errors in snow depth forecasts related to the Horizon 2020 project IMPREX (Improving predications and management of hydrological extremes).

Main duties and key responsibilities:

• Developing the diagnostics and tools to monitor the Earth system with particular focus on coupling (atmosphere, ocean, sea-ice, snow, land) in the Arctic
• Evaluating polar specific model developments
• Diagnosing the predictability of severe weather events in the Arctic and investigating connections between the Arctic and mid latitudes
• Using independent data sets and observations, together with statistics from data assimilation and ensemble prediction, to evaluate the quality of initial conditions and forecasts

Qualifications and experience required

• Education:
  • A university degree or equivalent is required.
  • A PhD is desirable but not essential.
• Experience:
  • Experience in evaluating interactions between atmosphere and ocean/snow/sea-ice/land.
  • Experience with ocean and/or atmospheric modelling.
  • Experience with analysing large data sets.
• Knowledge and skills (including language)
  • Knowledge of probabilistic Earth system forecasting and predictability concepts.
  • Very good programming and scripting skills.
  • Candidates must be able to work effectively in English and interviews will be conducted in English.
  • A good knowledge of one of the Centre’s other working languages (French or German) would be an advantage.

Starting date: As soon as possible.

Length of contract: 30 months, or longer if funding is available, but not beyond 31 October 2020.

Location: The position will be based in the Reading area, in Berkshire, United Kingdom.

Grade remuneration: A2 grade, according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations and the annual basic salary will be £56,487 net of tax.

More details can be found here:

http://www.ecmwf.int/en/about/jobs/jobs-ecmwf