Scientist - Arctic Prediction and Diagnostics

About ECMWF

ECMWF is both a research institute and a 24/7 operational service, producing and disseminating numerical weather predictions to its Member States. ECMWF carries out scientific and technical research directed to the improvement of its forecasts, collects and processes large amounts of observations, and manages a long-term archive of meteorological data. Satellite and in situ observations provide the information for up-to-date global analyses and climate reanalyses of the atmosphere, ocean and land surface. For details, see www.ecmwf.int/.

Summary of the role

The position is in the Evaluation Section of the Forecast Department. The Scientist will work in the diagnostic team to develop tools for the evaluation of surface-atmosphere interactions in the Earth system. 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). 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). EUROPEAN CENTRE FOR MEDIUM-RANGE WEATHER FORECASTS – VACANCY VN17-01


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

Personal attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach
• Dedication and enthusiasm to work in a team
• Ability to work efficiently and complete diverse tasks in a timely manner

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.

Other information

Grade remuneration The successful candidate will be recruited at the A2 grade, according to the scales of the Coordinated Organisations and the annual basic salary will be £56,487 net of tax. This position is assigned to the employment category STF-PL as defined in the Staff Regulations. Full details of salary scales and allowances are available on the ECMWF website at www.ecmwf.int/en/about/jobs, including the Centre’s Staff Regulations regarding the terms and conditions of employment.

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.

How to apply

Please apply by completing the online application form available at www.ecmwf.int/en/about/jobs.

ECMWF has an Equal Opportunities Policy and applications from all suitably qualified candidates are welcome. Staff are usually recruited from among nationals of the following Member States and Co-operating States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Applicants from other countries may be considered in exceptional cases.