The role
One of the core components of the CAMS service portfolio is the operational forecasting of atmospheric composition using ECMWFās Integrated Forecasting System (IFS). The IFS is today one of the most comprehensive and advanced systems in the world for data assimilation and forecasting of global atmospheric composition, with operational outputs serving hundreds of users daily and being seen by millions (for instance through CNN, Windy, and other platforms).
With the recent launches of the Meteosat Third Generation Sounder (MTG-S) and the Metop Second Generation (Metop-SG) satellite platforms hosting instruments such as Sentinel-4, Sentinel-5, 3MI, IRS, and IASI-NG, there is a wealth of new-generation satellite observations available to use in the global CAMS forecasting system. Particularly exciting is the advent of atmospheric composition data from geostationary satellites, such as Sentinel-4, that give hourly air quality information during daytime.
We are looking for two data assimilation scientists, who will contribute to the development of the atmospheric composition data assimilation aspects in the IFS with a specific focus on the implementation of these new satellite observations. The IFS includes specific schemes for representing processes related to aerosol, chemical species, and greenhouse gases and uses 4-dimensional variational (4D-Var) data assimilation to merge the model fields with satellite observations. One of the positions will focus on the data assimilation for chemical species, such as ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and others; the other position will focus on the data assimilation for aerosol. The post-holders will work with internal ECMWF staff and externally contracted experts to introduce and evaluate the new observational data streams.
The positions are in the Atmospheric Composition Section of the Research Department, with a close collaboration with relevant teams in the Research and Forecast Departments. The postholder will also collaborate with relevant space agencies, such as EUMETSAT and ESA, as well as with externally contracted entities that directly support the further development of the IFS.
Your responsibilities
To introduce and evaluate new observational data streams for aerosol and/or reactive gases in the CAMS global data assimilation and forecasting system, including their use for monitoring emissions
To maintain and further improve the 4D-Var data assimilation aspects of atmospheric composition in the IFS with a specific focus on aerosols and/or reactive gases
To contribute to the monitoring of the assimilated satellite data and the assessment of their impact in the IFS
To assist with technical tasks needed for running atmospheric composition in the IFS
To assist the CAMS user support for responding to specialised user queries
To provide technical input into the contractual management of external CAMS contracts that are within the expertise of the successful applicant
The team
The Atmospheric Composition Section oversees the development of the atmospheric composition aspects in the IFS. The role will require significant engagement with Section members and other IFS developers, externally contracted research scientists, and colleagues throughout ECMWF.
What we are looking for
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Collaborative approach to the work
Dedication, passion and enthusiasm to succeed both individually and as a fully integrated member of the team
Self-motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive and constructive approach
Flexibility, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Highly organised with the capacity to work on a diverse range of tasks to tight deadlines.
Ability and willingness to collaborate with internal and external experts on related aspects of IFS development
Your profile
Education
An advanced university degree (EQF Level 7) in Meteorology, Physics, Mathematics or similar subject or equivalent experience is required.
A PhD in a related subject or equivalent experience is desirable
Experience
Demonstrated experience with atmospheric data assimilation methodologies, such as variational methods (4D-Var) or Ensemble Kalman Filters (EnKF).
Experience of working with satellite retrievals of atmospheric composition would be an advantage
Experience with ML approaches for data assimilation would be an advantage
Experience with developing and maintaining large scientific codes in Fortran90, Python and software lifecycle maintenance in High Performance Computing environments.
Knowledge, Skills
Ability to work efficiently in a Linux environment is essential
Knowledge of tools and processes for software management and software quality is highly desirable
We encourage you to apply even if you feel you don't precisely meet all these criteria.
Candidates must be able to work effectively in English. A good knowledge of one of the Centreās other working languages (French or German) is an advantage.
About ECMWF
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is a world leader in Numerical Weather Predictions providing high-quality data for weather forecasts and environmental monitoring. As an intergovernmental organisation we collaborate internationally to serve our members and the wider community with global weather predictions, data and training activities that are critical to contribute to safe and thriving societies.
The success of our activities depends on the funding and partnerships of our 35 Member and Co-operating States who provide the support and direction of our work. Our talented staff together with the international scientific community, and our powerful supercomputing capabilities, are the core of a 24/7 research and operational centre with a focus on medium and long-range predictions. We also hold one of the largest meteorological data archives in the world.
Our mission: Deliver global numerical weather predictions focusing on the medium-range and monitoring of the Earth system to and with our Member States
Our vision: World-leading monitoring and predictions of the Earth System enabled by cutting-edge physical, computational and data science, resulting from a close collaboration between ECMWF and the members of the European Meteorological Infrastructure, will contribute to a safe and thriving society
In addition, ECMWF has established a strong partnership with the European Union and has been entrusted with the implementation and operation of the Destination Earth initiative and the Climate Change and Atmosphere Monitoring Services of the Copernicus Programme, as well as being a contributor to the Copernicus Emergency Management Service. Other areas of work include High Performance Computing and the development of digital tools that enable ECMWF to extend provision of data and products covering weather, climate, air quality, fire and flood prediction and monitoring.
ECMWF is a multi-site organisation, with its headquarters in Reading, UK, a data centre in Bologna, Italy, and a large presence in Bonn, Germany as a central location for our EU-related activities. ECMWF is internationally recognised as the voice of expertise in numerical weather predictions for forecasts and climate science.
See www.ecmwf.int for more info about what we do.
About the Copernicus Programme
Copernicus is the earth observation component of the European Union (EU) space programme. Based on the exploitation of spaced-based and in-situ (earth-based) observations and scientific models, Copernicus provides information services for land, marine, atmospheric and climate monitoring, as well as emergency management and security. These services, and their free, open and quality assured data and tools, support a range of environmental and security applications across sectors and policy domains. For details, see www.copernicus.eu
The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) provides consistent and quality-controlled information related to air pollution and health, solar energy, greenhouse gases and climate forcing, everywhere in the world. The question of the environmental impacts on human health has received growing interest in recent years, in particular during the COVID-19 crisis. The UN World Health Organisation estimates that over 7 million people worldwide (over 400.000 in Europe) die prematurely due to insufficient air quality. Improving the estimates of the exposure of populations to the main pollutants is a key objective for CAMS in order to increase awareness and support the development of more protective public policies. Another key topical area of CAMS is the estimation of emissions of greenhouse gases using observations in the atmosphere: this is essential to quantify the effectiveness of mitigation policies and guide the development of new ones at city, regional and country level. For details, see https://atmosphere.copernicus.eu
Other information
Grade remuneration: The successful candidates will be recruited according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations. ECMWF also offers a generous benefits package as defined in the ECMWF Staff Regulations. Full details of salary scales and allowances available on the ECMWF website at www.ecmwf.int/en/about/jobs.
Starting date: as soon as possible
As a multi-site organisation, ECMWF has adopted a hybrid organisation model that allows flexibility to staff to mix office working and teleworking. Staff are expected to relocate to the duty station. Staff can telework up to 10 days/month, including up to 80 days/year away from the duty station country (within the area of our member states and co-operating states).
Successful applicants and members of their family forming part of their households will be exempt from immigration restrictions. Interviews will take place via videoconference (MS Team). If you require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment process, please contact us via email: jobs@ecmwf.int
Who can apply
Applicants are invited to complete the online application form by clicking on theapplybutton below.
At ECMWF, we consider an inclusive and diverse environment as key for our success. We are dedicated to ensuring a workplace that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for all, without distinction as to race, gender, age, marital status, social status, disability, sexual orientation, religion, personality, ethnicity and culture. We value the benefits derived from a diverse workforce and are committed to having staff that reflect the diversity of the countries that are part of our community, in an environment that nurtures equality and inclusion.
Applications are invited from nationals from ECMWF Member States and Co-operating States, as well as from all EU Member States. ECMWF Member States and Co-operating States are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, TĆ¼rkiye and the United Kingdom.
In these exceptional times, we also welcome applications from Ukrainian nationals for this vacancy. Applications from nationals from other countries may be considered in exceptional cases.