Research Fellowship Use of Satellite Microwave Radiances in NWP (ECMWF)

VN 25/15 Research Fellowship Use of Satellite Microwave Radiances in NWP (ECMWF)

This exciting role is based at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) in Reading, United Kingdom, and aimed at the enhanced exploitation of satellite sounding data from polar-orbiting satellites for Numerical Weather Prediction. The focus will be radiance products from passive microwave sounders, providing key information on temperature and humidity in clear, cloudy and rainy conditions. These radiances are leading contributors to today’s weather forecast skill, and an optimised and extended use of these observations is an ongoing priority for Numerical Weather Prediction centres. The successful candidate will play an important role in the early exploitation of the Microwave Sounder (MWS) on-board EUMETSAT’s Second Generation polar system. They will join a dedicated team in the Earth System Assimilation Section of the Research Department at ECMWF, working at the forefront of the use of satellite data for Numerical Weather Prediction.

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 the 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 vision: The strength of a common goal

Our mission: Deliver global numerical weather predictions focusing on the medium-range and monitoring of the Earth system to and with our Member States 

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.

Duties

General enhancement of the assimilation of microwave sounder radiances in the ECMWF system, including the refined treatment of uncertainties, data sampling, and observation operator developments; Research regarding the extended use of sounding radiances in challenging conditions, such as extensions to the all-sky use of radiances (ie in clear, cloudy, and rainy conditions), or better assimilation of surface-sensitive sounding radiances over land, sea ice, and snow; Evaluation of radiance products from new satellites, including preparations for the use of the Microwave Sounder (MWS) on EPS-SG; Real-time monitoring and assessment of the quality of radiance products from microwave sounders on different polar-orbiting satellites (Metop, NOAA, S-NPP, JPSS, FY-3, etc.) in the operational ECMWF assimilation system; Updates of the assimilation of radiance observations in line with operational system changes and support of radiance data usage in re-analysis activities.

LOCATION

Reading, United Kingdom

QUALIFICATIONS

University degree in Physics, Maths or Meteorology or equivalent and relevant research experience, ideally including PhD or equivalent study.

LANGUAGES

Candidates must be able to work effectively in English, both verbally and written, and some knowledge of one of ECMWF’s other working languages (French or German) is desirable but is not essential.

DEADLINE

16 March

Duties

General enhancement of the assimilation of microwave sounder radiances in the ECMWF system, including the refined treatment of uncertainties, data sampling, and observation operator developments; Research regarding the extended use of sounding radiances in challenging conditions, such as extensions to the all-sky use of radiances (ie in clear, cloudy, and rainy conditions), or better assimilation of surface-sensitive sounding radiances over land, sea ice, and snow; Evaluation of radiance products from new satellites, including preparations for the use of the Microwave Sounder (MWS) on EPS-SG; Real-time monitoring and assessment of the quality of radiance products from microwave sounders on different polar-orbiting satellites (Metop, NOAA, S-NPP, JPSS, FY-3, etc.) in the operational ECMWF assimilation system; Updates of the assimilation of radiance observations in line with operational system changes and support of radiance data usage in re-analysis activities.

Skills and Experience

The Fellow should have a good university degree in Physics, Maths or Meteorology or equivalent and relevant research experience, ideally including PhD or equivalent study. Experience in satellite data analysis, data assimilation and/or radiative transfer is particularly desirable. Strong computing skills are essential, as the job will involve (a) understanding and modifying the forecasting system, which is mainly written in Fortran-90 and Unix scripts, and (b) making statistical analyses and scientific figures using tools like Python, IDL or Metview. The role requires strengths in scientific analysis, synthesis and presentation, and effective time-management skills are highly desirable. Good interpersonal and team working skills are also required, with dedication and enthusiasm to work independently as well as in a small team. Candidates must be able to work effectively in English and a good knowledge of one of the ECMWF’s other working languages (French or German) is desirable but not essential.

Employment Conditions

The Fellowship is for a maximum period of three years. The initial contract offered is for one-year, with the possibility of an extension for two years. The start date is expected to be 1 September , or as soon as possible thereafter.

The role is expected to be based at the ECMWF Headquarters in Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom. The successful applicant and members of their family forming part of their household will be exempt from immigration restrictions.

The successful candidate will be recruited at the A2 grade, according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations and the annual basic salary will be£73, net of tax. This position is assigned to the employment categorySTF-PSas defined in the Staff Regulations of ECMWF, with the exception of the removal expenditure, which will be reimbursed within the agreed ceiling laid down by EUMETSAT.

Full details of salary scales and allowances are available on the ECMWF website at including the ECMWF’s Staff Regulations regarding the terms and conditions of employment.

EUMETSAT is committed to providing an equal opportunities work environment for men and women.
Please note that only nationals of EUMETSAT Member States may apply. The EUMETSAT Convention requires that Staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, account being taken of the international character of EUMETSAT.