Scientist - Modelling of Atmospheric Composition

Your role 

We have a new role for a Scientist (A2) in the Atmospheric Composition Section of the Research Department, to be based in our office in Bonn, Germany. The operational forecasting of atmospheric composition with ECMWF’s Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) is a core component of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). 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).

You will contribute to the further development of the atmospheric composition modelling code of the IFS. The IFS includes specific schemes for the modelling of aerosols, chemical species, and some of the major greenhouse gases. To further improve these schemes and their interaction with the meteorological model components, you will work in close collaboration with staff at ECMWF but also with external partners. Most of these partner contributions are delivered through externally contracted activities as part of the CAMS programme, which are guided by ECMWF staff. Your role will ensure that the atmospheric composition modelling in the IFS and therefore the daily CAMS global forecasts will remain and define the state of the art.

About the Section

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.

About ECMWF

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is a world-leader in weather and environmental forecasting. As an international organisation we serve our members and the wider community with global weather predictions and data that is critical for understanding and solving the climate crisis. We function as a 24/7 research and operational centre with a focus on medium and long-range predictions, holding one of the largest meteorological data archives in the world. The success of our activities builds on the talent of our scientists and experts, strong partnerships with 35 Member and Co-operating States and the international community, some of the most powerful supercomputers in the world, and the use of innovative technologies and machine learning across our operations. ECMWF is a multi-site organisation, with a main office in Reading, UK, a data centre/supercomputer in Bologna, Italy, and a large presence in Bonn, Germany.  

ECMWF has also developed 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. Other areas of work include High Performance Computing (HPC) 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. 

For additional detail about ECMWF, see www.ecmwf.int 

About Copernicus

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) service provides consistent and quality-controlled information related to air pollution and health, solar energy, greenhouse gases and climate forcing, everywhere in the world. For details, see https://atmosphere.copernicus.eu

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) service provides authoritative information about the past, present and future climate, as well as tools to enable climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies by policy makers and businesses. For details, see https://climate.copernicus.eu

Main duties and key responsibilities

• Contribute to the scientific and technical development and evaluation of atmospheric composition modelling in the IFS with focus on aerosol, chemistry, or greenhouse gases - the focus may depend on the expertise of the selected candidate. This includes the modelling of emissions and deposition of atmospheric constituents
• Support the new activities on AI/ML for atmospheric composition with the expertise of aerosol and reactive gases modelling
• Provide technical input into the contractual management of external contracts of CAMS 
• Provide technical and scientific input to documentation, user support and training activities

What we're looking for

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive and constructive approach
• Flexibility, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of multidisciplinary and geographically distributed teams
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Highly organised with the capacity to work on a diverse range of tasks to tight deadlines

Education

• An advanced university degree (EQF Level 7 or above) in Meteorology, Physics, Mathematics or similar subject or equivalent experience is required
• A PhD in a related subject or equivalent experience is desirable

Experience

• Experience in atmospheric composition modelling is required
• Experience in programming scientific codes and running numerical simulations
• Experience with Fortran90, Python and software lifecycle maintenance is required
• Experience contributing to open-source or large-scale projects, involving multiple software components would be an advantage

Knowledge and 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 don’t feel you meet precisely all these criteria.

Candidates must be able to work effectively in English . A good knowledge of one of the Centre’s other working languages (French or German) is an advantage.

Other information

Grade remuneration    The successful candidate will be recruited at the A2 grade, according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations. ECMWF also offers a generous benefits package, including a flexible teleworking policy. The position is assigned to the employment category STF-PL 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, including the ECMWF Staff Regulations and the terms and conditions of employment.

Starting date:               As soon as possible 

Contract duration:       Until 30 September 2028 with the possibility of further contracts subject to funding

Location:                       Bonn, Germany    (Candidates are expected to relocate to the duty station)

As a multi-site organisation, ECMWF has adopted a hybrid working model that allows flexibility to staff to mix office working and teleworking. We allow for remote work 10 days/month away from the office, 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 the apply button below. 

At ECMWF, we consider an inclusive 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 Cooperating States, listed below, as well as from all EU Member States:

ECMWF Member and Co-operating States are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey 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.