Scientist on EarthCARE Lidar Data Assimilation

The role

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated scientist to advance our exploitation of satellite data in the ECMWF’s global forecasting systems. The role is to work on the first-ever operational NWP monitoring and assimilation of space-borne cloud profiling data using measurements from the ESA-JAXA EarthCARE satellite, recently launched in May 2024. The successful candidate will exploit novel aerosol, cloud and precipitation-related observations from EarthCARE with a focus on lidar measurements, by further developing existing observation operators, optimizing the assimilation system, performing assimilation experiments and evaluating the impact on the analysis and forecasts. Once benefit has been shown, EarthCARE data will be included in the ECMWF 4D-Var data assimilation system to directly improve operational global numerical weather prediction. 

The successful candidate will work with a small team on the ECMWF-led monitoring and assimilation component of the European Space Agency (ESA) funded Data, Innovation and Science Cluster (DISC) for the EarthCARE satellite. The aim of the DISC is to make new observational products exploitable as soon as possible after their launch and to make innovative use of the new information to push forward science and development. The DISC includes over 15 partners from across Europe, therefore some travel to meetings is expected.  

About the team

This position is based in the Physical Processes Team, responsible for the improved representation of atmospheric processes in the ECMWF forecast model and the exploitation of cloud and precipitation related observations for assimilation and model evaluation. The team is part of the Earth System Modelling Section of the Research Department. The successful candidate will report to the Physical Processes Team Leader and will work in close collaboration with teams in the Earth System Assimilation Section.  

At ECMWF, you will find a passionate community, collectively aiming to build world-leading global Earth system models for numerical weather prediction. This effort supports ECMWF’s strategy of producing cutting‐edge science and world-leading weather predictions and monitoring of the Earth system.

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 

Main duties and key responsibilities

• Performing EarthCARE lidar data quality monitoring and reporting results to the EarthCARE DISC  
• Optimizing the assimilation system for the EarthCARE observations through adjustments to observation operators, observation error definition, bias corrections, quality control and screening 
• Performing assimilation experiments working towards operational use of the EarthCARE lidar observations 
• Assist in the evaluation and improvement of physical processes in the ECMWF model using EarthCARE observations 
• Preparation and timely delivery of project deliverables for the EarthCARE DISC 
• Communicating and documenting scientific results and software developments in technical reports, journal publications, conferences and project meetings as appropriate 

What we are looking for 

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive and constructive approach 
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision, but also dedicated and enthusiastic about teamwork with willingness to work in close collaboration with other scientists, teams and sections  
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 
• Highly organised with the capacity to work on a diverse range of tasks to tight deadlines, flexible approach and the ability to adapt to changing priorities

Education

• Advanced university degree (EQ7 level or above) in a physical, mathematical or environmental science, or equivalent professional experience

Experience, knowledge and skills 

• Experience with remote sensing of aerosols, cloud and/or precipitation, preferably with lidar and/or radar 
• Experience in handling large observational and/or modelling datasets and their statistical analysis 
• Strong programming skills, ideally in Python, Fortran, and UNIX shell scripting or equivalent 
• Experience of working with Earth System models and/or data assimilation 

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 and interviews will be conducted 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-PS 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:     18-months initially, with high expectation of a further period to end May 2027

Location:                      Reading, UK or 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:

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.