Physical Scientist for All-sky and All-surface Radiance Satellite Data Assimilation

Lynker is looking for a Physical Scientist for All-sky and All-surface Radiance Satellite Data Assimilation to support the Office of Modeling and Development (OMD) of the National Weather Service (NWS) in carrying out research, development, and operational transition work related to satellite data assimilation for operational applications of the Unified Forecast System (UFS). The candidate’s work will involve the development, execution, testing, and evaluation of innovative techniques to enhance the direct assimilation of “all-sky/all-surface” satellite radiances for use in operational environmental prediction capabilities at OMD. The Ideal Physical Scientist for All-sky and All-surface Radiance Satellite Data Assimilation, will be local to the DC Metro area, and be able to work a hybrid schedule, working 2 days per week in office out of the College Park, MD location, and working from home the remaining 3 days of the week.

The Physical Scientist for All-sky and All-surface Radiance Satellite Data Assimilation will perform the job duties in a collaborative environment, assisting developing and applying innovative methods for the primary work areas described below. The candidate will work with OMD scientists and external collaborators to develop innovative all-sky/all-surface satellite radiance data assimilation capabilities for use in applications of the UFS, with emphasis on global medium range numerical weather prediction. In particular, the candidate will utilize the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM). The work will leverage and contribute to the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation, including the Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI) project.

Duties of the Physical Scientist for All-sky and All-surface Radiance Satellite Data Assimilation will include the following:

• Develop new or enhance existing techniques for the assimilation of microwave radiance data made by prototype and operational low Earth orbit satellites such as the Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) in all sky conditions and over heterogeneous surface conditions.
• Improve upon quality control, bias correction, and/or observation error specification, including through the use of AI/ML techniques, to enhance the assimilation of all-sky/all-surface satellite radiance data and AMVs.
• Design, setup, and execute impact assessment and pre-implementation testing to facilitate transition to operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Physical Scientist for All-sky and All-surface Radiance Satellite Data Assimilation selected should have the following:

• Knowledge of data assimilation with focus on the assimilation of satellite data for numerical weather prediction.
• Knowledge of the physical and mathematical basis of geophysical modeling (atmospheric and/or environmental) and experience running advanced numerical weather prediction models.
• Advanced knowledge of radiative transfer and experience with radiative transfer modeling for data assimilation, such as the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) or Radiative Transfer for TOVS (RTTOV).
• Knowledge and experience of modern programming languages such as object-oriented FORTRAN, Python, and/or C++.
• Experience working in a UNIX environment with advanced scripting languages.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English.

The Ideal Physical Scientist for All-sky and All-surface Radiance Satellite Data Assimilation will have the following:

• Experience in running numerical models on High Performing Computer (HPC) platforms using MPI, OpenMP, Slurm, LSF, etc.
• Familiarity with variational data assimilation techniques.
• Familiarity with the assimilation of satellite radiances impacted by clouds and precipitation.
• Experience with coupled earth system models.
• Knowledge of modern software engineering practices (requirements gathering, design, prototyping, version control, integration, testing, and documentation).

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.