Scientist/Senior Scientist – Atmospheric physical processes in data assimilation

The role

We are looking for a highly motivated (Senior) Scientist to work on the representation of the physical parametrisation schemes of the Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) in the data assimilation configuration, the development of enhanced physical parametrisation schemes, and the handling and understanding of information from new observation systems, such as EarthCARE. 

The successful candidate will maintain and enhance the tangent linear (TL) and adjoint (AD) model code of the IFS that can be used during the minimisation process of 4DVar data assimilation. The development of a world-leading linear model not only contributes greatly to the high quality of ECMWF’s analysis products, it can also lead to improvements and simplifications of the non-linear model. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with the data assimilation teams and is essential both for the operational analysis to create initial conditions for operational weather prediction and for reanalysis products such as ERA6. The work requires both technical expertise to create stable and resilient model configurations and a good understanding of the underlying physical processes and mathematical algorithms of the IFS.

The successful candidate will also take a leading role in the analysis of new observational products. The candidate is expected to take a coordinating role for ECMWF’s efforts in the European Space Agency (ESA) funded Data, Innovation and Science Cluster (DISC) for the EarthCARE satellite, a multi-instrument platform with radar and lidar, recently launched in May 2024. The aim is to make new observational products exploitable as soon as possible after launch and to use the new information from observing systems to improve the physical parametrisation schemes of the IFS (clouds, convection, microphysics and turbulence).

This position is based in the Physical Processes Team, responsible for the improved representation of atmospheric processes within the ECMWF IFS. 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 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 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 a main office in Reading, UK, a data centre/ supercomputer in Bologna, Italy, and a large presence in Bonn, Germany. We appreciate the need for flexibility in the way our staff work. We have  adopted a hybrid work model that allows flexibility to staff to mix office working and teleworking, including away from the duty station for up to 10 days/month (within the area of our member states and co-operating states).

See www.ecmwf.int for more info about what we do.  

Main duties and key responsibilities

• Maintain and update the TL and AD model code for the physical parametrisation schemes of the IFS. This includes the maintenance of the existing approach for TL/AD generation and testing, but also the exploration of new methods including automatic differentiation and deep learning emulation
• Play a coordinating role in the EarthCARE DISC at ECMWF and lead the interactions between ECMWF and ESA
• Use the insight and information from new observational products to improve the physical parametrisation schemes of the IFS, in particular for cloud microphysics and turbulence schemes

What we are looking for

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to improve models and tools
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision, but also dedicated and enthusiastic about teamwork with willingness to work in close collaboration
• Ability to maintain effective communication and documentation of scientific results
• Highly organised with the capacity to work on a diverse range of tasks to tight deadlines

Education/experience/knowledge and skills (including language)

• Advanced university degree (EQ7 level or above) in a physical, mathematical or environmental science, or equivalent professional experience
• Experience in Earth system modelling and the generation of tangent linear and adjoint model code
• Experience in the handling of observational data and the translation of insights into improved models and data assimilation for numerical weather prediction
• Expertise in numerical weather prediction and operational weather products is desirable
• Candidates must be able to work effectively in English

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t feel you meet precisely all these criteria.

Other information

Grade remuneration:  The successful candidate will be recruited at the A2 or A3 grade, according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations and the selection of whether this becomes an A2 or A3 post will be based upon the experience of the candidate being offered the post and the level to which they met the duties and attributes of the position.  The position is assigned to the employment category STF-C  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:               01 April 2025

Length of contract:     Four years, with the possibility of further contracts

Candidates are expected to relocate to the duty station. 

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.

Successful applicants and members of their family forming part of their households will be exempt from immigration restrictions.

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 Co-operating States.  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. 

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, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.