Physical Scientist for Atmospheric Wind Data Assimilation

Lynker Technologies Physical Scientist for Atmospheric Wind Data Assimilation US-MD-College Park Job ID: 2026-1685 Type: Full-Time # of Openings: 1 College Park, MD Overview Lynker is seeking a talented Physical Scientist for Atmospheric Wind Data Assimilation, to support a long term contract with the Office of Modeling and Development (OMD) of NOAA’s 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 atmospheric wind data, specifically, aircraft winds, ocean surface winds and atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs), derived from infrared, microwave, and GNSS-RO measurements made by geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites, as well as space-borne or airborne lidar measurements.

The ideal Physical Scientist for Atmospheric Wind Data Assimilation, will be capable of working a hybrid schedule, with the work location being the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP) in College Park, MD. Remote may be considered for the right candidate. Responsibilities The candidate will perform the job duties in a collaborative environment, assisting in 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 ocean surface wind and AMVs data assimilation capabilities for use in applications of the UFS, with emphasis on global atmospheric data assimilation systems. 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 Atmospheric Wind Data Assimilation will include the following: Develop new or enhance existing techniques for the improved assimilation of atmospheric wind data, including aircraft winds, ocean surface winds and AMVs. Prepare, design, or enhance existing components to enable the assimilation of wind observations and AMVs derived from future satellite missions (infrared, microwave, GNSS-RO) and airborne/space-borne lidar.

Improve upon quality control and observation error specification, including through the use of AI/ML techniques, to enhance the assimilation of atmospheric wind data and AMVs. Design, setup, and execute impact assessment and pre-implementation testing to facilitate transition to operations. Qualifications The Physical Scientist for Atmospheric Wind Data Assimilation selected should have the following: Background in atmospheric science, numerical weather modeling, and meteorological satellite data analysis.

Knowledge of atmospheric data assimilation with focus on the assimilation of wind observations, satellite radiances, or AMVs 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. 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 Atmospheric Wind Data Assimilation will have the following: Experience in atmospheric wind data assimilation with global and regional atmospheric data assimilation systems. Experience in running numerical models on High Performing Computer (HPC) platforms using MPI, OpenMP, Slurm, LSF, etc.

Familiarity with variational data assimilation techniques. Experience with space-borne or airborne wind measurements made from microwave, infrared, or GNSS-RO data. Experience with coupled earth system models. Knowledge of modern software engin