DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) is leading the development and implementation of new research and applications capabilities focused on extreme weather and climate events in the U.S. and abroad. CW3E is developing and implementing weather and climate observations, numerical models, and decision support tools focused on atmospheric and land-surface conditions related to extreme events and their impacts. CW3E is an interface between UCSD departments, other universities, and local, state, and federal agencies in the operation, utilization, and expansion of a new state-of-the-art weather observing network recently deployed in California. Efforts by CW3E include scientific research, technology development, numerical model development and testing, and development/deployment of smart tools that aid decision makers affected by extreme weather, water, and climate events. CW3E carries out its goals with a diverse network of research and operational partners at several other institutions across the U.S. and internationally. Individuals will be joining a group of Postdoctoral scholars and graduate students, and several experienced faculty, researchers, and staff at Scripps who are involved with CW3E.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Precipitation and Geohazard Scientist ("Scientist"), working closely with the leads for Precipitation Science and Prediction, Modeling and Data Assimilation, AQPI, and Verification, will foster collaboration, lead research projects, and contribute to proposal development across groups at CW3E and with external collaborators.

The Scientist conducts and manages research related to precipitation extremes, variability, and predictability that leads to improved understanding of precipitation science, informs near-real time model development, improvement, and implementation, and summarizes weather model performance and verification statistics. Research will focus on atmospheric rivers and other storm types producing extreme precipitation, as well as precipitation-induced geohazards including (but not limited to) post-fire debris flows. Research involves the manipulation of large numerical weather and climate modeling output and observations, including CW3E's West-WRF model and field/radar observations, to conduct case studies, model validation, and model verification to identify sources of model errors and modeling aspects that could be improved. Furthermore, the Scientist leads and contributes to outlooks and post-event summaries.

The Scientist may provide expertise and leadership in the development of state-of-the-art modeling systems, both deterministic and ensembles, and contribute to research and real-time modeling operations. In addition, coordinates and manages meteorology- and verification-related projects and tasks under the California Atmospheric Rivers Program and Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations Program at CW3E in collaboration with other Group Leads and FIRO Project Managers. Leverages experience in data analysis, web development, and stakeholder engagement to strategically contribute to development and maintenance of products and tools featured on the CW3E website. Provides input to management for strategic growth of research efforts, computing platforms and resources, ongoing efforts to improve data management procedures, and optimization of models and programs on current servers.

The Scientist communicates research results via conference presentations, scientific publications, and technical reports, as well as non-technical interactions such as engagement with sponsors, stakeholders, and communities. Finally, the Scientist is committed to supporting staff growth, mentorship and training of early-career scientists and post-doctoral scholars, and highly collaborative work environments.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. Master's degree or PhD in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, climate science or related field preferred.

• Thorough knowledge of research function. Extensive experience as an independent researcher in areas of synoptic meteorology, mesoscale meteorology, applied climatology, or hydrometeorology and as it pertains to the study of precipitation processes and predictability.

• Thorough skills associated with statistical analysis and systems programming. Experience in scientific programming including, but not limited to, Python, MATLAB, NCL and other common programming languages or mapping software in geoscience (e.g., ArcGIS/QGIS). Familiarity with and experience in analyzing gridded meteorological data (e.g., GRIB, NetCDF, etc). Experience using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or other programming languages for web development.

• Knowledge of operational forecasting models and products. Knowledge of observational and reanalysis data sets as applied to the study of synoptic meteorology, mesoscale meteorology, applied climatology, and hydrometeorology

• Thorough skills in analysis and consultation. Knowledge on how to evaluate numerical weather prediction model performance, for both determinstic and probabilistic predictions.

• Skills to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing. Skills in scientific graphical representation, scientific writing and experience presenting at scientific conferences (poster, and oral presentations).

• Skills in project management. Strong time management skills. Can prioritize tasks. Meets deadlines.

• Research skills at a level to evaluate alternate solutions and develop recommendations. This includes proposing new analyses, new conceptual ideas, or new workflow recommendations.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including thoughtfulness, diplomacy and flexibility with the ability to work independently or within a team framework in conjunction with principles of community with staff, faculty, researchers, and students.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Some weekend and holiday work may be required.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.