JOB DESCRIPTION

The role

As part of the second phase of the CAMS programme, ECMWF is leading the development and implementation of exciting new Earth monitoring services to monitor anthropogenic emissions of CO2, CH4, and various atmospheric pollutants. Using satellite-based observations (retrievals) of atmospheric concentrations for deriving emission estimates requires the development, implementation, and testing of novel data assimilation techniques to extend the capabilities of the current ECMWF data assimilation system. Monitoring emissions is important by itself, but better observation-based emission estimates will also improve the CAMS atmospheric composition forecasts. It is thus a very important aspect for CAMS going forward.

We are looking for a Team Lead of the Greenhouse Gas Aspects team in the Atmospheric Composition section. The section consists of two teams, the other being the Reactive gas & Aerosol Aspects team, which work closely together on the development of all atmospheric composition aspects of ECMWF’s Integrated Forecasting System (IFS). The current primary focus of the Greenhouse Gas Aspects team, in collaboration with the rest of the section and other ECMWF staff, is to develop the operational system for the new emission monitoring capacity within the IFS. While the focus is on CO2 and CH4, the development is being extended to also include pollutants that can be measured from space, such as NO2, CO, SO2, and aerosol.

The role will, in addition to the tasks described above, support the Head of Section with the coordination and planning of the relevant activities and closely interact with the team leader of the Reactive gas & Aerosol Aspects team. For this purpose, the successful applicant shall bring proven atmospheric data assimilation experience and ideally scientific leadership in data assimilation and/or inverse modelling for greenhouse gases and/or air quality applications. Previous experience with managing a (small) team would be an advantage.

The team/Section

The Atmospheric Composition Section oversees the development of the atmospheric composition aspects in the IFS. The role will require significant engagement with Section members and other IFS developers, externally contracted research scientists, and colleagues throughout ECMWF.

Main responsibilities:

As Senior Scientist/Team leader for Atmospheric Composition Data Assimilation, you will:

Lead the Greenhouse Gas Aspects team within the Atmospheric Composition section of ECMWF’s Research Department, including the line management of the staff members in the team
Providing support to the Head of Section with the coordination and planning of the activities related to estimating emissions and surface fluxes of atmospheric composition in the IFS
Delivering the ECMWF strategy through external and internal developments of atmospheric composition modelling and data assimilation aspects of IFS and their successful implementation in the operational production
Contribute to the technical developments required for the implementation in the ECMWF IFS of new algorithms for the estimation of natural surface fluxes and anthropogenic emissions of atmospheric composition species
Contribute to the further development of the general data assimilation methodology for atmospheric composition observations
Provide technical input into the contractual management of external CAMS contracts that are within the expertise of the successful applicant

What we’re looking for:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to motivate and encourage teams to foster an environment where process enhancements can be raised and appropriately considered
Self-motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive and constructive approach
Flexibility, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities
Attuned to the needs of the user, able to develop services and prioritise accordingly
Highly organised with the capacity to work on a diverse range of tasks to tight deadlines

Your background and experience:

In selecting the candidate for this role we’ll be looking for:

An advanced university degree (EQF Level 8) in Meteorology, Physics, Mathematics or similar subject or equivalent experience is required.
The ability to manage, motivate, and develop staff.
Experience in working with scientists/researchers or technical specialists
Demonstrated experience with atmospheric data assimilation methodologies.
Demonstrated scientific leadership in the area of atmospheric composition data assimilation and inverse modelling would be an advantage.
Experience with developing and maintaining large scientific codes in Fortran90, Python and software lifecycle maintenance in High Performance Computing environments.
Ability to work efficiently in a Linux environment is essential
Knowledge of tools and processes for software management and software quality is highly desirable
Ability to interact effectively with a range of different stakeholders (technical and non-technical audiences) across a wide range of activities.
Excellent administrative, organisational, and planning skills

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. Knowledge of one of ECMWF’s other working languages (French or German) would be an advantage.

 

 

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements