Job reference: VN24-11
Salary and Grade: Grade A2 EUR 86,824 (Bonn, Germany) NET annual basic salary + other benefits
Deadline for applications: 15/02/2024
Department: Research
Location: Bonn, Germany
Contract type: STF-PL
Publication date: 19/01/2024
Contract Duration: 4 years with possibility of extensions

Your role 

We have a new role for a Scientist (A2) in the Atmospheric Composition Section of the Research Department, to be based in our office in Bonn, Germany. The operational forecasting of atmospheric composition with ECMWF’s Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) is a core component of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS).. The IFS is today one of the most comprehensive and advanced systems in the world for data assimilation and forecasting of global atmospheric composition, with operational outputs serving hundreds of users daily and being seen by millions (for instance through CNN, Windy, and other platforms).

You will contribute to the continuous development efforts of the IFS and the Global Fire Assimilation System (GFAS), and more specifically be responsible for the Section’s contribution to the handover of new IFS and GFAS releases to their operational implementation. The main task of the position is the integration in the IFS (including extensive testing) of the atmospheric composition code developments, which are either provided by staff at ECMWF or by external partners. Most of the partner contributions will be delivered through externally contracted activities as part of the CAMS programme and the role will also contribute to the technical management of some of these contracts. In addition, you will contribute to scientific or technical developments of the atmospheric composition aspects in the IFS in your area of expertise.

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, members from ECMWF’s IFS Section, which is responsible for the overall integration of IFS cycles and the handover to operations, and colleagues throughout ECMWF.

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 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.

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.

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

About Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS)

Copernicus is the European Union (EU) flagship Earth-observation programme. The Copernicus programme ensures operational monitoring of the atmosphere, oceans, and continental surfaces and provides reliable, validated information services for a range of environmental and security applications. Based on the exploitation of space based and in situ observations and models, Copernicus provides information services for land, marine, atmospheric and climate monitoring, as well as emergency management and security. For details see http://www.copernicus.eu

CAMS provides consistent and quality-controlled information related to air pollution and health, solar energy, greenhouse gases and climate forcing, everywhere in the world. For details, see http://atmosphere.copernicus.eu/.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) provides authoritative information about the past, present and future climate, as well as tools to enable climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies by policy makers and businesses. For details, see https://climate.copernicus.eu.

Your role: 

  • Manage the technical maintenance, implementation, and evaluation of IFS developments for atmospheric composition aspects provided by ECMWF staff and externally contracted IFS and GFAS developers.
  • Contribute to the scientific and technical development and evaluation of atmospheric composition modelling in the IFS with focus on aerosol, chemistry, or surface processes – the focus may depend on the expertise of the selected candidate.
  • Provide technical input into the contractual management of external contracts of CAMS.
  • Provide technical and scientific input to user support and training activities.

What we’re looking for:

  • Service-oriented attitude and desire to continuously improve ways of working.
  • Ability to handle multiple complex tasks and manage priorities autonomously.
  • Collaborative approach to the work.
  • Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner.
  • Dedication, passion, and enthusiasm to succeed both individually and as a fully integrated member of the team.
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills, particularly listening to and respecting the views of others.
  • Ability and willingness to collaborate with internal and external experts on related aspects of IFS development.

Your profile:

  • A university degree (EQ7 level or above) or extensive and equivalent work experience in a relevant field is required.
  • Scientific experience with atmosphere modelling and/or data assimilation is highly desirable.
  • Experience of working in a research or scientific software development environment is desirable.
  • Experience with large-scale scientific codes in high performance computing environments is an advantage.
  • Experience with programming and scripting languages, such as Fortran, Python, , C/C++ Bash or similar, in a scientific environment is essential.
  • Experience in software lifecycle maintenance is required.
  • Experience in the use of Linux/Unix for interactive work and scripting is essential.
  • Ability to interact effectively with a range of different stakeholders (technical and non-technical audiences) across a wide range of activities.
  • Candidates must be able to work effectively in English.
  • Good knowledge of one of the Centre’s other working languages (French or German) is  an advantage.

Other information

Grade remuneration:  The successful candidates will be recruited at the A2 grade, according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations. The position is assigned to the employment category STF-PL  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:  As soon as possible

Candidates are expected to relocate to the duty station. As a multi-site organisation, ECMWF has adopted a hybrid organisation model which allows flexibility to staff to mix office working and teleworking, including away from the duty station (within the area of our member states and co-operating states).

Interviews by videoconference (MS Team) are expected to take place shortly after the closing date.

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: 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, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

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.