Scientist on Coupled Satellite Data Assimilation (Sentinel-1)

The role

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, innovative scientist to advance our exploitation of satellite data in ECMWF’s coupled global forecasting system. The main role will be to develop and adapt the current ocean wave data assimilation system to enable both the monitoring and assimilation of Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) wave spectra information. This work will be part of a new project with the European Space Agency (ESA) with the aim to establish the forecast impact of the Sentinel-1 SAR information, and its potential introduction into the operational assimilation system at ECMWF. It is expected that experience with the Sentinel-1 SAR data on this project will be a good preparation for future SAR missions, such as the Copernicus L-band SAR, ROSE-L.  

In addition to the SAR work, the successful candidate will also maintain and develop the operational wave data assimilation system, to ensure the effective and timely use of new and existing altimeter information in both the ECMWF operational Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) and reanalysis systems. The successful candidate is expected to have a good understanding of data assimilation techniques and/or ocean wave modelling, and should have a strong background in scientific programming.        

The role will be based in a team dedicated to advancing the exploitation of actively sensed observations. The position is partially funded by ESA as part of the Data Assimilation and Numerical Testing for Copernicus EXpansion missions (DANTEX) initiative.  DANTEX is a three-year project funded by the European Space Agency to establish scientific and technical capability for Copernicus missions, notably the Copernicus Expansion Missions CIMR, CRISTAL and LSTM, and also the existing Sentinel-1 mission, which is currently under exploited in Numerical Weather Prediction. This phase of DANTEX will run from late in 2024 to late in 2027 and future phases are foreseen (subject to funding).   

The team

The successful candidate will join the Actively Sensed Observation Team, dedicated to the advanced exploitation of satellite observations for NWP. Specifically, this team is responsible for assimilation of observations that improve the initial conditions used to produce ocean wave forecasts. The team is part of the Earth System Assimilation Section in the Research Department of ECMWF. The Section is responsible for developing and optimising ECMWF’s assimilation system, one of the most advanced systems for the exploitation of satellite data for operational NWP and reanalyses. There will be strong collaboration with other teams across ECMWF, particularly the Ocean Modelling Team. 

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

• Develop the ECMWF ocean wave data assimilation system to enable the monitoring and assimilation of SAR wave spectra information from Sentinel-1. Investigate the forecast impact of this data
• Ensure timely delivery of relevant results to the European Space Agency
• Communicate and document scientific results and software developments in technical reports, journal publications, conferences and meetings as appropriate
• Maintain and develop the operational wave data assimilation system to ensure the effective use of new and existing altimeter measurements
• Support ocean wave data assimilation work related to ECMWF reanalysis activities

What we are looking for

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

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive and constructive approach
• Ability to work both independently and as part of multidisciplinary and geographically distributed teams
• Flexibility, to adapt to changing priorities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work efficiently and complete diverse tasks in a timely manner

Education and experience

• The candidate should have a PhD or equivalent proven research experience in Earth System Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

Knowledge and skills

• Good understanding and experience of data assimilation and/or ocean wave modelling
• Some experience with altimeter or SAR measurements for ocean wave forecasting applications
• Strong programming skills, ideally in Fortran, Python, and UNIX shell scripting or equivalent
• Experience with performing statistical analyses and preparing scientific reports/figures
• Experience with working on high-performance computing platforms in Unix/Linux-based environments would be an advantage
• 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.

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:             1st October 2024

Length of contract:  3 years

Candidates are expected to relocate to the duty station.

Interviews by videoconference (MS Team) are expected to be arranged within a month of the closing date. 

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, as well as from all EU Member 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.