Research Fellowship Use of Satellite Microwave Radiances in NWP (ECMWF)

The role:

This exciting EUMETSAT Fellowship position is based at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) in Reading, United Kingdom, aimed at the enhanced exploitation of satellite sounding data from polar-orbiting satellites for Numerical Weather Prediction. The focus will be radiance products from passive microwave sounders, providing key information on temperature and humidity in clear, cloudy, and rainy conditions. These radiances are leading contributors to today’s weather forecast skill, and an optimised and extended use of these observations is an ongoing priority for Numerical Weather Prediction centres. The successful candidate will play an important role in the early exploitation of the Microwave Sounder (MWS) on-board EUMETSAT’s Second Generation polar system. They will join a dedicated team in the Earth System Assimilation Section of the Research Department at ECMWF, working at the forefront of the use of satellite data for Numerical Weather Prediction.

About ECMWF:

ECMWF is a world leader in Numerical Weather Predictions providing high-quality data for weather forecasts and environmental monitoring. As an intergovernmental organisation, we collaborate internationally to serve our members and the wider community with global weather predictions, data, and training activities that are critical to contribute to safe and thriving societies.

Our vision: The strength of a common goal

Our mission: Deliver global numerical weather predictions focusing on the medium-range and monitoring of the Earth system to and with our Member States.

Duties:

• General enhancement of the assimilation of microwave sounder radiances in the ECMWF system, including the refined treatment of uncertainties, data sampling, and observation operator developments;
• Research regarding the extended use of sounding radiances in challenging conditions, such as extensions to the all-sky use of radiances (i.e., in clear, cloudy, and rainy conditions), or better assimilation of surface-sensitive sounding radiances over land, sea ice, and snow;
• Evaluation of radiance products from new satellites, including preparations for the use of the Microwave Sounder (MWS) on EPS-SG;
• Real-time monitoring and assessment of the quality of radiance products from microwave sounders on different polar-orbiting satellites (Metop, NOAA, S-NPP, JPSS, FY-3, etc.) in the operational ECMWF assimilation system;
• Updates of the assimilation of radiance observations in line with operational system changes and support of radiance data usage in re-analysis activities.

Skills and Experience:

• The Fellow should have a good university degree in Physics, Maths, or Meteorology or equivalent and relevant research experience, ideally including PhD or equivalent study. Experience in satellite data analysis, data assimilation, and/or radiative transfer is particularly desirable.
• Strong computing skills are essential, as the job will involve (a) understanding and modifying the forecasting system, which is mainly written in Fortran-90 and Unix scripts, and (b) making statistical analyses and scientific figures using tools like Python, IDL, or Metview.
• The role requires strengths in scientific analysis, synthesis and presentation, and effective time-management skills are highly desirable. Good interpersonal and team working skills are also required, with dedication and enthusiasm to work independently as well as in a small team.
• Candidates must be able to work effectively in English, and a good knowledge of one of the ECMWF’s other working languages (French or German) is desirable but not essential.

Employment Conditions:

The Fellowship is for a maximum of three years. The initial contract offered is for one year, with the possibility of an extension for two years. The start date is expected to be 1 September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The role is expected to be based at the ECMWF Headquarters in Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom. The successful applicant and members of their family forming part of their household will be exempt from immigration restrictions.

The successful candidate will be recruited at the A2 grade, according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations and the annual basic salary will be £73,094 net of tax . This position is assigned to the employment category STF-PS as defined in the Staff Regulations of ECMWF, with the exception of the removal expenditure which is reimbursed within the agreed ceiling laid down by EUMETSAT.

Who can apply:

Applicants are invited to complete the EUMETSAT online application form by clicking here .

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