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 Western US. CW3E is developing and implementing weather and climate observations, numerical models, machine learning methods, 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 around the country, 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 to be undertaken by the CW3E Center will include scientific research, technology development, numerical and machine learning model development and testing, and development/deployment of smart tools that aid decision makers affected by extreme weather, water, and climate events. A key activity of the CW3E Center is the development of methods and systems to aid future reservoir operations for flood control, water supply, and ecosystems. In addition, CW3E is an international leader in atmospheric rivers research.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The scientist will apply their background and expertise in computational science to develop, support, and execute projects of broad scope and complexity that addresses CW3E's objectives. A particular emphasis will be on the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) data driven models for weather/climate modeling and prediction, and on developing insights for model interpretability.

Develops novel post-processing methods for quantitative precipitation forecasting as well as forecasting other relevant variables, e.g., temperature, integrated water vapor transport for the benefit of water management. Leads and contributes to proposals, reports and peer-reviewed scientific journal publications as needed, may give technical presentations to associated research and technology groups and management, and represent the organization at national and international meetings, conferences, and committees. Contributes to ongoing efforts on the strategic growth of computing platforms and resources and improvement of data management procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Experience in implementing machine learning methods in weather/climate research, analysis of dynamical model (e.g., WRF) outputs, and publishing research results.

• Thorough skills associated with statistical analysis and systems programming. Strong experience in scientific programming, working in a Unix environment, and with scripting languages such as Python, R, or Matlab is highly desirable.

• Experience using common machine learning software (Tensorflow, Keras, PyTorch, Scikit-Learn, etc.) on cloud computing environments (AWS, Azure, etc.).

• Thorough skills in analysis and consultation. Experience in handling numerical weather prediction model simulations, and developing methods for deterministic and probabilistic predictions of hydrometeorological variables.

• Knowledge of operational forecasting models and products from NOAA and ECMWF. Knowledge of observational and reanalysis data sets relevant to US West coast meterology and climate.

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

• Thorough knowledge of research function. In-depth experience as an independent researcher.

• Skills in project management. Strong time management skills. Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet 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

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