Consultant (Scientist) position on reanalysis

Reference no.: AP09-17

Location:

ECMWF Headquarters at Shinfield Park, near Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom

Environment:

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is an international organisation supported by 31 States*. Its prime objectives are the operational production of analyses, medium-range forecasts of weather and ocean waves and seasonal forecasts, as well as scientific and technical research directed to the improvement of these forecasts. ECMWF operates a large computing facility including supercomputers, data archiving systems and networks. For details see:

Main duties:

The Reanalysis Section of ECMWF is preparing for the production of an ambitious atmospheric reanalysis to replace ERA-40. The plans are to extend this new reanalysis back to the early 1900's, and to invest significant effort in the collection and preparation of newly available high-quality input observations to ensure the best possible representation of the climate evolution during the past century.

The Reanalysis Section currently comprises three scientists. Several promising funding opportunities are being pursued to add at least three more scientists within two years. The consultant will work as a member of the reanalysis team and also collaborate with other sections of the Research and Operations departments.

Main duties:

• To coordinate the collection and preparation of input data for reanalysis, including in-situ as well as space-based observations
• To develop observation-based diagnostics, refine quality control and data selection procedures, perform impact experiments, and generally improve the use of observations in reanalysis
• To actively participate in the technical development of the reanalysis system, specifically the components for observation handling
• To interact and collaborate with scientists and data providers world-wide to help improve the observational climate record

Qualifications:

PhD level or equivalent, with post-graduate experience in atmospheric data assimilation and exploitation of meteorological observations. Experience in Fortran programming as well as working with and developing complex scientific codes and systems is required. Familiarity with the main components of the global atmospheric observing system is strongly preferred.

Fluency in one of the working languages of the Centre (English, French and German) and a good knowledge of at least one of the other languages are also required.

Remuneration:

Typically within the range of £3,795.00 to £5,255.00 per month net of tax, depending upon qualifications, experience, personal situation and eligibility for expatriation allowance. A deduction of either £33.62 per beneficiary or 4.38% of the monthly remuneration will be made for the supplementary health insurance scheme.

Starting date: As soon as possible.

Length of contract: One-year with a possible extension for two further years.

Applications: Application forms in word format can be downloaded from here (162kb) and completed on-line. If you download, you may (if near to the closing date) e-mail the completed form only back to ECMWF at jobs@ecmwf.int. Please note, however, that you must still send your full application form together with all the attachments to ECMWF by post. Under no circumstances should you e-mail your attachments.

Closing date: Completed applications for this post must reach the Personnel Section of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts not later than 18 February 2010.

[Version française] [Deutsche Fassung]

* The ECMWF Member States are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

The ECMWF Co-operating States are Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Morocco, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.