ECMWF - European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts

Reading, United Kingdom

Summary of the role

The main responsibilities are to improve, optimise and develop numerical aspects of atmospheric composition modelling and to integrate model code developments.

About ECMWF

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is an independent intergovernmental organisation supported by 34 states.* It carries out scientific and technical research, collects and processes large amounts of observations, and manages a long-term archive of meteorological data on a 24/7 operational basis. For details, see www.ecmwf.int.

ECMWF has been entrusted to operate the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) and the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) on behalf of the European Commission until the end of 2020. Copernicus is the European Union (EU) flagship Earth-observation programme. The programme ensures operational monitoring of the atmosphere, oceans, and continental surfaces, and will provide reliable, validated information services for a range of environmental and security applications.

Overview of the role

The successful candidate will work on the model infrastructure used in the CAMS assimilation and forecasting system. This infrastructure builds on ECMWF’s Integrated Forecasting System (IFS). The post-holder will also help to improve the numerical aspects of atmospheric composition modelling in coordination with the other code development work at ECMWF.

Key responsibilities:

• To optimise and develop numerical solutions to enhance the efficiency of atmospheric composition modelling (for example, grids, mass conservation and solvers);
• To integrate model code developed by staff in CAMS for contributions to new system upgrades;
• To participate in work related to atmospheric composition in ECMWF’s Scalability Programme, which aims at enhancing the flexibility and performance of the IFS code and supports scientific development.

Qualifications and experience required

Education

University degree, or equivalent, in a discipline related to computer science, meteorology, physics, mathematics, or engineering.

Experience

• At least two years of recent experience in high-performance scientific computing;
• A PhD is desirable but not essential;
• Experience with geophysical fluid dynamics and numerical methods applied in atmospheric chemistry, aerosol modelling and numerical weather prediction is desirable;
• Experience in developing codes on high-performance computing facilities, including distributed systems and good understanding of I/O on these systems is desirable;
• Experience with developing and maintaining large scientific codes;
• Candidates must be able to work effectively in English and interviews will be conducted in English.

Technical skills and knowledge

• Good knowledge of object-oriented programming and a high-level programming language such as C/C++, Fortran, shell scripts, or Python;
• Strong background in UNIX systems (and/or Linux);
• A good knowledge of one of the Centre’s other working languages (French or German) would be desirable.

Personal attributes

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, preferably in an international environment;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Dedication and enthusiasm to work in a team;
• Ability to communicate with and understand the complex requirements of scientists, engineers and professional staff in the deployment of software.

Additional information

Grade and remuneration

A2, according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations.

The successful candidate will be recruited at the A2 grade and the annual basic salary will be £54,776 net of tax. This position is assigned to the employment category STF-PL as defined in the Staff Regulations.

Full details of salary scales and allowances are available on the ECMWF website at www.ecmwf.int/en/about/jobs, including the Centre’s Staff Regulations regarding the terms and conditions of employment.

Starting date

As soon as possible.

Length of contract

Four years.

How to apply

Please apply by completing the online application form available at www.ecmwf.int/en/about/jobs.

ECMWF has an Equal Opportunities Policy and applications from all suitably qualified candidates are welcome.

Staff are usually recruited from among nationals of the Member States and Co-operating States. However, applications from highly qualified candidates who come from other countries will be considered.

Closing date

The closing date for this position is 18 January 2015.

Interviews for this position are expected to take place in Reading between 4 and 13 February 2015.

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

The ECMWF Co-operating States are Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, former Yugoslav Republic ofMacedonia, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Morocco, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia.