ECMWF - European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts

Reading, United Kingdom

Position information

Vacancy No.: VN15-01
Department: Research
Grade: A2 
Section: Marine Aspects
Job Ref. No.: STF-PL/15-01
Reports to: Project Leader for OOPS
Publication Date: 6 February 2015 
Closing Date: 18 March 2015

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/.

Summary of the role

The role holder will work on the Scalability Programme at ECMWF, a programme that has evolved due to the challenges faced in high parallel computing to advance high-resolution weather forecasting and big-data processing. The Scalability Programme is an exciting new initiative that will prepare for the next-generation forecasting system. The role will involve focussing on extending the existing framework to include the ocean components within the object-oriented system. The role holder will also contribute to the development of a new data assimilation framework allowing a flexible choice of algorithms based on modular components of an object-oriented system.

Main duties and key responsibilities

ECMWF recently installed its new Cray XC-30 facility with over 165,000 compute cores. Future hardware procurements will also investigate the potential of new processor types such as accelerators. Significant developments are required to take full advantage of these technologies. The computer code development targets new directions for accurate, efficient and scalable algorithms, and code structures suitable for future exa-scale high-performance computing architecture. 

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of the new data assimilation framework allowing a flexible choice of algorithms based on modular components of an object-oriented system, in collaboration with ECMWF Member States, computing centres, academia and hardware vendors The individual will work on the Integrated Forecasting System (IFS), which constitutes the basis of high-resolution forecasting and data assimilation applications. It includes atmospheric, ocean, sea-ice, wave, land and chemical components.

Key responsibilities:

• To improve scalability of the existing ocean component of the ECMWF system (NEMO/NEMOVAR);
• To develop codes, scripts and interfaces as part of an object-oriented control structure;
• To research, develop and implement methods to enhance the parallel execution of numerical algorithms specific to global data assimilation and forecasting applications.

Personal attributes

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Flexibility, with the ability to adapt to changing organisational priorities and user needs;
• Dedication and enthusiasm to work in a small team;
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach;
• The ability to communicate with and understand the complex requirements of scientists, engineers and professional staff in the deployment and documentation of software.

Qualifications and experience required

Education

A university degree, or equivalent is required (PhD would be an advantage but not essential), in a discipline related to computer science, meteorology, physics, mathematics, oceanography or engineering.

Experience

At least two years of recent experience in high-performance scientific computing.

Knowledge of oceanographic or meteorological modelling and data assimilation would be an advantage.

Experience in developing codes on high-performance computing facilities, including distributed systems.

Experience with developing and maintaining large scientific codes.

Very good knowledge of a high-level programming language, such as C++ or Fortran, and object-oriented programming.

A strong background in UNIX (and/or Linux).

An interest in identifying, investigating and resolving technical problems.

Language

Candidates must be able to work effectively in English and interviews will be conducted in English.

A good knowledge of one of the Centre’s other working languages (French or German) would be an advantage.

Other information

Grade remuneration

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 £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.

Location: The role will be based in the Reading area, in Berkshire, United Kingdom.

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.

Staff from non-ECMWF States may be considered in exceptional cases where there is a strong need for a particular competency.

Interviews for this position are expected to take place on 14 and 15 April 2015.

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

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