Research/Project Assistantships

PhD Research Project
Microwave Integrated Retrieval System
NOAA/NESDIS/STAR
Camp Springs, MD but relocated to College Park, MD in August.
Posted 1/30/12

Location: NOAA Science Center (Camp Springs, MD), but expected relocation to the NOAA Center for Climate and Weather Prediction at U. Maryland M-Square (College Park, MD) in August 2012.
The research team for the Microwave Integrated Retrieval System (MiRS) at NOAA/NESDIS Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) is seeking a well-qualified and motivated individual, currently enrolled in an accredited Ph.D program, to take on a research project in one of several priority areas:
1. Radiometric bias correction: Research and develop methods for improving the current operational radiometric bias correction in MiRS.  The bias corrections applied, while necessary to account for differences in the observed and physically modeled brightness temperatures, also can have the effect of removing the real signal of certain surface and atmospheric parameters which can lead to difficulties in retrieving some environmental parameters.  The work would focus on developing novel methods for bias correction that mitigate these shortcomings. For example, the variational bias method (varBias) commonly used in operational data assimilation systems is being considered for development in MiRS.
2. Updated Surface type classification: Develop and improve the current surface type classification in MiRS. The surface type classification is important in MiRS as it determines the type of background mean and covariance constraints that are used in the 1-d variational minimization which is at the core of the MiRS retrieval.  Work would be expected to focus on reducing the rate of misclassification, allowing for more than the current 4 surface types, and allowing for mixed scene classifications.
In addition to these priority areas the successful candidate would have the possibility to work on other projects of mutual interest to both the individual and the MiRS project team. These include:

• Background Mean/Covariance Development Enhancement to improve retrieval accuracy
• Extend MiRS to measurements from infrared instruments
• Extend MiRS to combine active (radar) and passive microwave measurements
• Improve MiRS retrievals under cloudy and/or rainy conditions
• Feasibility studies for development of new satellite microwave instruments and potential for improving retrieval of select parameters, for example liquid and frozen hydrometeors

The successful candidate would be expected to have a good working familiarity with satellite remote sensing methods and/or atmospheric science, experience with software programming in a Linux environment (Fortran90/95 and IDL preferred) and good communication skills. The expected term of the project is 2 years. Preference will be given to candidates who have finished the majority of the required coursework so that they may focus on the approved research project.

For further information, please contact:

Christopher Grassotti: Christopher.Grassotti@noaa.gov
Sid Boukabara: Sid.Boukabara@noaa.gov

Atmospheric Science Research
The Cooperative Institute for Meteorlogical Satellite Studies (CIMSS), UW-Madison
Kansas City, Missouri
Posted 10/24/11

The Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) at the
University of Wisconsin-Madison is offering a an atmospheric science Researcher
Position to provide leadership, satellite meteorology expertise, and meteorological
support for the GOES-R Proving Ground efforts based at the NOAA/NWS
Aviation Weather Center (AWC) in Kansas City, Missouri.
Position Description
The Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) at The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking an atmospheric scientist (Researcher series) to provide leadership, satellite expertise, and meteorological support for the GOES-R Proving Ground efforts based at the National Weather Service (NWS) Aviation Weather Center (AWC) in Kansas City, Missouri.
The UW/CIMSS position will be embedded within the NOAA Aviation Weather Testbed (AWT) at the AWC. The AWT provides the infrastructure and facilities to develop, test, and evaluate new and emerging scientific techniques, products, and services. The AWT actively engages in the research-to-operations process by supporting applied research, verifying the quality and scientific validity of new techniques and products, and providing a common venue for both forecasters and researchers to engage in developing and testing state-of-the-art aviation weather services. This project will entail activities focused at maximizing the forecast value of geostationary satellite data and products, particularly activities centered on aviation weather impacts to the National Airspace System and improving the safety of flight. The incumbent will interact with NWS operational forecasters and NESDIS satellite analysts to prepare them for new satellite dependent products that will become available operationally after the launch of the
GOES-R satellite series.
The principal duties of this position are:

• Serve as a “Satellite Research to Operations Liaison” at the AWC, leading GOES-R
  Proving Ground efforts on satellite based hazardous aviation weather products and
  demonstrating the unique value of satellite information as a research transition to
  operations liaison to forecasters;
  
• Serve as “implementation expert” for selected planned GOES-R products and their
  proxies;
  
• Test and validate proposed new satellite dependent products and decision aids for
  operational forecasters with an emphasis on exploring the value of advanced satellite
  derived products for observing or predicting aviation hazards (e.g., turbulence, icing,
  convection, ceiling, visibility, volcanic ash);
  
• Participate in routine experimental projects serving as the focal point for all satellite
  centered activities at the AWC;
• Lead in training operational forecasters on new and emerging satellite-based techniques
  and tools, particularly those for aviation developed or evaluated in the AWT;
  
• Bridge satellite-related activities between the FAA’s NextGen Weather Program and the
  NWS;
  
• Represent the GOES-R effort within the AWT by contributing to formal scientific
  publications or attending off-site conferences, symposia, and aviation weather-related
  outreach events;
  
• Develop synergy and shared accomplishments with the GOES-R Proving Ground at the
  Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT) in Norman, Oklahoma and the NWS Proving
  Ground at the NWS Training Center (NWSTC) in Kansas City, Missouri;
  

The minimum qualifications for the position are:

1. A PhD degree or a Master’s Degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science or related area and at least two years experience in operational meteorology or applied research;
   
2. Emphasis will be placed on applicants with considerable experience in satellite meteorology and its application to short-term hazardous weather forecasting and aviation meteorology (e.g., convection, cloud microphysics relevant to icing/ceilings/visibility, turbulence, heavy precipitation, numerical models and ensemble systems, etc.).
   
3. Applicants should specifically identify demonstrated expertise in Satellite Meteorology and any of the following areas: Convection; Numerical Modeling; Ensemble and Probabilistic Forecasting; Aviation Meteorology and Forecasting (e.g., observing or forecasting turbulence, icing, ceilings, visibility, convection, winds at the surface and aloft, etc.); Winter Weather; Excessive Precipitation; Knowledge of the National Airspace System or NextGen; Volcanic Ash; Dispersion Modeling.
   
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills are highly desired and an ability to work in a collaborative team environment is required for this position.
5. Please indicate experience with: Linux (or UNIX) operating systems, programming skills (e.g., linux scripting, Java, Python, Fortran, C/C++, etc.), and meteorological display systems (e.g., McIDAS, N-AWIPS, GEMPAK, AWIPS, AWIPS2, etc.), satellite data access, formats and display, web display capability and programming (e.g., Dreamweaver, Flash, Java, PHP) and generating briefings (e.g., Powerpoint, Camtasia, web, etc.), and providing training (e.g., teaching experience, workplace briefings, etc.).

Normal working hours will be observed except for occasional irregular hours during data
collection, warning/forecast experiments, and workshops; infrequent travel is expected. The incumbent will receive training and experience in the latest radar technology and warning decision-making. The incumbent reports to the CIMSS Principal Investigator, with oversight provided by AWC Aviation Support Branch Chief and NESDIS staff scientists. Technical oversight will be provided by CIMSS staff, NWS/AWC and NESDIS meteorologists. The incumbent works under general supervision but is expected to work independently and determine action to be taken in handling all but unusual situations. This is a non-supervisory position, although the incumbent may occasionally serve as a leader of scientific or technical experiments, groups, or teams; therefore, strong teamwork and leadership skills are necessary. The salary for this position is competitive and will be based on experience, skills, and knowledge. Information on University benefits may be found by contacting Ms. Sally Loy at sally.loy@ssec.wisc.edu