Data Assimilation Scientist or Senior Scientist (Moist Processes)

£25,500 up to £35,040 per annum for exceptional candidates + benefits

Based in Exeter

We’re a unique, high profile organisation with an excellent reputation, home to world-class science and cutting-edge technology. Every day, we challenge the ordinary because we believe in the best. The best for our customers and the best for your career.

The role
A world-leading authority in weather and climate services, the Met Office produces and delivers weather forecasts from a range of global and high resolution regional numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. We want our forecasts to be even more accurate and valuable to our customers. And by joining us as a Data Assimilation Scientist here in Exeter, you’ll help us to achieve this vision.

The science of data assimilation joins observations and numerical models to supply initial conditions for NWP forecasts. This role is all about improving our treatment of moisture, clouds and rainfall when matching the model to the data. You will make innovative proposals to exploit moisture observations and carry them through to implementation in our operational systems. You’ll liaise with those developing novel observations of cloud and precipitation, or those with new ways of processing them to extract more information in data assimilation. You will also be encouraged to present your work at international conferences and in peer-reviewed literature.

By delivering better short-period forecasts of heavy rainfall events, your work will help our public weather service and hydrological customers in making decisions which can save lives and property. 

The person
Firstly, you have a degree (2:1 or above) in a science, maths or computing-related subject or equivalent. You’ll also need experience of postgraduate research and development in data assimilation or a related field – this is likely to be demonstrated by a PhD, or similar qualification. Some background in the representation of physical processes in NWP models would be valuable. Wherever you come from, you’ll bring an impressive ability to write effective scientific software and confidence to work with large, complex sections of computer code. Yes, you’re a technical expert but you’ll be able to communicate the team’s work clearly to non-technical people too. Proactive, and a real team player with other colleagues and global partners, you’ll also work effectively as an independent scientist.

About the Met Office
Beyond weather. That's the best way to describe our work here at the Met Office. With some 1,800 people across 60 sites around the globe, we provide world-leading weather and climate services in the UK and overseas. Today, our products and services meet the needs of many different customers – from the general public, government and schools, through broadcasters and new media, to civil aviation and businesses in every sector imaginable. Everything we do, every area of our work, has a real impact on people’s lives and lifestyles.

The rewards
Along with a competitive salary, you can look forward to a corporate performance payment, Civil Service pension, 25 days’ holiday, enhanced maternity and adoption leave, plus excellent learning and development opportunities.

Apply
To find out more, and to apply online, please click on the 'Apply' button below.
Closing date: 30 May 2013.