Convective-Scale Data Assimilation Scientist

£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 globally 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 Convective-Scale Data Assimilation Scientist, you’ll help us to achieve this vision.

This role is all about improving our forecasts of severe local scale weather phenomena, such as heavy rainfall from tropical squall lines or low visibility in desert dust storms. The science of data assimilation joins observations and numerical models to supply initial conditions for NWP forecasts. Your role is twofold: firstly, our international collaboration partners in various countries are interested in developing convective-scale NWP and Nowcasting capabilities. You can expect to be involved in a multi-year project with the Meteorological Service of Singapore (MSS). The MSS are keen to improve warnings of flooding from severe convective rainfall events, to help emergency services prepare for evasive action.

Secondly, the Met Office also provides vital weather forecasts to the military customer. Your work will help the armed services deal with a variety of weather, which has a direct impact on their operational capability and safety, such as damaging wind gusts and dust storms.

In this role you may have the opportunity to spend an extended secondment in Singapore as part of your job. You’ll also be encouraged to present your work at international conferences and in peer-reviewed literature.

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. 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.