Precipitation Scientist - 134801

The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) is leading the development and implementation of new research and applications capabilities focused on extreme weather and climate events in the Western US. CW3E is developing and implementing weather and climate observations, numerical and machine learning models and decision support tools focused on atmospheric and land-surface conditions related to extreme events and their impacts. CW3E is an interface between UCSD departments, other universities around the country and local, state, and federal agencies, in the operation, utilization and expansion of a new state-of-the-art weather observing network recently deployed in California. Efforts to be undertaken by the CW3E Center include scientific research, technology development, numerical model development and testing, and development/deployment of smart tools that aid decision makers affected by extreme weather, water and climate events. A key activity of the CW3E Center is the development of methods and systems to aid future reservoir operations for flood control, water supply and ecosystems. CW3E is a focus of international research on atmospheric rivers.

The Precipitation Science and Prediction Scientist ("the Scientist") will foster collaboration and lead research projects across groups at CW3E working closely with the leads for Precipitation Science and Prediction, Modeling and Data Assimilation, and Verification.

The Scientist conducts and manages research related to precipitation extremes, variability, and predictability that leads to improved understanding of precipitation science, informs near-real time model development, improvement, and implementation, and summarizes weather model performance and verification statistics.

The Scientist's research will focus on atmospheric rivers and their impacts, among other storm types responsible for precipitation extremes, and will leverage CW3E's in-house near-real time West-WRF model and its ensemble.

The Scientist's research involves the manipulation of large numerical weather and climate modeling output and observations, including CW3E's West-WRF model and field observations, to conduct case studies, model validation, and model verification to identify sources of model errors and modeling aspects that could be improved.

The Scientist may provide expertise and leadership in the development of state-of-the-art modeling systems, both deterministic and ensembles, and contribute to research and real-time modeling operations.

The Scientist coordinates and manages meteorology- and verification-related projects and tasks under the California Atmospheric Rivers Program and Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations Program at CW3E in collaboration with other Group Leads and FIRO Project Managers.

The Scientist provides input to management for strategic growth of research efforts, computing platforms and resources, ongoing efforts to improve data management procedures, and optimization of models and programs on current servers.

The Scientist is involved in CW3E's AR Reconnaissance Program, supporting operational activities related to flight planning and forecasting, and leading research activities related to scientific analysis and model validation using collected observations.

The Scientist communicates research results via conference presentations, scientific publications and manuscripts, technical reports, and other media as well as interacts with sponsors and collaborators.

The Scientist is committed to supporting staff growth, mentorship and training of early-career scientists and post-doctoral scholars, and highly collaborative work environments.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science preferred.

• In-depth knowledge of research function. Includes in-depth knowledge of mesoscale and synoptic-scale processes responsible for precipitation variability and extremes, and numerical weather prediction systems and verification techniques.

• In-depth knowledge atmospheric science and experience using observations, reanalysis data, numerical weather prediction data to address research questions.

• Extensive experience in handling, analyzing, and processing large meteorological data sets coming from different sources in a variety of formats

• Advanced skills associated with statistical analysis, database management and systems programming. Includes methods to examine extreme precipitation and forecast models.

• Advanced skills in analysis and consultation.

• Advanced ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing. Includes a strong publication record and presentation experience on topics related to precipitation variability, extremes, predictability, numerical weather prediction, and verification.

• Advanced project management skills. Ability to lead and influence within and external to project team.

• Advanced research skills at a level to evaluate alternate solutions and develop recommendations.

• Advanced ability to think creatively to recommend action steps or strategize solutions relative to research.

• Proven ability to work effectively under pressure and to re-direct efforts to meet operational needs, requiring frequently changing and balancing competing priorities; must be able to function at a high level in a team environment.

• Must be willing and able to travel.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace