12601 - Data Assimilation and Satellite Scientist

ABOUT US
The CMCC Foundation is a scientific research center on climate change and its interactions with the environment, society, the world of business, and policymakers.
Our work aims to stimulate sustainable growth, protect the environment, and develop strategies for the adaptation and mitigation of climate change.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Are you ready to join a dynamic team where your proactiveness and management prowess can translate directly into tangible outcomes in the research field?
Our Institute for Earth System Predictions (IESP) is looking for a new position of data assimilation scientist, located in Bologna, responsible for supporting the scientific plan
Workplace location: Bologna

ROLE
Scalable PaRallelised EArth Data assimilation System (SPREAD) is an ensemble Kalman filter based on the DART-NCAR open source ensemble adjustment Kalman filter (EAFK), assimilating millions of atmospheric observations over the 6 hour window (FGAT approach) and using RTTOV for the assimilation of microwave satellite radiances. SPREADS developments are towards the realisation of a weakly coupled data assimilation system among the atmosphere, the land and the ocean/ice components. Over the last years, hyperspectral infrared satellite radiance observations have been extensively assimilated by the majority of meteorological operational centres, proving to have a significant impact on reducing the model biases and better constraining the atmospheric states. This job application is focused on the use of satellite radiances observations and in particular on the assimilation of IR radiance observations, which are expected to improve the atmospheric states and better constrain longer range forecasts from sub-seasonal to seasonal time scales.
The data assimilation scientist will report to the Earth System Data Assimilation Leader and will be responsible for the assimilation of satellite radiances particularly IR radiances.
RESPOSABILITIES
The data assimilation scientist will support the ESYDA division in the IESP institute at CMCC with:

• The assimilation of radiance measurements from the new hyperspectral infrared instruments such as IASI-NG, MTG-IRS and CrIS using the RTTOV forward operator.
• Monitoring and assess the performance of all satellite radiances assimilated
• Improve if necessary the assimilation system to use as much as possible new satellite data from different instruments
• Develop a different technique for detecting a contamination in the IR radiances due to clouds and aerosols

We are looking for a motivated scientist, ready to apply her or his scientific expertise in a dynamical and friendly environment to further develop the assimilation of the satellite radiances. The candidate should have a proactive and constructive approach, a good problem-solving skill, easy to adapt to changing priorities, working autonomously and capable to work on a diverse range of tasks to fulfil deadlines.
REQUIREMENTS

• University degree in Physics, Maths, Meteorology or related fields, ideally to PhD level, or equivalent proven research experience;
• At least three-year relevant work experience;
• Good knowledge of satellite observations and data assimilation methodology;
• Good computing skills are required including a good knowledge of the Unix/Linux environment, the Fortran and possibly the C++ language, Python and IDL.

DURATION, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Based on the duration of the employment contract, without prejudice to any changes in organisation and/or career paths and downstream of the performance appraisal;
• The appointment is assigned following:

1. internal selection;
2. external selection in the event that there are no internal candidates, or they are assessed as unsuitable.

• The appointment period will be initially of n° 24 months starting from December 2024, renewable for n° 24 months, additional months pending a positive evaluation;
• The gross annual salary range is from 30K to 60K Euros, depending on qualification and working experience. OR The gross annual salary will be based on qualification and working experience;
• Welfare package (for min 12 months contract);
• Flexible working time;
• Support during the immigration process, if needed.

The position has been opened within the project RETE
Belonging to legally protected categories (ex L. 68/99) will constitute a preferential condition.
Some fiscal benefits could be applied for repatriated workers or foreign researchers/professors, having the requirements defined by Dlgs 147/2015 (for repatriates) or Dl 78/2010 (for foreigners).
CMCC is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status, and other legally protected characteristics. Please omit from your CV any data you or we might consider discriminatory.
This job announcement is an invitation to express interest in the above-mentioned CMCC Position.