European Flood Awareness System

European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts

Berkshire, United Kingdom

Description

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is an international organisation supported by 34 States. ECMWF's principal objectives are the development of numerical methods for medium range, monthly and seasonal weather forecasting; the preparation, on a regular basis, of these weather forecasts for distribution to the meteorological services of the Member States; scientific and technical research directed to the improvement of these forecasts; and the collection and storage of appropriate meteorological data. Satellite and in situ observations provide the information for up-to-date global analyses and reanalyses of the atmosphere, ocean and surface. ECMWF's main computing facility includes supercomputers, archiving and data handling systems. ECMWF is connected to the meteorological telecommunication system and to its Member States via efficient networks linking 44 countries. The vacancy is in the Probabilistic Forecasting Section of the Research Department. The Section is responsible for research and development of all ECMWF ensemble prediction systems and supports the research activities for the European Flood Awareness System (EFAS). The main duties of the position are:

- to conduct EFAS-related research for the development of products for probabilistic hydro-meteorological forecasting;

- to further develop coupling of the EFAS to the ECMWF Integrated Forecasting System (IFS), with particular focus on the ensemble forecasting aspects;

- to extend the EFAS to include a global river routing system coupled to the IFS land-surface scheme (HTESSEL) in close collaboration with the ECMWF Physical Aspects Section;

- to contribute to the development of probabilistic hydro-meteorological products.

Requirements

A university degree at PhD level or equivalent in hydrology/meteorology or a related subject is required, together with experience in the development and use of probabilistic hydro-meteorological forecasts. The ideal candidate has worked in the development of large-scale hydrological and land-surface applications. Experience in developing numerical applications in a UNIX/Fortran 90 environment is required. Expertise in forecasting using the EFAS would be an advantage. The working languages of ECMWF are English, French and German. Candidates must be able to work effectively in English and a good knowledge of one of the other working languages would be desirable. Interviews will be conducted in English.

More information and applications

This consultancy position is remunerated at a level equivalent to a grade A2 staff position and the annual basic salary will be £52,299 net of tax. Subject to individual circumstances and eligibility, other allowances may be added. Full details of salary scales and allowances are available on the ECMWF website at: www.ecmwf.int/newsevents/employment/en/conditions_consultants_en.html

Starting date: As soon as possible.

Contract: Until the end of 2014.

Application forms can be downloaded from ECMWF's website:

www.ecmwf.int/newsevents/employment/en/

Completed applications for this post must reach the Personnel Section of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts not later than 15 March 2013.

Reference: AP13-01