Scientific collaborator in satellite nowcasting

MeteoSwiss

Locarno, Switzerland

Description

The Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss is the national weather service of Switzerland. We record and forecast weather and climate in Switzerland and thus make a sustainable contribution to the well-being of the community and to the benefit of industry, science and the environment. The Radar, Satellite and Nowcasting division is responsible for the operation of the national weather radar network, the development and operation of applications for very short-term forecasts and alerts (nowcasting), and research and innovation in the field of radar and satellite meteorology and nowcasting. In the regional centre in Locarno-Monti we are looking for a Scientific collaborator in satellite nowcasting. Your task is to do applied research and develop operational applications in the field of nowcasting focusing on the usage of satellite data. You will closely collaborate with the other scientists in the team. The overall goal is to combine satellite, radar and lightning observations with data from other remote sensing systems, ground stations and the numerical weather prediction model COSMO to generate automatic nowcasts of precipitation, moist convection and clouds. Of particular importance are alerts of severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hail and wind gusts. You are also responsible to plan how to best exploit future developments in the satellite sector, such as MTG and EPS-SG, for nowcasting applications at MeteoSwiss.

Requirements

The position requires a PhD degree in atmospheric sciences or equivalent experience and strong background in satellite meteorology. Ideally you did a PhD, postdoc or EUMETSAT research fellowship in satellite meteorology focusing on convection, precipitation or clouds. Proven experience in computer programming along with the ability to deal with large amounts of data is expected. Team spirit and good oral and written skills in English are required. Applications from women will be particularly appreciated. We are looking forward to a top satellite scientist and motivated team player who will support us to make a quantum leap in the integration of satellite information into our nowcasting systems.

More information and applications

We offer a many-sided activity in a dynamic and innovative team and a working place in Locarno- Monti, a beautiful spot in the Southern Alps. The position is limited to two years with the possibility for prolongation. Starting date is 1 January 2014 or by arrangement. Please submit your application until 9 September 2013 online via: www.stelle.admin.ch 

For more information, please contact Dr Urs Germann, head of the Radar, Satellite and Nowcasting division, at urs.germann@meteoswiss.ch