Scientist on Coupled Satellite Data Assimilation (Sentinel-1)

at  ECMWF

THE TEAM

The successful candidate will join the Actively Sensed Observation Team, dedicated to the advanced exploitation of satellite observations for NWP. Specifically, this team is responsible for assimilation of observations that improve the initial conditions used to produce ocean wave forecasts. The team is part of the Earth System Assimilation Section in the Research Department of ECMWF. The Section is responsible for developing and optimising ECMWF’s assimilation system, one of the most advanced systems for the exploitation of satellite data for operational NWP and reanalyses. There will be strong collaboration with other teams across ECMWF, particularly the Ocean Modelling Team.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• The candidate should have a PhD or equivalent proven research experience in Earth System Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Good understanding and experience of data assimilation and/or ocean wave modelling
• Some experience with altimeter or SAR measurements for ocean wave forecasting applications
• Strong programming skills, ideally in Fortran, Python, and UNIX shell scripting or equivalent
• Experience with performing statistical analyses and preparing scientific reports/figures
• Experience with working on high-performance computing platforms in Unix/Linux-based environments would be an advantage
• Candidates must be able to work effectively in English. Knowledge of one of ECMWF’s other working languages (French or German) would be an advantage.

THE ROLE

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, innovative scientist to advance our exploitation of satellite data in ECMWF’s coupled global forecasting system. The main role will be to develop and adapt the current ocean wave data assimilation system to enable both the monitoring and assimilation of Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) wave spectra information. This work will be part of a new project with the European Space Agency (ESA) with the aim to establish the forecast impact of the Sentinel-1 SAR information, and its potential introduction into the operational assimilation system at ECMWF. It is expected that experience with the Sentinel-1 SAR data on this project will be a good preparation for future SAR missions, such as the Copernicus L-band SAR, ROSE-L.
In addition to the SAR work, the successful candidate will also maintain and develop the operational wave data assimilation system, to ensure the effective and timely use of new and existing altimeter information in both the ECMWF operational Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) and reanalysis systems. The successful candidate is expected to have a good understanding of data assimilation techniques and/or ocean wave modelling, and should have a strong background in scientific programming.
The role will be based in a team dedicated to advancing the exploitation of actively sensed observations. The position is partially funded by ESA as part of the Data Assimilation and Numerical Testing for Copernicus EXpansion missions (DANTEX) initiative. DANTEX is a three-year project funded by the European Space Agency to establish scientific and technical capability for Copernicus missions, notably the Copernicus Expansion Missions CIMR, CRISTAL and LSTM, and also the existing Sentinel-1 mission, which is currently under exploited in Numerical Weather Prediction. This phase of DANTEX will run from late in 2024 to late in 2027 and future phases are foreseen (subject to funding).

MAIN DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop the ECMWF ocean wave data assimilation system to enable the monitoring and assimilation of SAR wave spectra information from Sentinel-1. Investigate the forecast impact of this data
• Ensure timely delivery of relevant results to the European Space Agency
• Communicate and document scientific results and software developments in technical reports, journal publications, conferences and meetings as appropriate
• Maintain and develop the operational wave data assimilation system to ensure the effective use of new and existing altimeter measurements
• Support ocean wave data assimilation work related to ECMWF reanalysis activities