12637 - Data Assimilation Expert for Ocean Modelling

CMCC Position cod. 12637
Data Assimilation Expert for Ocean Modelling
Deadline: November 30th, 2024

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for a Post-Doc or Junior Scientist at the Institute for Earth System Prediction (IESP). We invite candidates with a strong background in physical and/or computational sciences to join our team. The successful candidate will be part of the regional ocean data assimilation team in the Regional Ocean Forecasting Systems (ROFS) division. The division carries out research activities to improve the short-term forecasting and the reanalysis systems in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. The incumbent will be responsible for developing data assimilation and machine learning techniques to improve the ocean estimates using space-borne Earth Observations.

ABOUT US
CMCC Foundation is a cross-cutting 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. CMCC's core objective is to conduct cutting-edge science, to train the next generation of scientists at both national and international levels, and to be a beacon for climate modelling.

CMCC pursues fundamental and applied science with utmost scientific integrity, prioritizing data-driven science and providing data, information, and research results that can support informed public debate and decision-making processes. To achieve climate research objectives at the highest international standards, we invest in training all our talents, and strive to create a workplace where everyone can excel.

At CMCC you will find a strong, professional environment. Join an inclusive community that values diversity, where every voice is heard and respected. Help foster a culture of innovation and societal change, where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed.

ROLE
The successful candidate will be part of the ocean data assimilation team in the Regional Ocean Forecasting Systems division at CMCC that develops and maintains the data assimilation component of the Copernicus Marine Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea Analysis & Forecast and Reanalysis Systems. The incumbent will be responsible for developing techniques to ingest the information from space-borne Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Sea Level Anomaly (SLA) and in-situ observations. The incumbent will explore different data assimilation and machine learning techniques to improve the data estimates for a better analysis, reanalysis and eventually forecast.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent will support the team, with:

• Analyzing Mediterranean and Black Sea observational products
• Exploring methodologies to integrate them in ocean models
• Developing techniques and tools to ingest them in the regional systems maintained by ROFS.

REQUIREMENTS

• PhD in Physics, Geophysics, Applied Mathematics, or related scientific disciplines with a research background.
• Knowledge of data assimilation methods
• Good knowledge at least one of the compiled programming languages (e.g., Fortran preferably, C, C++),
• Good knowledge of one of the interpreted programming languages (such as Python, R) to manipulate and visualize large geophysical datasets, and perform statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of UNIX/Linux operating systems and scripting languages (e.g., bash).
• A very good knowledge of the English language.
• Good communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

Besides, highly desirable, but not necessary, requirements are:

• Knowledge of NEMO ocean circulation model.
• Knowledge of variational ocean data assimilation and machine learning techniques.
• Developing codes using version controlling systems (e.g., git).
• Working on computed clusters / high performance computers (HPC).

DURATION, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Please note that this opportunity will be issued both internally and externally.
• The Data Assimilation Expert will be based in Bologna or Lecce CMCC office.
• The appointment period will be initially of 24 months starting from December 2024/January 2025, with a gross annual salary range of 28-50K Euros depending on the experience. Tenure can be granted from 2 to 4 years after being appointed as a junior researcher.
• Welfare package, for minimum 12 months contract.
• Flexible working time as per internal policies.
• Support during the immigration process, if needed.

PROTECTED CATEGORY
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.

Applicants responding to this posting declare that they have read, understood and agreed to the “Official Rule for the CMCC Personnel recruitment”.

We will keep your information on file for up to 1 year.