2008 UCAR Visiting Scientist Operational Impact
of Satellite Surface Vector Wind

Applications will be reviewed on receipt, and the position will remain open until filled. The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Visiting Scientist Programs, is recruiting a visiting scientist to work at the NOAA National Environmental Satellite Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), Office of Research and Applications, in Camp Springs, Maryland. The selected scientist will be involved in the operational impact of satellite surface vector wind (OSVW) on numerical weather prediction. This position will be within the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA), working in close partnership with personnel at the NESDIS Ocean Surface Winds Team, the NWS/National Centers for Environmental Prediction, and OAR/Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorology Laboratory. Ocean surface vector wind (OSVW) data from QuikSCAT have been available to the operational weather forecasting community since the spring of 2000. QuikSCAT data are processed and distributed in near real-time by NOAA/NESDIS. The two main user groups within the operational weather community are the numerical weather prediction (NWP) models and the human forecasters with marine responsibilities. The NWP models utilize OSVW data through data assimilation techniques while the marine forecaster uses these data as observations. QuikSCAT retrieves OSVWs over 90% of the world's oceans every day, and yields tremendous information over an otherwise data sparse region. Additionally, EUMETSAT recently launched ASCAT aboard their METOP satellite which is also providing NOAA with OSVW data. Since OSVW data became available to the National Weather Service (NWS), its value was readily obvious. However, determining how to best utilize and quantify the impact of these data has been an ongoing challenge. QuikSCAT OSVW data is currently being assimilated and utilized by the NWS Global Forecast System (GFS). ASCAT OSVW is currently in its validation phase at NOAA. Upon completion of the ASCAT validation, these data will also be assimilated and the resulting impact on NWP assessed. Additionally, NOAA is currently conducting a study with NASA/JPL to help determine what path NOAA should pursue to establish an operational satellite OSVW capability, where the options are a mission with QuikSCAT-equivalent capabilities or one with more advanced OSVW capabilities. Understanding how more advanced OSVW capabilities would impact current and future NWP and ocean models will be important. NWP models are complex systems. Investigating optimal ways to assimilate satellite OSVW data and to quantify the impacts on NWP in the operational environment will be a central activity for this position. Main Activities include: Assimilation and evaluation of NWP impacts of OSVW from the QuikSCAT, ASCAT, and WindSat instruments Quantify the impacts of QuikSCAT, ASCAT and WindSat on NWP model tropical cyclone forecasts, wave forecasts and any other appropriate metrics Investigate improved data assimilation techniques and model impact assessment metrics for OSVW Conduct data assimilation experiments to assess the NWP model impacts of a next-generation satellite OSVW scatterometer mission Applicants should have a Ph.D. in atmospheric, oceanic, physics or related sciences. The selected candidate will receive a fixed annual salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include health and dental insurance, personal time off, paid holidays, mandatory participation in a retirement fund (TIAA/CREF), and life insurance. Some funds are provided for scientific travel and other support costs. Applications will be reviewed on receipt and the position will remain open until filled. To apply, send the following materials to the UCAR Visiting Scientist Programs: Cover letter identifying this program. Curriculum vitae with a list of publications in refereed journals. Names and addresses of three references. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the references and request that they submit letters in support of your application to VSP. PhD thesis abstract for recent PhD's. One to two page statement of experience and interests as related to requirements of this position. Send applications and letters of reference to:

UCAR / Visiting Scientist Programs P.O. Box 3000 FL-4 / Suite 2200 Boulder, CO 80307-3000, USA For further information please call (303) 497-8649 or e-mail applications and letters of reference to vsp@ucar.edu UCAR is an EO/AAE who values and encourages diversity in the workplace.

Last Modified: 6 March, 2008