Generic role: Scientist
Profession: Science and Engineering
Permanent, Full time at Met Office, Exeter
Closing date for applications: 11 November 2012
Background information
The Numerical Modelling/Operational Weather Forecasting and IT section of Weather Science is responsible for the testing, upgrade and maintenance of the operational forecast modelling system, the Unified Model (MetUM). This includes everything from the high-resolution kilometre-scale ensembles and deterministic to the 15-day global ensemble.
The model diagnostics and novel verification methods team's purpose is to keep up with the developments in the modelling system through the development and application of appropriate methods for measuring performance, analysing systematic behaviour and diagnosing errors. This also involves exploiting new data types. Invariably the objective is to add new methods and data sources to the operational systems which are used to monitor routine performance.
The incumbent will focus on the Met Office ensemble prediction system, especially the relative performance of different configurations for the purposes of "best data" (which forms the basis of Met Office forecast products), through quantifying errors and uncertainties in a way that is meaningful for improving the model configuration.
Specific job purpose
Monitoring, detecting and diagnosing the origins of model systematic behaviour through the use of existing, and development of new methods for the improvement of the modelling system.
Specific job responsibilities
- Develop a forecast performance monitoring capability specific to ensemble prediction systems.
- Contributing to the writing and integration of new methods into operational verification systems.
- Identifying strengths and weaknesses within the forecast ensemble configurations, and providing feedback of sufficient depth to assist further model improvement.
- Assessing process-based methods (used more typically for global seasonal, decadal and climate models) to understand model behaviour, by applying them and/or adapting them for use at the short range if found suitable.
Qualifications, skills and abilities required
Essential
- A degree in Maths, Physics and/or Meteorology (2:1 or better) with relevant post-degree experience or qualification equivalent to PhD.
- Demonstrated analytical ability through the use of appropriate data sets and data analysis techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to write effective scientific software (e.g. Fortran, C), and coping with large data sets.
- Demonstrated enthusiasm in meteorology and the weather forecasting process, coupled to an understanding of the modelling system and its behaviour.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality output on fairly short time scales.
- Ability to effectively communicate their work both orally and in writing.
Desirable
- Knowledge of SQL, R and/or Python.
- Background in statistics/statistical methods.
- Experience with and knowledge of remotely sensed data sets such as from satellite and/or radar.
Application forms and further information
Please mark your request or returned application form: Verification and diagnostics scientist 002503 R
Please complete this form (using Adobe Reader 9 or above). You can save the form part-way through and return to it later, using the Adobe Reader toolbar. Once you are happy with it submit it using the button at the end of the form. Alternatively, print the form out, complete by hand, and return by post.
If you require a Microsoft Word version of the application form, please email HREnquiries@metoffice.gov.ukincluding the words 'application request' in the subject line. An automatic email will be returned to you immediately. If you have not received an email within 48 hours then please contact us.
Alternatively, you can call or write to:
HR Customer Services
Met Office
FitzRoy Road
Exeter
EX1 3PB
Met Office
FitzRoy Road
Exeter
EX1 3PB
Tel: 01392 885000
We are unable to reply to each applicant individually. If you have had no response from us within four weeks of the closing date please assume you have been unsuccessful. If you meet the sift criteria but have applied more than three times for the same or similar job within the last two years, it will be up to the recruiting manager's discretion whether to offer you an interview.
Nationality and residency requirements
All successful applicants offered conditional employment at the Met Office are required to undertake national security vetting. Usually successful applicants can start after satisfactory initial security vetting (whilst full national security vetting is undertaken), but for a small number of posts a higher level of vetting is needed. If you do not have five years' continuous UK residency this may take longer and we may have to reconsider your application if there are delays in the security procedure.
Please note that nationality and residency restrictions of this kind are common with all UK Civil Service departments and Executive Agencies. For further guidance see the UK Border Agency's Working in the UK website.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants
To widen the pool of candidates we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the published minimum criteria for the job.
To qualify for a guaranteed interview, you do not have to be registered as a disabled person but you must have a disability or long-term health condition that puts you at a substantial disadvantage in either obtaining or keeping employment. The disability must be likely to last for at least 12 months.
To apply for a guaranteed interview, please complete the appropriate section of the application form. When appropriate, you should provide details of any particular arrangements you will require for the interview, e.g. car parking, speech facilitator.
Any false declaration of disability to obtain an interview may invalidate any resultant contract of employment.
Priority status for staff in the Civil Service Surplus Talent Pool
If you are an existing Civil Servant and have applied through the CS Vacs website, your application will be given priority status, in that your application will be assessed for suitability before other applications are entertained. Surplus staff should provide a letter from their HR department confirming this status and attach it to their application form.
Civil Service Recruitment Principles
The Met Office's recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact the HREnquiries@metoffice.gov.uk mailbox or telephone 01392 885000 in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Met Office, contact the Office of the Civil Service Commissioners.
Commitment to diversity
The Met Office values diversity and recruits on merit.
Benefits and facilities
Employees can join the Civil Service Pension Scheme called 'Nuvos', a defined benefit scheme which both you and the Met Office contribute to. You also have the option to join a partnership scheme where the employer can contribute and you can contribute if you wish. For more details please see the Civil Service Pensions website .
- Annual Leave allowance of 25 days (plus 8 days public holiday and 2½ privilege days taken at fixed times during the year).
- Training opportunities, performance-related pay and access to the Met Office sports and social club.
- The potential to work in different areas within the same organisation, but note that employees are expected to complete 24 months in post before applying for alternative posts within the Met Office.
Starting salaries
The pay range is stated at the top of the job description. Entry to the Met Office is normally at the pay range minimum.
Relocation
Unless stated in the job advert and job description, financial support is not available for candidates to move to the job location.
Payment of interview expenses
Candidates invited for interview will only be paid expenses if stated in the invite to interview letter.
Mobility
Appointed staff will normally have a full mobility clause written into their employment contract. A small number of roles have a limited mobility obligation.
Verification and Diagnostics Scientist
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