The role

We are seeking a Scientist/Senior Scientist to lead the in-situ observation data assimilation work at ECMWF. In this role, you will provide expert guidance across a diverse portfolio of observing systems, with the aim of ensuring that these observations are used effectively for NWP applications. In-situ observations are a fundamental component of the global observing system used in operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems. These data have a key role in both determining the accurate initial conditions needed to run the NWP forecast models, and they are useful when assessing and verifying the quality of the NWP forecasts.

Your role will include maintaining and improving the existing in-situ data assimilation system. This work will include understanding how the latest developments in machine learning will affect in-situ data assimilation. Further, you will be expected to identify, prioritise and test the most promising new in-situ datasets, and develop the ECMWF data assimilation system accordingly in order to assess their suitability for potential operational use. You will also contribute to the operational monitoring of the quality of the in-situ observations currently assimilated, taking action to remove poor quality datasets when required.

You will be working collaboratively with other teams to share insights, drive innovation, and foster best practices in data assimilation, including representing ECMWF at international bodies, such as the EUMETMET Observations Scientific Expert Team (Obs-Set), and regularly presenting your latest work at international conferences and workshops.

The team

This position will be in the Actively Sensed Observation Team, which is part of ECMWF’s Earth System Assimilation Section. This section is considered world leading in both data assimilation methodology and the effective exploitation of satellite and in-situ observations.

About ECMWF

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is a world leader in Numerical Weather Predictions providing high-quality data for weather forecasts and environmental monitoring. As an intergovernmental organisation we collaborate internationally to serve our members and the wider community with global weather predictions, data and training activities that are critical to contribute to safe and thriving societies.

The success of our activities depends on the funding and partnerships of our 35 Member and Co-operating States who provide the support and direction of our work. Our talented staff together with the international scientific community, and our powerful supercomputing capabilities, are the core of a 24/7 research and operational centre with a focus on medium and long-range predictions. We also hold one of the largest meteorological data archives in the world.

Our mission: Deliver global numerical weather predictions focusing on the medium-range and monitoring of the Earth system to and with our Member States

Our vision: World-leading monitoring and predictions of the Earth System enabled by cutting-edge physical, computational and data science, resulting from a close collaboration between ECMWF and the members of the European Meteorological Infrastructure, will contribute to a safe and thriving society

In addition, ECMWF has established a strong partnership with the European Union and has been entrusted with the implementation and operation of the Destination Earth initiative and the Climate Change and Atmosphere Monitoring Services of the Copernicus Programme, as well as being a contributor to the Copernicus Emergency Management Service. Other areas of work include High Performance Computing and the development of digital tools that enable ECMWF to extend provision of data and products covering weather, climate, air quality, fire and flood prediction and monitoring.

ECMWF is a multi-site organisation, with its headquarters in Reading, UK, a data centre in Bologna, Italy, and a large presence in Bonn, Germany as a central location for our EU-related activities. ECMWF is internationally recognised as the voice of expertise in numerical weather predictions for forecasts and climate science.

www.ecmwf.int
About Copernicus www.copernicus.eu
About Destination Earth destine.ecmwf.int

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead and develop the in-situ data assimilation system, considering the potential impact of ML/AI developments,
• Identify, prioritise and test new in-situ datasets in the ECMWF NWP system
• Monitor the quality of in-situ data assimilated in the operational NWP system
• Represent ECMWF at international expert groups, such as EUMETNET’s Observations Scientific Expert Team
• Maintain ECMWF’s Forecast Sensitivity to Observation Impact (FSOI) suite

What we are looking for

• Scientific leadership in the field of in-situ data assimilation, or data assimilation more generally
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive, independent approach
• Positive attitude towards working in an international operational environment
• Flexibility, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and project needs
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Dedication, passion, and enthusiasm to succeed both individually and across teams of different discipline

Qualifications required

• A doctoral university degree (EQ8 level) or substantial equivalent professional experience in atmospheric science or a related discipline.

Experience, knowledge and skills

• Extensive experience in the use of in-situ data and/or assimilating observations in operational NWP systems
• Excellent knowledge of scientific programming languages and shell scripts. Proficiency in Fortran and Python programming languages would be an advantage
• Good knowledge of Linux systems (and/ or UNIX)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Relevant experience in writing reports, scientific papers or other relevant documentation
• Experience giving presentations at international workshops and conferences

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t feel you fully meet all these criteria.

Candidates must be able to work effectively in English. Knowledge of one of ECMWF’s other working languages (French or German) or Italian would be an advantage.

Other information

Grade remuneration

The successful candidate will be recruited at the A2/A3 grade, depending on relevant experience, according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations. ECMWF also offers a generous benefits package, including a flexible teleworking policy. The position is assigned to the employment category STF-C as defined in the ECMWF Staff Regulations. Full details of salary scales and allowances available on the ECMWF website at www.ecmwf.int/en/about/jobs, including the ECMWF Staff Regulations and the terms and conditions of employment.

Starting date: From 01 September 2025

Length of contract: Four years with the possibility of a further extension.

Location: The position will be based at ECMWF’s headquarters in Reading, UK. The successful candidate is expected to relocate to the duty station, and relocation support is provided.

As a multi-site organisation, ECMWF has adopted a hybrid working model that allows flexibility to staff to mix office working and teleworking. We allow for remote work 10 days/month away from the office, including up to 80 days/year away from the duty station country (within the area of our member states and co-operating states).

Successful applicants and members of their family forming part of their households will be exempt from immigration restrictions.

Interviews will take place by videoconference (via Teams ).

Who can apply

Applicants are invited to complete the online application form by clicking on the apply button.

At ECMWF, we consider an inclusive environment as key for our success. We are dedicated to ensuring a workplace that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for all, without distinction as to race, gender, age, marital status, social status, disability, sexual orientation, religion, personality, ethnicity and culture. We value the benefits derived from a diverse workforce and are committed to having staff that reflect the diversity of the countries that are part of our community, in an environment that nurtures equality and inclusion.

Applications are invited from nationals from ECMWF Member States and Co operating States, listed below:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

Applications from nationals from other countries may be considered in exceptional cases.