DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) is leading the development and implementation of new research and applications capabilities focused on extreme weather and climate events in the Western US. CW3E is developing and implementing weather and climate observations, numerical models, and decision support tools focused on atmospheric and land-surface conditions related to extreme events and their impacts. CW3E is an interface between UCSD departments, other universities around the country and local, state, and federal agencies, in the operation, utilization, and expansion of a new state-of-the-art weather observing network recently deployed in California. Efforts to be undertaken by the CW3E Center include scientific research, technology development, numerical model development and testing, and development/deployment of smart tools that aid decision makers affected by extreme weather, water, and climate events. A key activity of the CW3E Center is the development of methods and systems to aid future reservoir operations for flood control, water supply and ecosystems. CW3E is a focus of international research on atmospheric rivers.

CW3E aspires to promote the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of our work. The Center understands the intrinsic value of a diverse workforce and continually seeks to expand the representation of people from diverse backgrounds and identities in geosciences. CW3E aims to foster an environment where all of our members feel valued, supported, and included. The Center strives to partner with and include the perspectives of historically underrepresented communities in our research, education, and outreach. More information can be found on our dedicated EDI website at https://cw3e.ucsd.edu/edi/.

DESCRIPTION

The position will require knowledge and experience in both process-based and data-driven (machine learning) hydrologic modeling, as well as a comprehensive understanding of land surface and riverine hydrology (processes like runoff, snow, soil moisture, groundwater, and channel flow). The research will focus on developing, testing, and validating data-driven and process-based hydrologic modeling tools, and the application of such tools to research problems of different scales, from local (California), regional (Western US), to global. A special emphasis is on the application of these tools in near-real-time forecast settings.

The position is expected to act as Project Coordination/Team Leader for internal and, on occasion, external teams to conduct hydrology research that results in peer-reviewed publications. The position will also require strong writing skill as the research will be part of scientific publications, and reports to sponsors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in hydrology, meteorology, atmospheric sciences, climate science and / or equivalent experience / training. Master degree or PhD preferred.

• Thorough knowledge of research function. Deep expertise and rich experience in machine learning (e.g. LSTM) and process-based large-scale land surface hydrologic modeling (e.g., WRF-Hydro, VIC), including model development/improvement, large-scale implementation, validation, and analysis. A good record of research publications in peer-reviewed journals is a plus.

• Experience with statistical analysis and systems programming. Experience in continental-to-global scale hydroclimate analysis (streamflow, snow, groundwater, and soil moisture) for important scientific discoveries. Expertise in flood and drought analysis through modeling and large data. Experience in working in High Performance Computing (HPC) and large data environment, e.g., parallel computing, computing job management, coding/scripting for HPC applications.

• Thorough skills in analysis and consultation. Knowledge on how to evaluate streamflow model performance, for both determinstic and probabilistioc predictions.

• Knowledge of operational models and products. Knowledge of observational and reanalysis data sets as applied to US West coast hydrometeorology.

• Skills to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing. Skills in scientific graphical representation, scientific writing and experience presenting at scientific conferences (poster, and oral presentations).

• Skills in project management. Strong time management skills. Can prioritize tasks. Meets deadlines.

• Able to lead and coordinate small teams to produce high quality hydrology research for peer-reviewed publications

• Strong interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility with the ability to work independently or within a team framework in conjunction with principles of community with staff, faculty, researchers, and students.

• Research skills at a level to evaluate alternate solutions and develop recommendations. This includes proposing new analyses, new conceptual ideas, or new workflow recommendations.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon successful background check results.

• This is a two (2) year 100% Contract position.

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