Air Quality Modeling and Chemical Data Assimilation

The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University seeks a full-time Research Scientist for its collaborative research as a Cooperative Institute with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL)/Global Systems Division (GSD) in Boulder, Colorado (office in Boulder).

Background:

The Air Quality group at GSD is involved in the development of WRF-Chem (Weather Research and Forecasting – Chemistry), a meteorological and chemical model, and a data assimilation system with the general purpose of improving forecasts of concentrations of chemical species.  WRF-Chem is based on the WRF model which has been coupled with different chemical mechanisms.  Biogenic and anthropogenic emissions, deposition, convective and turbulent chemical transport, photolysis, and advective chemical transport are all treated simultaneously with the meteorology.  The WRF-Chem model has the capability to simulate the coupling between dynamics, radiation, and chemistry.  Its uses include forecasting chemical weather, testing air pollution abatement strategies, and planning and forecasting for field campaigns.  WRF-Chem has a large international user base.

CIRA has been actively involved in the development of the WRF-Chem model.  In collaboration with ESRL/GSD, a CIRA scientist has recently developed a data assimilation system for chemical species using the WRF-Chem model and Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI), a three-dimensional variational assimilation tool from the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP).  Observations that can be assimilated are comprised of in-situ measurements of concentrations of ozone and aerosols with radii less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5).   The implementation of the assimilation cycle for daily WRF-Chem air quality forecasts over the continental US is anticipated very soon.  CIRA proposes to participate in the global and regional satellite assimilation of aerosol optical depth and other constituents such as ozone over the next few years.  In addition, development of a chemical data assimilation system for the ESRL global FIM model is also anticipated. 

CIRA also proposes to participate on the development of a data assimilation system based on Ensemble Kalman Filters within the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) framework and WRF-Chem.  Ensemble methodology will explore uncertainty in emissions of chemical species, model physics, chemistry parameterizations, and initial conditions.

These proposed research thrusts are expected to incrementally advance the state of air quality forecasting.  Ultimate goal is the capability for prediction and simulation of weather or regional/local climate as well as a coupled weather prediction/dispersion model to simulate release and transport of constituents.

Responsibilities:

This position is responsible for the development of assimilation of observations of chemical species using variational and ensemble filtering tools.  Emphasis is placed on the improvement of ozone and PM2.5 forecasts using large variety of observations that include in-situ measurements and satellite products.  On-going efforts concentrate on development of real-time assimilation systems using Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) and ensemble filters within the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART).

Qualifications:

Applicants must have a PhD degree in Meteorology or Atmospheric Sciences and at least 3 years of experience in numerical modeling and chemical data assimilation based on variational and ensemble methods.  Familiarity with WRF-Chem, GSI, and DART is mandatory.  Good programming skills in Fortran 90 and knowledge of UNIX environment and scripting are essential.  Knowledge of MPP is desirable.

Condition of Employment:

Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community.  To achieve that goal, background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment are conducted.  Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search, and motor vehicle history.  The individual will also be required to pass a federal Security Assurance Check because the job is in a federally occupied building.

Annual Salary: starting at $76,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience