The Research Program of the Bureau of Meteorology is seeking a Research scientist to be a key member of a diverse team developing innovative applications for customers.
The Customer Applications team in the Research Program provides capability to projects that deliver customised products and systems for customers across many sectors, including Energy and Resources, Aviation, Land and Maritime Transport, and Agriculture and Water. This position will focus on improving forecast guidance for the aviation sector, particularly the forecasting of fog. Working with scientists, meteorologists and data scientists across the Research Program and Aviation teams you will contribute to the development of applications that will deliver guidance to operational meteorologists and
industry.
Fog is a critical factor for aviation, reducing visibility and disrupting operations, so accurate forecasting is essential for maintaining safe and efficient flight management. The successful candidate for this position will contribute to research into the processes that lead to fog developing and dissipating and in the prediction of these processes. They will also develop and test robust and useable guidance for the forecasting of fog. Tools will include output from Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models, post-processed model output, and machine learning models that can produce objective rapid-update predictions.
Experience and knowledge in weather science that is relevant to the problem of fog prediction is essential. This experience need not be in fog prediction but must be applicable to improving understanding and/or prediction of meteorological processes that influence fog development and dissipation. Other core competencies include data science and data engineering skills in handling large, complex datasets, applying computational algorithms to them, and the development of machine learning, advanced statistical, or physical models. Software engineering skills and experience in developing complex scientific or engineering applications suitable for operational use is desirable. The work will involve many different aspects of research and product development, so flexibility and demonstrated project experience are required.
This is a rare opportunity to work on meaningful science and applied software applications in a research environment with a commitment to innovation and quality and direct benefits to customers and the community.
You will be expected to have teamwork and leadership skills appropriate to the Bureau Broadband 3 (APS6/EL1) level in the Australian Government Public Service’s Integrated Leadership System.
The key duties of the position include:
The responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:
* Undertake scientific research into the prediction of fog that impacts aviation with a focus on identifying factors that enable timely fog prediction
* Assess output from NWP models relevant to fog, including visibility parameters, and undertake case and verification studies to determine the usefulness of such output
* Work with meteorologists to develop or improve practical guidance that will benefit operational forecasting of fog
* Lead the development of new techniques to predict fog development and dissipation, focusing on advanced statistical or machine learning models
* Lead and/or contribute to the development of scientific products and systems, using modern software engineering tools and cutting-edge data science techniques, including automated testing
* Collaborate on research and development related to other aviation-related hazards
* Report and present regularly on progress to customer engagement teams
* Prepare technical documentation, scientific papers for publication in journals, Bureau research reports, and present at conferences
* Work effectively across multiple teams, and cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with project and programme managers, senior staff, and fellow project and team members
* Influence team strategic directions and contribute to the overall effectiveness and culture of the Customer Applications Team
* Comply with all Bureau work, health and safety policies and procedures, and take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of employees, contractors and visitors who may be affected by your conduct.
* Ensure compliance with APS values, security clearance requirements, and WHS policies, maintaining a high standard of professional conduct and accountability.
Eligibility
A degree of Doctor of Philosophy from an Australian university or a comparable overseas qualification, which is appropriate to the duties; OR other tertiary qualification(s) which are appropriate to the duties with relevant on-the-job scientific experience.
Getting to know the Bureau of Meteorology
The Bureau of Meteorology is one of the few organisations that touches the lives of all Australians and all Australia, every day. The Bureau works across Australia and remote islands, providing services from the Antarctic to beyond the equator, and from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. We are Australia's national weather, climate and water agency, in the Agriculture, Water and Environment portfolio of the Australian Government, operating under the authority of the Meteorology Act 1955 and the Water Act 2007. We provide data, information, knowledge, insight and wisdom to help Australians prepare and respond to the realities of their natural environment, including droughts, floods, fires, storms, tsunami and tropical cyclones. Our products and services include observations, forecasts, analysis and advice covering Australia's atmosphere, water, oceans and space environments. We undertake focused scientific research in support of our operations and services. Through regular forecasts, warnings, monitoring and advice, we provide one of Australia's most fundamental and widely used public services. We have strong relationships with our customers, partners and stakeholders in Australia, including the Australian Community and the emergency services sectors, all-levels of Government, and focus sectors including aviation, agriculture, energy and resources, national security and water.