Physical Scientist for EVU Regional verification

Overview

Axiom is seeking a full-time Support Scientist to join the Evaluation and Verification Unit (EVU) within the NOAA/NWS Office of Modeling and Development (OMD). Working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment, this position will advance object-oriented verification techniques, support customized workflows for regional and convective-scale models, and evaluate next-generation AI-driven forecast systems. The scientist will serve as a key technical liaison for quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF) verification topics while contributing to the community-based METplus software framework and supporting operational model evaluation efforts. THIS IS A HYBRID ROLE.

Responsibilities

The candidate will perform job duties in a collaborative, team-oriented, and initiative-driven manner across the following key areas:

The successful candidate will work in the following areas:

• Object-Oriented & High-Resolution Model Verification: Investigate and apply object-oriented verification methods (e.g., METplus MODE) to evaluate high-resolution model performance and improve spatial skill assessment.
• Convective & Rapid-Refresh Workflow Development: Work closely with developers on systems like RRFS, REFS, and WoFS to create customized, automated verification workflows tailored specifically for model development purposes.
• Interagency & Operational Liaison: Act as a key technical liaison between the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) and EVU/OMD on National Blend of Models (NBM) and National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD) verification topics, with a primary focus on quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF).
• AI & Next-Gen Model Evaluation: Develop advanced metrics and methods for high-resolution AI/ML model verification and evaluation (e.g., HRRRCast).
• Community Software & METplus Collaboration: Actively support and contribute innovative verification metrics, code enhancements, and graphics capabilities to the community-based METplus verification framework.
• Operational & Science Team Support: Support the team's Model Evaluation Group (MEG) efforts, interact with NWS/NCEP domain scientists, adhere to NOAA/

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have the following required qualifications:

• An M.S. (or equivalent experience) in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, scientific programming, mathematics, or a related physical science with 7+ years of experience in numerical model analysis, evaluation, or verification.
• Demonstrated experience using object-oriented verification techniques (such as METplus MODE) and evaluating high-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) models.
• Extensive experience working with Python in a high-performance computing (HPC) UNIX environment to calculate verification metrics and generate custom visual plots.
• Demonstrated proficiency using GitHub to manage software repositories, code versions, and collaborative projects.
• Proven experience working with common meteorological data formats (e.g., GRIB2, NetCDF, HDF, BUFR) and model verification software systems (specifically METplus).
• Strong team-player mindset with demonstrated skill in communicating technical results effectively across interagency teams, developers, and operational forecasters.
• Some knowledge of using web page technology and common languages (e.g., HTML, Javascript) to display plots of verification data.
• Ability to analyze/plot and verify model output independently.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex problems.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder to and must live in US for 3-5 years prior to application

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience developing customized verification workflows or evaluation tools for convective-scale/rapid-refresh models and ensembles (e.g., RRFS, REFS, WoFS, or HRRR).
• Familiarity with evaluating AI/ML weather models (e.g., HRRRCast) or developing new metrics for machine learning forecast systems.
• Experience in precipitation verification topics (QPF) and working with operational datasets/systems like the National Blend of Models (NBM) or National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD).
• Knowledge of Fortran, web technologies (HTML, JavaScript) for web page plotting, or legacy display tools (GrADS, GEMPAK, MATLAB).
• Familiarity with National Weather Service operational centers, OMD workflows, or operational forecasting environments.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated skill in performing tasks requiring organization and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of statistical principles and strong analytical skills.
• A passion for the National Weather Service mission.
• Ability to accept assigned tasking, but also engage as a creative self-starter.
• Driven by curiosity and willing to try new techniques and learn new skills.
• Ability to remain flexible as projects and tasks evolve.