Research-Focused Software Engineer

We are seeking a dedicated Research Software Engineer (A2) to engage in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at standardizing the representation, storage, and utilization of numerical weather prediction (NWP) and climate data at ECMWF. You will join a vibrant team of scientists and software developers, contributing to essential projects at ECMWF.

At ECMWF, you will be part of a committed community striving to integrate advanced technology and scientific research at the forefront of numerical weather forecasting and high-resolution climate modeling. In this role, you will investigate and devise innovative solutions to create a framework that will streamline access to and comprehension of NWP and climate data. This will facilitate the development of tools that can seamlessly manage both data types while ensuring a thorough understanding of their semantics. This initiative will empower users of climate data, particularly those utilizing the Copernicus Climate Data Store, to share tools and workflows more effectively, allowing them to focus on scientific inquiry rather than data format intricacies.

Your contributions will be vital in shaping this harmonization framework and integrating its application into various tools and systems designed for data storage, distribution, and processing, including the Climate Data Store, as well as those directly employed by climate and weather scientists.

ECMWF has been entrusted by the EU to implement and manage the Climate Change and Atmosphere Monitoring Services of the EU Copernicus Programme and to contribute to the Copernicus Emergency Management Service. Additionally, ECMWF is one of three organizations tasked with delivering Destination Earth (DestinE), a flagship initiative by the European Commission aimed at developing highly accurate digital replicas, or Digital Twins (DTs), of the Earth on a global scale.

Within the framework of ECMWF's contribution to the Copernicus Programme, you will focus on developing a software framework that harmonizes the handling of diverse datasets from sources such as the Climate Data Store and ECMWF's MARS archive. Your primary focus will be on the development of EarthKit, which is set to become the preferred method for climate and weather scientists to access and process this data.

This role is situated within the Foundational Software Services Team in the Development Section. The team is responsible for creating and maintaining software building blocks and comprehensive applications in data processing, workflow management, and visualization. It also oversees the deployment, packaging, and testing of various software packages, which are made available both internally and externally, including standalone packages like ecCodes, MIR, Magics, and ecFlow, as well as the integrated meteorological workstation software Metview. The team is also engaged in developing the new EarthKit software stack, which modernizes and harmonizes data handling, facilitating efficient data access, analysis, visualization, and supporting ECMWF's machine learning advancements.

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is a global leader in weather and environmental forecasting. As an international organization, we provide our members and the broader community with critical global weather predictions and data essential for addressing the climate crisis. Operating as a 24/7 research and operational center, we focus on medium and long-range predictions and maintain one of the largest meteorological data archives worldwide. Our success is driven by the expertise of our scientists and specialists, robust partnerships with 35 Member and Co-operating States, and the utilization of advanced technologies and machine learning across our operations.

ECMWF has established a strong partnership with the European Union, implementing and operating the Climate Change and Atmosphere Monitoring Services of the Copernicus Programme. Our work also encompasses High Performance Computing and the development of digital tools that enhance our provision of data and products related to weather, climate, air quality, and disaster prediction and monitoring.

• Contribute to the creation of a framework for mapping between Weather Prediction and Climate data, fully integrated with the EarthKit ecosystem.
• Engage in requirements gathering and specifications for the new framework.
• Assist in the design, implementation, deployment, testing, documentation, and release of the EarthKit framework and its components.
• Collaborate with ECMWF colleagues and the user community to ensure EarthKit meets their requirements.
• Adapt existing ECMWF tools to utilize this framework and promote community adoption.
• Support the integration of this framework into the Copernicus Climate Data Store, ensuring it aligns with user needs.

• A collaborative work style with the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and external partners.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, coupled with a proactive mindset and a desire for professional growth.
• Ability to take initiative and make independent decisions.
• Capability to communicate complex technical concepts to users and collaborators.
• A commitment to success both individually and as part of a development team.
• Highly organized, capable of managing a diverse range of tasks under tight deadlines.

• Advanced university degree (EQ7 level or above) or equivalent professional experience in computer science, engineering, computational science, physics, natural sciences, mathematics, or a related field.

• Proven experience in developing object-oriented software using Python.
• Experience working and scripting in UNIX environments.
• Experience contributing to large-scale software projects, preferably open-source and/or involving multiple software components is advantageous.
• Familiarity with NetCDF, CF conventions, WMO/GRIB, or Earth Observational data is a plus.

• Strong understanding of software lifecycle maintenance.
• Familiarity with the Python scientific stack (xarray, scipy, pandas, etc.) is beneficial.
• Ability to write software in distributed computing or scientific computing environments is an advantage.
• Knowledge of CF conventions and GRIB metadata is a plus.

We encourage applications from individuals who may not meet all criteria.

Candidates must be proficient in English. Proficiency in one of the Centre's other working languages (French or German) is advantageous.

Grade remuneration: Successful candidates will be recruited according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations. Detailed salary scales and allowances are available on the ECMWF website.

Relocation: Candidates are expected to relocate to the duty station.

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted via videoconference.

Successful applicants and their families will be exempt from immigration restrictions.

Applications are invited from nationals of ECMWF Member States and Co-operating States, as well as nationals of European Union member states.

ECMWF Member States and Co-operating States include 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.

In these exceptional times, we also welcome applications from Ukrainian nationals for this vacancy.

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