R Programming Software Engineer III
GFDL Empirical Statistical Downscaling Science Project
NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory
Princeton University
Princeton, New Jersey USA
Initial consideration will be given to applications received prior to 4:00 p.m. (MST), Friday, 5 February 2016. Thereafter, applications will be reviewed on an as-needed basis.
The UCAR Visiting Scientist Programs, in cooperation with NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) is seeking applications for a Software Engineer/Programmer III to support the GFDL empirical statistical downscaling science project. This position is located on-site at the NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL), Princeton, New Jersey and may have the option of teleworking part-time.
The successful candidate will review, design extensions to, and lead software implementation efforts for a modular software infrastructure used to conduct statistical downscaling experiments on Unix-based computer systems. Requires expertise in the R & Python programming languages and in modular programming practices. Code review, (re)design planning, and prioritization to be pursued in concert with team members.
This candidate will also:
- Define, evaluate, organize, and execute software testing methods, focusing on the accurate addition of new algorithms and functionality, reproducibility of results across software version releases, consistency across multiple Unix-based hardware platforms, and the analysis & enhancement of software performance.
- Support and participate in the analysis of statistical downscaling experiment results, including the expansion of a set of statistical analysis software tools to be co-developed with project scientists and their collaborators.
- Ensure that the software infrastructure ingests and produces large volumes of netCDF data files that adhere to CF (Climate and Forecast) metadata standards and are consistent with data management practices.
- Consistently demonstrate solid communication skills (including preparation of written documentation for developers and users, exchanging ideas with team members during planning sessions, contributing to the preparation and/or review of scientific and technical manuscripts) and comfort working and problem-solving as part of a modest-sized, interdisciplinary team.
Decision Making & Problem Solving
This position requires creativity, self-motivation, and the ability to anticipate, identify and solve problems on an independent basis and in collaboration with other team members. The employee will receive general supervision and guidance related to objectives from the leader of GFDL’s ESD Team, who is a NOAA-GFDL scientific researcher. The employee consults with the team leader concerning priorities, time lines, unusual developments and problems and may coordinate with and review the work of other programmers associated with the project.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Extensive experience and expertise in the Python and R programming languages.
- Strong knowledge and extensive experience in applying software analysis, design, and development methodologies for scientific software applications, including modular programming practices and iterative design for software projects.
- Strong ability to anticipate and develop effective solutions to software engineering problems. Demonstrated proficiency with Unix-based operating systems, commands, and utilities.
- Familiarity with common Unix software development tools, such source code control systems and repository managers.
- Experience working with and optimizing the performance of scientific applications. Strong ability to evaluate, interpret and apply new technical knowledge.
- Familiarity with statistical methods and data analysis as applied to scientific problems.
- Skill in oral and written communication including the development of user documentation and technical reports.
- Demonstrated skill in working effectively in a project/team setting.
- May coordinate and review the work of others on assigned projects. May provide technical direction for assigned projects.
- 5 or more years of experience with the following software languages and processes:
- R & Python programming languages/technologies
- Modular programming practices
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time while keyboarding.
Education and Experience
- Education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor of Science in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, or related field and 6 to 10 years of computer programming experience associated with statistics and/or data analysis
- Master’s Degree preferred.
Employees of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and subject to and covered by UCAR policies with respect to all personnel matters. The selected candidate will receive a fixed annual salary. Benefits include health and dental insurance, sick and annual leave, paid holidays, mandatory participation in a retirement fund (TIAA/CREF), and life insurance. A relocation allowance of $3,000 for travel, shipping, and other support costs is provided.
Please visit the VSP website for application details.
http://www.vsp.ucar.edu/opportunities/GFDL_Software_Engineer-Programmer.html
Initial consideration will be given to applications received prior to 4:00 p.m. (MST), Friday, 5 February 2016. Thereafter, applications will be reviewed on an as-needed basis.
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research is an EO/AAE who values and encourages diversity in the workplace.