Research Scientist / Senior Research Scientist (Numerical Weather Prediction)

[What the role is]

The Centre for Climate Research Singapore (CCRS) is the research division of the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS). At CCRS, our mission is to advance scientific understanding of tropical climate variability and change and its associated weather systems affecting Singapore and the wider Southeast Asia region, so that the knowledge and expertise can benefit decision makers and the community. Our vision is to be a world leading centre in tropical climate and weather research focussing on the Southeast Asia region.

CCRS undertakes weather/climate research in support of weather/climate services at MSS and a wide range of Singapore stakeholder agencies. Research collaborations are key, both with local universities and internationally via e.g. bilaterals with world-class organisations including the UK Met Office, Australian Bureau of Meteorology (the ‘Bureau’), and US National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Since 2022, CCRS has also been a core member of the multilateral international Momentum partnership.

Within CCRS, the Department for Weather Research (DWR) leads the research and development for CCRS’s core tropical, convective-scale ‘SINGV’ modelling system for both weather and climate change applications. In addition, DWR performs R&D in radar-based rainfall nowcasting, tropical convective-scale data assimilation, and use of AI in local Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP). DWR works closely with CCRS’ High Performance Computing (HPC) Branch and MSS forecasters in the R2O transition of research upgrades to operational NWP, and with CCRS’s Department of Climate Research (DCR) in the use of SINGV for regional climate projection applications.

[What you will be working on]

This position will lead rainfall nowcasting R&D within DWR’s NWP branch, in collaboration with researchers from local universities and the Bureau. Key topics include improving radar data quality control, signal processing, and further development and evaluation of CCRS’s AI-based rainfall nowcasting capabilities.

The incumbent will also work with MSS forecasters and staff from Singapore’s National Water Agency, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) to transition research capabilities into operations.

[What you will be working on]

The specific job responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

• Keeping abreast with the latest research and development in radar meteorology and machine-learning (ML)-based nowcasting application.

• Maintaining and improving the radar data processing chain, including quality control, signal processing and compositing.

• Developing ML-based rainfall nowcasting algorithms both for research and operation deployment.

• Contributing to development of seamless weather forecasts by optimized blending of nowcasts with NWP.

• Developing operational nowcasting system verification dashboard.

• Publishing research outcomes in peer-reviewed publications and presenting findings at international meetings.

• Working with stakeholders to tailor verification metrics according to requirements/needs.

[What we are looking for]

[What we are looking for]

Candidate requirements:

• Master’s or PhD degree (or equivalent) in meteorology, machine learning, data analytics or a related field.

• High level of proficiency in scientific computing, ideally including experience with machine learning Python packages (e.g., PyTorch, Tensorflow).

• Good written and verbal communication skills, ideally a record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.

• At least 3 years of research experience in radar or other observational data processing for environmental research projects is desirable.

• Research experience in meteorology, NWP, or rainfall nowcasting is desirable.

Personal characteristics/traits:

• Ability to work effectively to deadlines on individual projects and as part of a diverse team.

• Interest and passion to deliver relevant R&D for societal benefits.

• Ability to network effectively with the local and international research community.

• Ability to engage and communicate with scientists and stakeholders from diverse communities.

As part of the shortlisting process for this role, you may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.

Applicants will be updated on the status of their applications within 4 weeks of the closing date of this job posting.