OverviewRapidly updating, probabilistic severe weather guidance is only as good as the science and technology behind it. As FWI's PHI and AI/ML Research Specialist supporting NSSL, you will apply expert, highly specialized knowledge to advance Probabilistic Hazard Information (PHI) systems by integrating Warn-on-Forecast (WoFS) ensemble guidance, meteorological observations, and machine learning techniques into next-generation short-term hazard prediction tools. Your work will bridge research and operations - from designing AI/ML methodologies to leading Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT) engagement with real NWS forecasters - to make severe weather guidance faster, smarter, and easier to act on, while providing technical guidance and limited supervision to project team members.
Work Schedule and Location:Remote: This full-time remote position will work Monday through Friday, 8 AM CST to 5 PM CST.
Responsibilities- Apply expert, specialized knowledge to advance PHI research and development activities that improve rapidly updating probabilistic forecasts of severe weather hazards
- Design, develop, and evaluate AI/ML methodologies that enhance the generation, interpretation, and communication of probabilistic hazard forecasts
- Lead development and implementation of tools that integrate WoFS ensemble output with PHI systems and workflows, providing technical guidance to team members
- Develop methods to merge WoFS forecasts with meteorological observations (radar, satellite, lightning, environmental datasets) to create enhanced short-term forecast guidance products
- Conduct data analysis, visualization, verification, and explainability studies to evaluate forecast performance and improve user understanding of AI-assisted forecast guidance
- Direct development of software tools, workflows, and visualization products to support research, testing, and operational transition activities
- Lead planning, facilitation, and analysis of user engagement activities conducted through the Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT) and related evaluation programs
- Analyze feedback from forecasters and other stakeholders to guide future development and refinement of PHI and WoFS-based products
- Collaborate with scientists, developers, forecasters, and external partners to advance next-generation severe weather forecasting capabilities
- Prepare technical documentation, software repositories, evaluation reports, and project deliverables supporting research and operational objectives
- Contribute to quarterly and annual project reports
- Lead or contribute to peer-reviewed publications and present research findings at scientific conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings
QualificationsRequired:
- BS Degree (Advanced Degree Preferred) in meteorology, atmospheric science, computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field
- 8+ years of professional or academic experience (5 years of AI Experience preferred)
Desired:
- Experience conducting research involving severe convective storms, hazardous weather forecasting, or probabilistic prediction systems
- Knowledge of ensemble forecasting systems, including Warn-on-Forecast (WoFS) or similar convection-allowing ensemble prediction systems
- Experience applying artificial intelligence and/or machine learning techniques to meteorological, environmental, or geospatial datasets
- Demonstrated experience leading a project team or providing limited supervision on a technical research effort
- Proficiency in scientific programming and software development using Python and related data analysis and visualization tools
- Experience working with large observational and model datasets, including radar, satellite, lightning, and environmental observations
- Familiarity with forecast verification methodologies, uncertainty quantification, and model evaluation techniques
- Experience utilizing high-performance computing (HPC) resources and modern software development practices
- Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts through presentations, technical reports, and peer-reviewed publications
- Experience collaborating with operational users, stakeholders, or forecasters in the development and evaluation of decision-support tools
Work Setting and Environment:
- Primary location: Remote
- Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day / 40 hours per week, excluding federal holidays; field data-collection activities may require irregular hours during active severe weather events
- Local and non-local travel may be required, not anticipated to exceed 5% annually; all unplanned travel must be approved in writing by the COR at least 10 calendar days in advance
- Must complete an online IT security awareness course within one week of starting work
- Foreign national candidates are subject to export control review and require CO/COR approval prior to consideration
- Government-furnished equipment provided, including access to HPC resources, specialized mobile observation platforms, laboratory test equipment, computers, and office workspace, as applicable
FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. Why Join Our TeamAt FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) Plan
- Holiday Pay
- Paid Time Off
Pay Range$102,000.00 to $108,000.00
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