KTP Associate – Lead Meteorologist

The Knowledge Transfer Network Limited; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology transfer organization seeks an Associate to advance methodologies in weather prediction by utilizing novel observations from autonomous platforms. This role involves assessing data impact, performing uncertainty quantification, and participating in fieldwork. Applicants should have a relevant degree and experience in meteorology. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of data analytics in a growing company, with potential for a permanent role post-project.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in meteorology, atmospheric science, or related discipline.
• Experience in NWP models and data assimilation techniques.
• Strong coding skills in Python or similar programming languages.

Responsibilities

• Assess data from airborne platforms for weather forecasting.
• Develop code for impact analysis of observations.
• Perform quality control on new data streams.

Skills

Ensemble Sensitivity Analysis

Data Analysis

Uncertainty Quantification

Field Work

Education

Relevant degree in Meteorology or related field

Job description

• Assessing the collection of data from airborne platforms and different techniques used to quantify observation impact on forecasts.
• Developing code based on ensemble sensitivity analysis to assess the potential impact of the Voltitude observations within a numerical weather prediction system.
• Performing uncertainty quantification of the observations and develop the necessary quality control procedures needed to ingest the new data streams.
• Participating in field work to gain a full appreciation of the deployment of airborne platforms and an understanding of how these systems work in practice.
• Leading on the dissemination of the project findings through presentations to academic and commercial audiences including international conferences and through academic publications.

The aim of this pioneering Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project is to support the business partner, Voltitude Ltd, in realising the full potential of autonomous stratospheric platforms to transform the global weather data services market. This includes advancing scientific understanding and practical use of novel atmospheric observations, particularly data from microdropsondes dispensed from constellations of long-endurance, high-altitude stratospheric platforms.

The Associate will develop robust methodologies to assess the impact of these observations on numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, with a focus on Ensemble Sensitivity Analysis (ESA) to quantify forecast improvements. This project offers an opportunity to contribute to the emerging field of stratospheric meteorological sensing, addressing key gaps in global observation networks and improving forecasts in data-sparse regions.

About the business

Voltitude is a small but fast-growing business renowned for their expertise and knowledge of High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS), located in Farnborough, Hampshire. This position will play a key role in shaping its future. It is hoped that after the project the Associate will join Voltitude on a permanent basis to lead an in-house Meteorology and Data Analytics team. Learn more at voltitude.co.uk