Scientist in meteorological data assimilation for the stratosphere (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

This position is open as part of the international Stratéole-2 project (http://www.lmd.polytechnique.fr/VORCORE/McMurdo.htm). Stratéole-2 aims to study the physical processes of the atmospheric layer known as the Tropical Tropopause Layer (TTL, 18–20 km) using scientific observations collected by a fleet of instrumented CNES balloons that drift through the stratosphere, deployed as part of measurement campaigns. The second and final campaign of the project (C2) will take place starting in September 2026. Some of the data collected by these balloons are accessible in near real-time.
During C2, pressure, temperature, and wind measurements—collected continuously on all balloons by the TSEN system (Podglajen A., 2014)—are incorporated into Météo-France's global numerical weather prediction system, ARPÈGE, via a new, dedicated procedure.
Some balloons also carry the ROC system (Haase J., 2021), which generates balloon-based radio-occultation data that are also available in real time. A framework for utilizing these data is currently under development. The ARPÈGE system already assimilates a vast amount of radio-occultation data obtained from GNSS satellites to LEO (low Earth orbit) satellites. In the case of ROC data, the LEO satellite is replaced by a high-altitude balloon.
All this data—TSEN and ROC—is intended to help improve ARPÈGE forecasts. The person recruited will participate in utilizing this data and will assess its impact on the quality of global-scale numerical forecasts.

Activity

The person recruited will be expected to:
- use an assimilation pipeline specifically designed for in-situ balloon data (in this case, TSEN) in order to improve how such data is utilized, both in the context of past campaigns and for real-time applications;
- assist in setting up an assimilation pipeline for ROC data and conduct assimilation experiments using this data;
- evaluate the individual and combined impacts of these experiments on the quality of meteorological analyses and forecasts, using objective scores and, potentially, case studies;
- prepare a scientific paper (in English) to be submitted to a peer-review journal.

Your Profil

Skills

- Proficiency in the Linux environment and programming languages ​​such as Python (or R), with a good working knowledge of Fortran
- Familiarity with data assimilation is an asset
- Knowledge of general and tropical meteorology, with an understanding of the stratosphere
- Strong communication skills in English
- Excellent ability to work within a team and as part of a network

Your Work Environment

The CNRM (National Centre for Meteorological Research) conducts research primarily focused on the predictability of atmospheric phenomena, the study of climate and climate change, the water cycle, ocean-atmosphere exchanges, atmospheric physical chemistry and urban meteorology, data assimilation and modeling for numerical weather prediction, the development of instrumentation, and the microstructure of the snowpack.
Research activities are mainly carried out at Météo-France sites in Toulouse, Grenoble, and Lannion.
This position is within the GMAP group—which develops Météo-France's operational numerical models—specifically within the PREV team, which focuses on predictability.
This position is based at the Météopole site in Toulouse.

Constraints and risks

Remote work is not desired.
Work will be performed during standard office hours.
The work will consist primarily of tasks carried out on a computer (screen).

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

up to €3,143 gross per month, depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions