Scientist Atmospheric Composition Research (ACR)

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is a Section 3(a) public entity under the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and is governed by a Board. The organisation is an authoritative voice for weather and climate related services in South Africa and is a member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to fulfil a range of international obligations of the government. South African Weather Service (SAWS) strives to be a Weather and Climate Centre of Excellence providing innovative solutions to ensure a weather-smart region, sustainable development and economic growth. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is therefore seeking to appoint an efficient and enthusiastic person to undertake the role of:

Scientist
Atmospheric Composition Research (ACR)
Department: Research and Development
Salary: Total package negotiable – Level 8
Ref. W06/102023
Centre: Centurion

Job Summary
To address challenges associated with various consequences of atmospheric composition variations, air quality deterioration and to assure environmental sustainability – the SAWS is engaged in various aspects of atmospheric composition research, innovation and solution development activities. The aim of the SAWS–ACR team includes, but is not limited to, the generation of scientifically advanced, robust and quality-controlled atmospheric composition products and services which inform/support the general public, different environmental/economic sectors, and policy/decision makers. Accordingly, the SAWS–ACR team’s main focus area is the chemical state of the climate and its implications. The key scientific activities of the team encompass the development, implementation and optimization of various compositional numerical models, retrieval algorithms, sector-specific interlinking schemes, multivariate data blending (deploying modelling, ground observations and satellite retrievals) and analysis systems. Under these principal premises, the scientist will participate in research, scientific innovation and system development/implementations, operational and administrative activities.

Key Performance Areas:
As SAWS–ACR team member (within the Research and Development department of SAWS), the appointed Scientist will be responsible for:

• Conduct research on computational development and implementation of atmospheric composition
  modelling and data analysis systems under the guidance of the lead scientist.
• Participate in the research, development, installation, upgrading, operationalization and maintenance of scientific systems relevant to the SAWS–ACR team.
• Participate in research programmes or projects related to the implementation of new compositional
  scientific systems, atmospheric composition variational and impact studies, and analysis of large datasets.
• Support the SAWS–ACR team in data analysis and interpretation, model verification and calibration,
  project reports as well as maintenance of atmospheric composition associated databases.
• Support the SAWS–ACR team in maintaining/fostering collaborations with stakeholders and strategic
  partners.
• Assist the production of scientifically robust and quality-controlled atmospheric composition related
  operational/once-off products and services for the public good, commercial, regulations and policies.
• Support the SAWS–ACR team on new research projects/programmes/initiatives undertaken in
  cooperation with national or international institutions.
• Participate in innovative programmes that are relevant to SAWS–ACR strategic needs and obligations.
• Keep abreast of the latest atmospheric composition technologies, systems and databases so as to improve overall productivity and service delivery.
• Assist the SAWS–ACR team in reporting, evaluating research needs, and developing new research
  proposals, publications, and presentations.
• Participate in promoting and enhancing the national/international positioning of ACR and SAWS through scientific engagements (presentations, meetings, workshops, etc).
• Participate in professional development programs.
• Participate in teamwork and collaborative efforts to meet targets.
• Support the SAWS–ACR team and research management in addressing/attending to ad hoc requests from internal or external stakeholders.
• Keep administrative processes associated with the position up-to-date (research management framework, reporting, etc.).
• Participate in activities related to the implementation and/or maintenance of the SAWS TQM system,
  ensuring quality output and customer satisfaction.

Minimum Requirements and Attributes:

• An appropriate Honours degree in Meteorology/Atmospheric Sciences/Environmental Sciences
• Theoretical background and practical knowledge (research project participation experience) in the field of atmospheric physics/chemistry will serve as an advantage
• Experience in large dataset analysis and data management techniques
• Experience in atmospheric composition/air pollution aspects of remote sensing (either ground or spaceborne platforms, or both)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience in presentation and reporting scientific outcomes
• Ability to meet project and administrative deadlines
• The ability to work in a team as well as individually
• Experience with Linux and UNIX operating systems, as well as background in programming (e.g., Fortran, R, Python, etc.) will be an added advantage

Please Note:
Register as a user on our website using this link: https://www.weathersa.co.za/home/vacancies to apply for the above position and upload your (Comprehensive CV with certified copies of qualifications).

Enquiries for the above-mentioned positions must be directed to Ms Thembisa Bixa, at Tel. (012)
367 6208.
Closing Date: 06 November 2023

Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. Candidates who have not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept your application was unsuccessful. The organisation reserves the right not to fill this position. South African Weather Service is an equal opportunity employer.

All the best with your applications