[Hiring] Probabilistic Hazard Information and AI/ML Research Specialist @FedWriters

Role Description

Rapidly 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.

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.

Qualifications

• 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 Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• 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 depending on experience, education, and clearance level.