Thermospheric Ensemble Data Assimilation
Research grant to improve forecasting in the upper atmosphere by refining data assimilation techniques, including using new observations and improving algorithms.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: $99,200 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; typical tenure 2-3 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship supporting innovative research to improve upper atmosphere numerical weather prediction through advanced ensemble data assimilation techniques.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents; requires contacting Research Adviser prior to applying; relocation and health insurance benefits included.
Description
This fellowship opportunity at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) focuses on advancing numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems that extend into the thermosphere, hundreds of kilometers above the Earth's surface. NRL has developed versions of the Navy’s operational global forecasting system (NAVGEM) and the next-generation system (NEPTUNE) that reach from the surface to the thermosphere.
The research centers on improving the data assimilation (DA) component of these NWP systems. DA algorithms combine a "first guess" forecast with meteorological observations to produce the best estimate of the atmospheric state, which is critical for initializing forecasts and other applications.
NRL has developed an ensemble Kalman filter DA algorithm for surface-to-space forecasting systems. This fellowship invites innovative research to enhance ensemble data assimilation techniques for the upper atmosphere, including:
- Optimizing the use of current atmospheric measurements
- Integrating new sources of observational data
- Improving the Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (LETKF) algorithm
Keywords associated with this opportunity include Thermosphere, Data Assimilation, Numerical Weather Prediction, Atmosphere, Ionosphere, and Forecasting.
