Research Associate, Meteorologist

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 40

Salary Grade R2: $70,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience.

Please note, this is a wholly grant funded, temporary full time contract opportunity with benefits. The expected end date is July 30, 2027.

Secondments are Welcome

Click here for more details on secondment opportunities.

About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

About Us

The Northern Hail Project (NHP) is a new partnership between Western University and ImpactWX that aims to better detect damaging hail occurrence throughout Canada, improve severe and extreme weather prediction, mitigate against harm to people and property, and investigate future implications due to climate change. NHP uses ground surveys and crowdsourcing as well as various remote sensing technologies, including radar, drone, satellite and aircraft to detect damaging hail and resulting impacts.

Responsibilities

The Research Associate, Meteorologist will apply their expertise and experience to a research initiative, ‘The Northern Hail Project’ (NHP), which aims to improve knowledge of damaging hail in Canada. In collaboration with the ImpactWX Chair for Severe Storm Engineering, the NHP Executive Director and collaborators such as the University of Manitoba and Environment and Climate Change Canada, the role will carry out independent research to achieve NHP research outcomes, ensure that research outcomes are achieved on time, and will communicate progress updates to internal and external stakeholders. The Research Associate, Meteorologist will play a lead role in cross-Canada post-event data collection and interpretation, prepare reports and other written material for presentations and submissions to various stakeholders as required.

Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in Atmospheric Science and Computer Science
• PhD in Atmospheric Science and Computer Science is preferred

Experience:

• 3 years’ experience using computer vision techniques and machine learning and experience developing software products
• Experience in a research environment planning, preparing and executing projects
• Experience in the interpretation of meteorological data (e.g., weather radar imagery)
• Experience publishing research in peer-reviewed journals
• Preferred:
  • Experience developing tools, using computer vision, and machine learning to process and analyze (e.g., classification and segmentation applications) large datasets including meteorology, photographic and video data
  • Experience developing software that uses machine learning and integration of diverse datasets to identify areas at threat of severe thunderstorms, particularly hail
  • Experience developing software to streamline and accelerate analysis, processing and dissemination of data

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of severe storms meteorology
• In-depth knowledge of, and experience working with, Python, Matlab, C, C++, Java, and Perl
• Extensive experience working in Windows and UNIX environments
• Extensive experience working with GitHub, cloud and HPC computing
• Knowledge of best software engineering practices and standards (e.g., testing environments, proper code structuring and preparing high-quality documentation)
• Knowledge of techniques for planning, managing and coordinating multiple projects, with competing priorities that involve a variety of stakeholders
• Knowledge of methods for research design, implementation, and analysis and with techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
• Familiarity with regulations and guidelines governing research in an academic environment
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures preferred
• Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit
• Project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
• Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users
• Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required
• Ability to investigate defined issues, solicit input, and suggest remedies and alternative approaches that meet the needs of the situation
• Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant scientific / research principles with the ability to research / investigate issues and resolve problems
• Ability to interpret and identify key results from research and to succinctly summarize research findings
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Advanced computer skills using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, with a willingness to stay abreast of technological developments and a desire to take on new challenges
• Ability to multi-task and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment
• Ability and willingness to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the activities of the Project
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.