Job Description

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 xe2x80x93 the SAWS is engaged in various aspects of atmospheric composition research, innovation and solution development activities. The aim of the SAWSxe2x80x93ACR 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 SAWSxe2x80x93ACR teamxe2x80x99s 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 SAWSxe2x80x93ACR 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 SAWSxe2x80x93ACR 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 SAWSxe2x80x93ACR team in data analysis and interpretation, model verification and calibration,

project reports as well as maintenance of atmospheric composition associated databases.

• Support the SAWSxe2x80x93ACR 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 SAWSxe2x80x93ACR team on new research projects/programmes/initiatives undertaken in

cooperation with national or international institutions.

• Participate in innovative programmes that are relevant to SAWSxe2x80x93ACR 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 SAWSxe2x80x93ACR 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 SAWSxe2x80x93ACR 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.

Record Reference HCM-ADVERT-SCIENTIST-RES-ACR