LIFT Data Analyst (Scientist IV)

Overview

As FWI's LIFT Data Analyst supporting NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) in Norman, Oklahoma, you will lead the development of scanning strategies and analyze data collected using NSSL's pulsed Doppler wind LiDAR in support of the Low-level Internal Flows in Tornadoes (LIFT) project and the broader VORTEX-USA program. Your work will help answer one of the most persistent questions in severe storms research: what's really happening in the lowest levels of the atmosphere near and within a tornado? From field deployments to peer-reviewed publications, you'll be at the center of NSSL's next generation of tornado-scale science.

 

Work Schedule and Location:

 

Hybrid: This full-time hybrid position will work Monday through Friday, 8 AM CST to 5 PM CST, with 90% at National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), National Weather Center, Norman, Oklahoma, or designated field deployment locations.

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024, 2025 and 2026 Top Workplace, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment. 

Responsibilities

• Test, analyze, and implement scanning strategies using NSSL's pulsed Doppler wind LiDAR in support of NSSL research goalsDevelop workflows to process, synthesize, and analyze existing NSSL lidar observations collected for LIFT
• Work with the lidar manufacturer to incorporate updates and implement custom solutions for increasing the effectiveness of data collection and analysis
• Analyze LIFT LiDAR observations leading to one peer-reviewed publication
• Lead or contribute to one modeling study on tornado-scale processes guided by LIFT LiDAR observations
• Contribute to NSSL field data collection and collaborative research efforts led by other scientists
• Provide technical documentation (e.g., schematics, code repositories, test reports) for development activities
• Prepare quarterly reports of status
• Write a brief report following AMS guidelines and prepare a conference-style presentation outlining the experimental design and results; present to project stakeholders and at a national or international conference if possible

Qualifications

Required: 

• MA/MS in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a related field (PhD preferred)
• 8+ years of professional and/or academic experience

Desired: 

• Experience collecting and processing meteorological field data, preferably from remote sensing systems
• Experience conducting rigorous scientific analysis of meteorological data
• Familiarity with Python and/or other coding languages for data workflows and analysis
• Ability to work as part of a technical team, preferably for field data collection
• Familiarity with field project design and management
• Established record of leading scientific research and publishing result

 

Work Setting and Environment:

• Primary location: National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), National Weather Center, Norman, Oklahoma, or designated field deployment locations
• 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
• Remote work arrangements must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR); on-site presence may be required based on mission, field operations, collaboration, or security needs
• 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

 

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. 

Why Join Our Team

 

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• 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

$83,000.00 to $87,000.00 depending on experience, education, and clearance level.