Position Function:
The successful candidate will contribute to advancing the science and prediction of Atlantic tropical cyclones on subseasonal timescales (2 weeks to 3 months). The project will focus on identifying and quantifying key sources of predictability—including climate modes of tropical variability such as the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)—and leveraging statistical (e.g., Analog) and machine learning techniques (in particular neural networks), to develop subseasonal hurricane forecast models improve predictive models.
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of climate science and artificial intelligence in an operationally relevant context.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Northern Gulf Institute (NGI) is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Institute comprised of six academic institutions that are geographically distributed across the U.S. Gulf Coast states. The six NGI member institutions are Mississippi State University (lead), the University of Southern Mississippi, Florida State University, Louisiana State University, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory. Together with NOAA and in support of their strategic plan, NGI conducts research on interconnections among Gulf of Mexico environments, habitats, resources, and people and engages in outreach to help others learn about and make decisions based on these interconnections.
Area of Specialization:
Subseasonal Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Forecasting
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Analyze the influence of MJO, ENSO, and other climate modes on Atlantic tropical cyclone activity on subseasonal timescales.
• Develop and evaluate statistical and machine learning models (e.g., neural networks) for subseasonal tropical cyclone prediction.
• Collaborate with NOAA and university researchers across disciplines.
• Present findings at scientific conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
Minimum Qualifications:
• A Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Climate Science, Meteorology, Oceanography, Data Science, or a related field by the start date.
• Strong understanding of tropical climate variability, especially the MJO and ENSO.
• Demonstrated experience with statistical modeling and/or machine learning techniques, with a preference for neural network-based methods.
• Proficiency in scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience working with large atmospheric and oceanic datasets.
• Familiarity with tropical cyclone dynamics and prediction.
• Experience in collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge in dynamic weather and climate modeling, as well as seasonal forecasting experience or background is preferred. The ideal applicant would need to know how to navigate the Linux environment, work with big weather and climate datasets, and have experience building and developing machine learning models.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Occasional and/or light lifting required up to 10 pounds. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, etc.; none to the degree of being disagreeable. Frequent standing, walking, climbing or balancing required. Routine deadlines, variance in work volume predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressure from persons other than immediate supervisor.
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, ability to distinguish colors.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Interested applicants should submit the following materials:
1. A cover letter detailing your research interests and qualifications.
2. A current CV.
3. Contact information for three professional references.
Apply online at jobs.msstate.edu
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
