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Research Scientist - Radiative transfer modelling and analysis of historical satellite observations from the 1960s F/H

  • Lannion, 22300

  • CDD

  • 02/11/2026- 01/05/2028

  • 3470€- 4252€

Description

As a public expert in weather and climate, Météo-France is here to help keep you safe every day and assist you in making the best decisions in a changing climate. With dangerous weather events becoming even more intense and frequent due to climate change, our mission to keep you safe is crucial. We mobilize our expertise and scientific and technological excellence to enable you to anticipate and adapt to challenging weather and climate events.

Find us online:https://meteofrance.com/carte-didentite-de-meteo-france

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) Satellite Data Rescue project aims to collect, analyse, and prepare historical weather satellite data from around the world for modern use, including assimilation for reanalysis (https://satellite-datarescue.climate.copernicus.eu/).

The C3S2_bis_314 (https://climate.copernicus.eu/support-climate-reanalysis-including-satellite-data-rescue-0) has two main objectives. The first is to support data ingestion and conduct data assimilation experiments from historical satellite observations (IRIS, PMR, SIRS, SCR, NEMS, SCAMS, and VTPR) in preparation for the ERA6 reanalysis scheduled to begin in 2026. The second objective is to continue data rescue activities through the consolidation of previously recovered datasets and the processing of observations from newly identified historical instruments.

The present position is part of the contribution of the Centre National de Recherches Météorologiques (CNRM, Météo-France/CNRS) to the selected consortium, led by SPASCIA and comprising the University of Reading and ICARE. More specifically, CNRM is responsible for extending radiative transfer simulation capabilities to a selected set of historical instruments in the infrared part of the spectrum, while consolidating previous developments related to gas correlation spectroscopy sensors. These instruments provide observations spanning the period from 1960 to 2006, offering unprecedented temporal coverage, particularly in the stratosphere, and represent a valuable source of information for atmospheric reanalysis.

The CNRM is a Joint Research Unit (UMR 3589) jointly supervised by Météo-France and the CNRS. The CNRM conducts research in the fields of meteorology and climate, ranging from observation, understanding, and modeling of processes to the development of weather forecasting and climate projection systems that can be transferred to Météo-France’s operational services.

The CEMS (Center for Studies in Satellite Meteorology), based in Lannion, is one of the six research groups or centers within the CNRM. Its work focuses primarily on the analysis of meteorological satellite data for weather monitoring and forecasting and related fields.
The CEMS Sounding Team is involved in the scientific development of the RTTOV radiative transfer code, which simulates satellite observations.

Why join us?

Embark on a stimulating adventure that serves everyone, alongside men and women who are committed every day to tackling the challenges posed to our society by weather and climate.

And enjoy the following benefits: flexible working hours, RTT (reduced working time), teleworking, staff restaurant or meal vouchers, 75% contribution to public transport costs, contribution to mutual insurance, sports and cultural associations depending on the site concerned (climbing, gym, pottery, theater, etc.).
Other benefits await you, come and discover them!

Missions

Under the supervision of the project lead and in close collaboration with the other team members, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

  • Assessing the impact of historical atmospheric CO₂ concentrations on radiative transfer simulations and their agreement with available observations.

  • Investigating the extension of atmospheric profiles to higher altitudes in order to accurately represent the sensitivity of selected instruments to the upper stratosphere and mesosphere.

  • Characterizing historical instruments and refining their representation in radiative transfer models, with a particular focus on gas correlation spectroscopy instruments.

  • Developing and implementing new simulation capabilities within the RTTOV radiative transfer model.

  • Evaluating RTTOV simulations for selected meteorological and atmospheric case studies.

  • Reporting progress and results to the project consortium and contributing to project deliverables.

  • Disseminating scientific results through presentations at consortium meetings and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Application deadline : 31st of July 2026

For any further information, please contact Jean-Marie LALANDE (jean-marie.lalande@meteo.fr)

Profile

Applicants should hold a PhD in atmospheric sciences, physics, meteorology, remote sensing, or a related discipline. Experience in one or more of the following areas would be an asset: radiative transfer modelling, satellite observations, atmospheric remote sensing, or meteorological applications.

Candidates should have strong programming skills in scientific computing environments (e.g. Fortran, Python, Shell scripting) and experience handling and processing scientific datasets in a variety of formats, including NetCDF, and HDF.

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required. Knowledge of French would be considered an advantage.