MDL R&D Opportunities

The MDL consists of five (5) branches which conduct applied research.
The applied research is aimed toward the development of new and/or
improved:

1.  Diagnos­tic and prognostic -- weather information

2.  Weather data depiction and utilization

3.  Warning and forecast product preparation

4.  Data and forecast evaluation

Projects involve modern physical, dynami­cal, and statistical techniques
implemented on operational computers.

Mesoscale Prediction Branch (MPB)

Develops techniques which provide objective short‑range (1‑24 hour)
forecast guidance for all weather elements in both routine public and
aviation products. MPB also maintains the National Digital Forecast
Database (NDFD). A database from which products may be produced which
offer high resolution and maximum flexibility to customers and partners.
MPB develops techniques for initialization and interactive
interpretation of NDFD sensible weather fields which facilitate forecast
coordination among NWS field offices.

Statistical Modeling Branch (SMB)

Generates a full set of statistical weather guidance products. These
statistical guidance products are generated using statistical
interpretation of numerical weather prediction model output. The
statistical weather guidance provides forecasts from a few hours to a
week or more in advance. Emphasis is placed on high priority weather
elements including quantitative precipitation and visibility at
airports.

Decision Assistance Branch (DAB)

Develops and implements techniques to synthesize, display, and
manipulate data and guidance from various sources. Such methods and
displays incorporate algorithms and lead the forecaster through a
decision process appropriate for the specific weather situation to be
addressed. Techniques for automatically monitoring weather observations
and forecasts are developed and implemented to alert the forecaster
whenever there is a need to update warning and forecast products,
especially for dangerous weather situations.

Product Generation Branch (PGB)

Designs, develops, and tests applications for use at NWS forecast
offices. This includes:

1.  Implementing interactive techniques to produce a digital database
    from which forecast products are automatically
    generated![](media/image1.wmf){width="3.1430555555555557in"
    height="3.1284722222222223in"}

2.  Developing applications which support routine operations at Weather
    Forecast Offices.

The Interactive Forecast Preparation System (IFPS) is an example of an
interactive application the PGB has developed.

Evaluation Branch (EB)

Evaluates the quality of data, models, and forecasts. Develops
techniques to assess the quality of observations from various sources,
including ASOS and cooperative networks. Uses archives of observations
and forecasts to produce verification scores in support of the National
Verification Program. NWS coastal marine modeling of storm surges
(SLOSH), extratropical storm surges and coastal waves also fall within
the scope of the EB.

Contact Information

Student Career Experience Program Coordinator

Meteorological Development Laboratory

1325 East-West Hwy Room 10364

Silver Spring, MD 20910

FAX: (301) 713-9316

World-wide Web Site:

[**http://www.weather.gov/mdl/coop/coop.php**](http://www.weather.gov/mdl/coop/coop.php)

Meteorological Development Laboratory

\(MDL\)

Student Career Experience Program

(SCEP)

Purpose

Provide college students with an opportunity to alternate full-time paid
employment with periods of full-time study. The work activity is related
to a student's field of study (i.e., one of the majors listed below
under Requirements).

Student Benefits

-   Provides the student with a professional work experience, before
    graduation

-   Helps the student consolidate career decisions and focus on specific
    career interests

-   Provide the student with an opportunity to make contacts for
    potential employment following graduation

-   Allows the student to apply knowledge gained in the classroom

-   Helps the student to build on his/her self-confidence and leadership
    skills

Requirements

-   Student is enrolled in a meteorology, oceanography, physical
    science, physics, math, or computer science degree program
    (**[Student MUST have completed 1 year of college]{.underline}**)

-   Student has at least a 2.0 grade point average overall, with a 2.5
    average in his/her major

-   Students must be able to commit to a total of 12 months of
    employment

-   Work periods will be at least 2 months long and will correspond to a
    student's semester, quarter, or trimester -- not just to summer
    vacations

-   Student must be a U.S. citizen

-   Student's institution must have a signed NOAA/COOP agreement on file

Requirements (Continued)

-   Although knowledge of computer programming languages is not
    mandatory, familiarity with LINUX, FORTRAN, C/C++ typify the
    successful candidate

Salary and Benefits

-   Beginning salary GS-4 to GS-9 depending upon the number of completed
    semesters

-   Possible conversion to permanent appointment depending on
    availability of position and satisfactory completion of his/her
    degree.

-   Promotion to next pay grade after completion of work session and
    additional courses (student must maintain good academic standing)

-   Paid travel between school and work site at start and end of work
    session

-   Earned annual and sick leave

-   Government contribution to life and health insurance

-   Possible 120-day work period after graduation

How to Apply

-   FAX, e-mail or mail a resume and recent transcript to the SCEP
    Coordinator. The FAX number is (301) 713-9316. E-mail should be sent
    to Carl.McCalla@noaa.gov. The mailing address is in the contact
    section of this brochure.

The Next Step

-   Submit a completed SCEP application, including a proposed work
    schedule, to SCEP coordinator. The application is available at the
    SCEP web site listed in the contact section of the brochure.

-   Contact the Cooperative Education (CO-OP) Coordinator at your school
    or within your department for local requirements of a COOP position.

-   Send all information to the NWS through your CO-OP Education
    Department to arrive at MDL by the first day of September or
    February.

The Hiring Process

-   After a review of your academic performance and work skills, you may
    be contacted by MDL to set up an interview. If you are unable to
    visit the work site for the interview, the interview will be
    conducted by phone.

-   As part of the interview process, you'll be asked to provide several
    references. Therefore, select individuals who are familiar with your
    academic, computer, and work skills.

-   If selected, you will be contacted by phone and in writing.

-   Housing arrangements are the student's responsibility; however, the
    SCEP coordinator at MDL may be able to assist the student by
    providing the names of others wishing to share living quarters.