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SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE (SAWS)
Private Bag X097, Pretoria, 0001 • Tel: + 27 (0) 12 367 6000 
• www.weathersa.co.za • USSD: *120*7297# 
 
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is a Section 3(a) public entity under the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) 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 Organisation (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: 
 
Data Scientist (3-year Contract) (Re-advertisement) 
Salary total package: Negotiable 
Centre: Centurion 
(Ref. WS01/072021) 

 
Job summary: 
• Run numerical weather prediction or climate models in a High Performance Computing environment, 
• Apply post-processing methods to model output to verify the models, 
• Analyse remote sensing data to understand to atmospheric processes, 
• Assist with merging of remote sensing data and numerical weather prediction data to develop products for the very short range forecasting timescale 
• Assist with the extraction of weather or climate data for use by applications scientists to develop sector specific products. 
• Work with atmospheric and marine research teams supporting development of numerical weather prediction output and analytics 
 
Minimum Requirements and Attributes: 
• A BSc Hons or M.Sc (preferred) in one of the following or related disciplines: o Meteorology 
  • Earth System Science 
  • Atmospheric Sciences 
  • Data Science, 
  • Applied Mathematics 
  • Statistics
  • Computer Science 
• Degree should include at least first year level physics and second year level Mathematics, 
• Understanding of research process indicated by at least one peer reviewed publication lead by the applicant, 
• Proficiency with programming and scripting for spatial analysis and statistics using one or more of the following, Python, R, Fortran, MATLAB, and Julia, 
• Proficiency with Linux/Unix, Command line /shell scripting (bash, zsh). 
• Experience working with large, multi-dimensional data (e.g. netCDF, GRIB, TIFF files) with excellent knowledge of coordinate systems, data formats and statistical conventions. 
• Experience applying remote sensing data. 
• Familiarity with numerical weather prediction or climate models. 
• Familiarity with development good-practices (well-structured, modular code) and version control tools (e.g. git and github). 
• Excellent team player 
• Good communication and presentation skills.


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Please Note: 
All applicant’s personal information received will be used for purpose of this recruitment process only.
 
Enquiries for the above-mentioned positions must be directed to: Ms Thembisa Bixa, at Tel. (012) 367 6208. 
 
Complete the E1 form (can be downloaded on www.weathersa.co.za) and forward your application (Comprehensive CV with copies of qualifications) stating the name of the position & the reference number to recruitment2@weathersa.co.za. No faxed or posted applications will be accepted. 
 
Closing Date: 16 July 2021 
Note: Recruitment Agency applicant submissions will not be considered 
 
Candidates who have not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. The South African Weather Service is an equal opportunity employer. 
 
Record Reference: HCM-ADVERT- Data Scientist.2021