The Royal Meteorological Institute invites applications for a Calibration-QC scientist (CAL-QC)
As a federal institute of knowledge on weather and climate, the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) totally focuses on its tasks of public duty. These tasks consist of providing general weather forecasts, broadcasting warnings for dangerous weather conditions, keeping an eye on our climate, gathering, validating and archiving meteorological and geophysical data, managing the necessary infrastructure due to its activities, developing numerical models and scientific research.

The Observations department delivers trustworthy meteorological data and contributes to the development of new observation methods for public services and scientific research. Calibration is of uttermost importance to achieve high-quality standards in data measurement, as it associates the measured value to a known physical reference. It also allows estimation of the uncertainty of the measurement giving reliability to measurements. This calibration process is realized in a controlled environment by a specialized technical team in a dedicated laboratory. The calibration laboratory seeks to hire an enthusiastic individual to reinforce the team. For this position, we encourage applications by researchers interested in both scientific works and more hands-on technical and operational tasks, for creating standardized processes and techniques to
calibrate instruments to maintain/guarantee consistent and precise measurements.

Job description
• Engineer and implement highly effective calibration processes and systems to guarantee consistent and precise measurements (particular attention will be paid to the automation of the processes).
• Creates or updates documentation (including a clear description of the manual tasks to be performed by the technician in charge of the calibration.
• Attend relevant training to build experience in the role.
• Develop and maintain up-to-date expertise in instrumentation to allow the selection and testing of specific instruments/sensors.
• Assist with the deployment of instruments on ground-based field campaigns.
• Other responsabilities are arranging logistics, managing the laboratory environment, database administration, and maintaining the laboratory and test equipment.
 

Required skills and expertise

Essential
• A master's diploma, either obtained in the Benelux or with a proof of equivalence of diploma (ENIC-NARIC) obtained in the Flemish or French Community in (bio)engineering or Science (physics, mathematics, computer science, ...).
• Good understanding of physics, instrumentation, automation and metrology.
• Proficiency in coding in one or more of the following: C/C++, Python, R, or similar development environments.
• Good problem-solving and analytical skills, demonstrated logical and rigorous approach to work.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Critical thinking.
• Good manual dexterity.
• Fluency in English and either French or Dutch.

Desirable
• Experience in calibration.
• Proficiency in relevant calibration laboratory techniques and experience with automation or specialized laboratory equipment.
• Good understanding of, and experience in, writing bespoke data acquisition and data analysis code and/or software algorithms with a focus on interfacing with test systems and automation of test measurements.
• Ability to disseminate research findings through oral and written communications.

Our offer
• A skilled, motivated and diverse team of colleagues.
• A full-time contract at the level SW1 of the Belgian federal scientific career for a 2-year period.
• Meal vouchers and reimbursement of local public transports.
• A nice working environment
• Options for flexible schedules and partial teleworking

Contact
To apply for this position, please send a motivation letter and curriculum vitae by email to
cedric.bertrand@meteo.be by 10 September 2024 including the job title in the email subject.
Complementary information about the content of the position can be requested from Dr. Cedric
Bertrand head of the "Climatological and Meteorological ground Observation Systems" group in
the Observations department at RMI
For information about the work conditions, please contact the head of Human Resources of RMI,
Mrs. Cindy Overloop (humanres@meteo.be)