Science Industry Placement Program
TITLE:
Validation of specialised numerical weather forecasts
Company Name:
CSIRO
Location:
Aspendale
Project Focus:
Weather and Environmental Prediction
Supervisor:
Jack Katzfey
Project Description:
CMAR has developed a numerical atmospheric model, called CCAM, that is used for shortrange weather prediction and downscaling of climate projections. Weather predictions have
been carried out using CCAM for a range of locations around the world. It has successfully
been used to provide very high resolution forecasts for major events like America's Cup and
the 2012 Olympics, and to underpin scientific investigation, such as the South Esk Sensor
Web in Tasmania.
One of the key requirements of model development is to demonstrate improved accuracy
and to identify areas which may need further improvements. New model code has been
tested over some Australian locations in order to evaluate these changes. This project will
evaluate some of these forecasts in order to quantify how well the model performs.
Variables that can be validated include mean sea-level pressure, daily maximum and
minimum temperatures, rainfall and winds, and possibly some upper-level fields.
The project will involve:
1. Processing the available observational data and model output so that they are easy
to manipulate and match to each other,
2. Computing validation statistics and producing graphics and tables of results,
3. Assisting with interpretation of the validation results.
Comparisons will be made against both gridded observational data as well as station
observations. The main result will be to quantify model skill and determine situations where
the model needs improvement. Comparison against the performance of other atmospheric
models will be considered if time permits.
This project will provide an opportunity to be part of the Dynamical Downscaling Team within
CMAR and to experience first-hand the life of a scientist. The student will learn about
models, numerical weather prediction, and weather and climate science. CMAR is part of
the Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research (CAWCR), so there will also be
opportunities to interact with scientists at the Bureau of Meteorology.
Number of Students:
2
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Student Academic Background Preference:
The student should be able to:
• Perform basic shell computer skills using Linux/Unix ;
• Have the ability to manipulate datasets;
• Have experience in running Excel or programming languages such as R, python, etc.
• Have some understanding of statistical techniques
Preferred Start Date:
November 2013
Preferred work schedule:
8 hours per day for 2 continuous weeks (negotiable)
Method of selection: The selection criteria is the match between the student’s enrolled
course, units the student has completed, interest and experience to the particular project
requirements, working towards a ‘best fit’ match. The industry partner has the final decision.
Allowance:
Allowance for travel and other expenses associated with undertaking the placement is $40
per 8-hour day (payable by CSIRO).
Application closing date:
18 October 2013 by 5.00 pm
How to apply
Students meeting the eligibility criteria must complete the following:
1. Application form below
2. Curriculum Vitae of no more than 3 pages;
3. Statement of results (downloaded from WES and official versions are not necessary);
Students are to email their application to sci-sipp@monash.edu by the deadline stated in the
project brief ensuring that:
1. It is sent from your Monash University email account;
2. The application form has been signed.
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Science Industry Placement Program Application Form
Personal details - Please type or write legibly
Student ID number
Surname
Given Names
Date of Birth
/
/
Postal Address for
correspondence
Student email address
Home Phone number
@student.monash.edu
Mobile number
Course details
Course Name
Course Code
Major
Course Start
Date
Expected
completion date
Minor
Current Year of Study
Project details
Industry partner name
Project title
Dates available
Working hours
available
e.g. 6 January – 6 February 2014
e.g. 9 am – 5 pm daily
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Meeting placement requirements
Project details
What units have you completed that will make you a suitable candidate for the project?
What attributes do you have that will make you a suitable candidate for the project?
Supporting documentation (please attach following documents with your application and tick box below)
Curriculum Vitae of no more than 3 pages.
Statement of results (download from WES--official versions are not necessary)
Privacy
The information on this form is collected for the primary purpose of applying for the Science Industry
Placement Program which includes deciding whether the application will be granted and sending
related correspondence. If the form is incomplete, it may not be possible for the Faculty to process the
application. The information provided by the applicant in this form, curriculum vitae and academic may
be provided to the industry partner of the project in the event that the student is provisionally matched
with that industry partner in order for the industry partner to assess the application.
All information for the application of the Science Industry Placement Program is managed in
accordance to the University’s Privacy Policy. If you wish to access or inquire about the handling of
your personal information contact the University Privacy Officer: Privacyofficer@adm.monash.edu.au
Applicant’s Declaration
I am enrolled in a course belonging to the Faculty of Science and have completed at
least 48 credit points and will have no more than 48 credit points remaining to complete
YES / NO
I have a minimum credit (65%) average across all my completed units to date (and have
attached/downloaded my results from WES)
YES / NO
I can commit to completion of a minimum of 30 hours or a maximum of 80 hours as
required by the industry partner without compromising my studies
YES / NO
I have addressed the selection criteria including my suitability and match to the agency/s
and the project/s offered by those agencies in my cover letter
YES / NO
I understand that no salary will be paid for the industry placement and Monash
University holds no responsibility for any allowance agreement between the industry
partner and the student.
YES / NO
I am aware that if I send the application through post, Monash University will not be
responsible for lost or late applications.
YES / NO
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On signing the Science Industry Placement Program application form I agree:
1)
That I meet all of the eligibility criteria for the Science Industry Placement Program.
2)
To represent Monash University in a manner that does not compromise the integrity, reputation or
relationship of the University and Faculty with the participating industry partners in any way.
3)
That information provided by me in this form, my curriculum vitae and academic transcript may be
provided to the industry partner in the event that I am provisionally matched with that industry
partner in order for the industry partner to assess my application.
Student Declaration
•
I declare that the information provided on this form and the information given to support my
application is correct and complete.
•
I acknowledge that Monash University, Faculty of Science reserves the right to vary or reverse
any decision on the basis of incorrect or incomplete information.
Student signature
Received by (print)
Date
Date
Email to sci-sipp@monash.edu by the closing date as stated on the project brief
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