EQECAT is hiring a Research Scientist based in its Oakland, CA office.
Education Qualifications: Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in wind engineering, atmospheric or geophysical science, or similar academic background.
Experience: Experience in modeling one or more of the following meteorological perils is required: hurricane/typhoon, tornado, hail, winter storm, ice, and flood. Commanding knowledge of wind engineering, wind vulnerability functions and statistical packages such as R, MATLAB is essential. Strong knowledge of probability, statistics, stochastic simulation and mathematical modeling is essential. The position will demand innovative problem solving skills and the ability to develop mathematical models to represent various aspects of natural hazard risk. Ability in computer programming would be valuable.
Skills/Abilities:Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are required, with the ability to communicate well with clients, regulators, and others within the company. Must be a self-starter, possess the ability to work with minimum supervision and work effectively within a team and individually.
The Research Scientist is responsible for performing a variety of professional-level consulting and model development tasks, including portfolio analysis, calculation and report preparation. The Research Scientist may act independently as the technical lead in responsible charge for smaller projects and for portions of larger or complex projects. This position may be assigned to several projects concurrently, and on each project assignment may report for technical direction to a different supervisor. Tasks are typically performed on an independent basis, though subject to independent technical reviews on an as-needed basis.
The Research Scientist is a professional-level position that provides training for assumption of management-level responsibility. The principal duties and responsibilities for this position are intended to permit the Research Scientist to continue to develop technical skills while also developing skills in client communications, project management, and advancing the Company’s project responsibilities. PDRs include:
Act in responsible charge, while directly performing assigned consulting and model development tasks in conformance with the Company’s quality standards and the project budget and schedule.
Provide direction and oversight of personnel assigned to assist the Research Scientist in execution of project responsibilities.
Initiate and maintain communication with clients and contractors for purposes of technical coordination of project requirements.
Assist in technical training and mentoring of less senior personnel.
Prepare and submit time charge records, expense reports, invoice approvals, and collections status notices in a timely manner in accordance with Company procedures.
Communicates the status of projects to the Group Manager.
The following list is generally applicable to all Research Scientists.
Bachelors of Science degree in appropriate engineering/science discipline (or recognized equivalent), and at least eight (8) years of relevant modeling work experience; or a Master of Science degree in the engineering/science discipline (or recognized equivalent), and at least seven (7) years relevant work experience; or a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the engineering/science discipline (or recognized equivalent), and at least five (5) years of relevant work experience. Strong knowledge of mathematical modeling of various aspects of natural hazard risk, and strong knowledge of probability and statistics.
Ability in computer programming is essential; proficiency in C++ and SQL is desirable.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are mandatory.
Working knowledge of the ABS Quality and Environmental Management System (ISO 9000/14000).
Ability to utilize basic personal computer applications including spreadsheets, word processors, email, engineering programs, and Internet browsers.
Ability to communicate technical aspects of projects and of work assignments to peers, subordinates and clients..
Ability to direct the execution of moderately complex consulting and model development tasks, as appropriate.
This position description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job of the incumbent. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the principal job elements essential for making a fair decision regarding the pay structure of the job.
Work will normally be performed in an office environment. Occasionally, incumbent will be required to conduct field visits to review structures.
Reports directly to the Manager of Vulnerability in EQECAT’s Model Development Group.
*EQECAT, Inc. is an EQE - M/F/D/V.
Job Description: Research Scientist - Wind Engineering (PDF 204 KB)
Send your résumé to apply@eqecat.com. Put "Research Scientist - Wind Engineering Position" in the email subject line. Only qualified candidates need apply.