Overview

COAPS scientists and students come from a wide range of disciplines, including meteorology, physical oceanography, mathematics, economics, and the computer and information sciences. Interdisciplinary collaboration is highly encouraged and internal communication is strengthened through monthly seminars and meetings. Researchers are supported by highly professional administrative and technical staff, and have access to the FSU High Performance Computing system, an extensive collection of library materials at both the COAPS and FSU libraries, and on-site editing services. Employees of COAPS also have the opportunity to network outside of the institution through COAPS' collaborations. Many of the research faculties in COAPS were hired first as post-doctoral candidates.

COAPS is located in Innovation Park, a research and development centre managed by Leon County. Our office is two miles south of the main FSU campus, with free and ample parking and a regular van shuttle to the main campus. The Seminole Golf Course, the Morcom Aquatics Center, and exercise paths are all within walking distance.

Tallahassee is home to the state capital, two major universities and an array of cultural and natural attractions. Tallahassee is currently ranked as the 18th-best college town in the nation by Best College Reviews and its park system was rated the "Best in America" (National Recreation and Park Association, 2006). In 2017, the population was 191,049, making it the 7th-largest city in the U.S state of Florida, and the 126th-largest city in the United States. The population of the Tallahassee metropolitan area was 382,627 as of 2017. The cost of living in Tallahassee is relatively low and many commute times are only 15-30 minutes. The driving time to a number of beautiful Gulf Coast beaches is one to two hours; to the city of Jacksonville is two and a half hours; and to the cities of Atlanta and Orlando is four hours.

Scientist and Staff Positions #

Systems Administrator (Job ID 56059)

This position is responsible for systems administration to include design, implementation, and management of information technology resources and infrastructure for the Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS).

• Responsible for the integration of computers, printers, networks, and software. This includes monitoring and maintaining systems operations and coordinating efforts to pursue resolution of problems associated with computer systems, printing systems, networks, and software at COAPS.
• Assists in the development, maintenance, security, and design of COAPS' web properties.
• Serves as Unit ISM (Information Security Manager) and maintains the unit's information security program according to the policy and guidelines promulgated by the Information Security and Privacy Office (ISPO).
  • Reports suspected or confirmed computer and privacy incidents to the ISPO. Serves as liaison for the unit with the ISPO and ensures all unit staff receive information security and privacy training in coordination with the Unit Privacy Coordinator. Responsible for the design and implementation of procedures and controls which help maintain network security at COAPS.
  • Manages complex TCP/IP network devices that include wireless APs and switches.
  • Responsible for major network issues and repairs that may occur after normal business hours, including on holidays and weekends.
  • Works with tools, systems, and internal/external entities in detecting network security breaches and the illegal use of network resources.
• Assists in the management of advanced systems that include cloud, server, application, and client software/hardware computing by participating in the decision-making process for procurement and setup of technology.
• Assists in the creation of business and technical policies and procedures related to technologies and the use thereof.
  • Assist in interpreting and implementing computing policies set forth by faculty and researchers that affect all users.
  • Designs and leverages automated solutions that apply the effective use of progressive technology to continually improve and streamline operations. Participates in Disaster Recovery Planning by developing, editing, and reviewing documentation relating to information technology policies and procedures and ensures conformance with established standards.
• Responsible for technology support COAPS meeting and conference rooms. This includes overhead/rear projectors and projector screens, remote meeting/participation devices, and digital displays/signage.
• Assists in the setup of IT equipment in support of COAPS' open house and outreach events. Assists in the development of project plans and proposals that include IT technologies in the budget needs.
• Serves a Property Custodian for COAPS. Responsible for taking inventory of attractive items and capital assets.
• Trains and supervises OPS employees.

Contact Info:

For more details, please contact Susan Greenwalt at 850-644-3846 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Postdoctoral or more senior research positions #

The Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Predictions Studies (COAPS) at the Florida State university invites applications for a postdoctoral position to work in the areas of ocean modeling and prediction. The work is part of a broad effort to improve the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) global and regional operational ocean models and data assimilation methods and is a component of a multi-institutional effort including the NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) and National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and NASA Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO).

The applicant must hold a Ph.D. or must have submitted his/her/their doctoral theses for assessment prior to joining. The ideal candidates should have a strong background in one or more areas among dynamical oceanography, ocean modeling, data assimilation, machine learning, applied mathematics, or numerical methods. The applicant must have the ability to work comfortably in the Unix/Linux environment with experience in scientific software development, shell scripting, and experience with Python/Matlab/GrADS or similar analysis software. The applicant must be motivated, have the ability to work independently, and be willing to cooperate with peers and students in the team. A major emphasis of this search is on the potential for independent and creative research by the candidate. Early career postdocs will be exposed to research and career opportunities. Salaries and benefits will be commensurate with the candidates’ experience. Appointees are eligible for health insurance through Florida State University.

Candidate application materials should include a current CV, summary of doctoral dissertation and/or past research experience, statement of research interest, and the contact information of three references. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. If interested, please contact Professor Eric Chassignet at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

COAPS is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Student Positions

Student opportunities at COAPS include graduate assistantships, OPS employment, fellowships, internships, and Federal work-study. Details about current openings are posted here as they become available. For more information on academics at COAPS, please visit the Academics section of our website.

Federal Work Study (FWS): Web Programmers

If you are receiving FWS at FSU for the 2023-2024 academic year and are interested in web applications programming, you can obtain applied experience to enhance your resume or graduate school application at the Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS). COAPS has openings for FWS-eligible undergraduate students to maintain and develop web pages and services to support dissemination of research results and datasets to researchers and the general public. Duties include (1) designing and developing new web pages, (2) updating content on HTML, PHP, and Joomla pages, (3) maintaining content in backend databases (primarily MySQL), and (4) developing database-to-web applications to display/serve the wide range of atmospheric and oceanic data and research products served by COAPS. This opportunity will provide the motivated undergraduate with an opportunity to develop and expand his or her web programming skills while supporting an operational research center.

Candidates should be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, scientific computing, computer engineering, or a related field and have a strong interest in the distribution of information via the World Wide Web. The successful candidate will have strong people skills and a working knowledge of HTML. Past experience with personal web pages, an interest in web page design, and the desire to acquire new web programming skills are essential. Familiarity with PHP, Python, CSS, Java script, and/or Joomla (or similar content management systems) is a plus. Other desired skills include a fundamental knowledge of relational databases. Familiarity with JavaScript, Linux shell scripting, and/or Git (or similar version control systems) is a plus, but not required. Candidates must be able to work within a team programming environment and to meet deadlines established by their supervisors. As a final note, we do not expect an undergraduate to come into the position with all the skills listed here, but we do expect them to be willing and capable of learning new programming skills under the direction of their coding mentors. These mentors will be either full time computer staff or advanced undergraduate students working for our center.

The positions will be filled for fall semester 2023 (~10 hrs/wk depending on the candidate’s FWS funds) with a possible extension to spring semester 2024 based upon performance. The applicant must be able to work a regular schedule between 8 am and 5 pm (M-F) at our facility in Innovation Park. City and FSU bus services to/from campus are available.

Interested applicants should email their resume, unofficial transcripts, and contact details for three references to Mr. Shawn R. Smith (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Mr. Shawn R. Smith
Director, Marine Data Center
Center for Ocean Atmospheric Prediction Studies
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2741
Ph: (850) 644-6918
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Prospective Graduate Students

COAPS/FSU is seeking applications from prospective graduate students with strong computational science backgrounds for studies in physical oceanography and ocean modeling. Students with either B.S or M.S degrees may apply. Applications from students from computationally intensive fields, such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Meteorology, and Engineering are particularly encouraged.

Students will pursue M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in physical oceanography from the FSU Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences while conducting innovative research in ocean modeling and forecasting at COAPS in collaboration with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. This unique opportunity provides students with course instruction from top faculty, state-of-the-art research facilities, and mentorship from some of the world’s foremost ocean modelers and forecasters. Though scientific computing and modeling will be central to the research program, students will have opportunities to gain experience in traditional oceanographic research methods through cruises, in situ and satellite data analysis, and laboratory methods.

Students will receive financial support covering tuition, annual stipend, health insurance subsidy, and funds to cover travel to work with scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory. As this opportunity involves access to U.S. Department of Defense facilities, applicants should be U.S. Citizens.

For more information, please contact Dr. Eric Chassignet at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FSU is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action Employer.

Other Opportunities

COAPS periodically has technical and administrative staff openings that are posted on this webpage. Please also check the FSU Employment and Recruitment Services website.

The Florida State University is an equal employment opportunity employer and educational provider committed to a policy of non-discrimination for any member of the University's community on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veterans' or marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected group status. An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action Employer.

Phone: (850) 644-4581

Fax: (850) 644-4841

Regular Mail:
Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS)
Florida State University
2000 Levy Avenue 
Building A, Suite 292
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2741

Express Mail:
Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS)
Florida State University
2000 Levy Avenue
Building A, Suite 292
Tallahassee, FL 32310

General Comments & Questions: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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