Geomagnetism ModEM Optimization

Job Title: Geomag ModEM Optimization – Software Developer, Intermediate

Client: US Geological Survey (USGS) – Geological Hazards Science Center (GHSC)

Location: Denver/Golden, CO Preferred – Remote if candidate is exceptional

Travel: Occasional travel may be required if not local – to Golden, CO

Citizenship: US or Green Card / Permanent Resident as long as they can pass a Background Investigation

Overview:

Since 2020, the USGS Geomagnetism Program has worked on the continent-wide magnetotelluric (MT) survey, USMTArray, that covers the contiguous United States with MT data on a quasi-regular 70-km grid. These data fill a critical need for accurate estimation of ground-level geoelectric fields, which determine the extent to which space weather hazards affect the Nation’s electric power grid operations. Accurate real-time estimation of ground-level geoelectric fields, currently operational at SWPC, informs the industry’s response to space weather events and allows for timely mitigation of geomagnetically induced currents, preventing damaging power failures. Geoelectric field estimation, as well as validation of such methods, relies on high quality MT data. The software package called the Modular Electromagnetic Modeling and Inversion Software (ModEM) can be used to interpret the empirical MT data in terms of three-dimensional (3D) electrical conductivity structure of the solid Earth, resulting in comprehensive electrical conductivity models of the continuous U.S. These models provide important insights into the geology of the solid Earth and the geological hazard, including earthquake and volcano hazards. They can also be used to interpolate between MT sites in a physically consistent manner, allowing scientists to enhance the resolution of geoelectric hazard maps. The usability of ModEM software could be substantially improved if the parallelization algorithms are better optimized for the problem at hand.

The candidate will assist the GHSC Geomagnetism Program improve the memory usage and optimize the Message Passing Interface (MPI) parallelization of their ModEM software. The candidate will analyze and quantify CPU time and memory usage of ModEM on realistic problems and will work on the OpenMP parallelization to most efficiently interface with the MPI parallelization of the code. The candidate will work within a team consisting of USGS Geomagnetism Program, and Information Technology (IT) personnel, following USGS and engineering best-practices to ensure consistency with the larger GHSC infrastructure and external community requirements. The candidate will also closely collaborate with USGS personnel at the Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center with other selected technical experts on the MT modeling and inversion needs and requirements, and the internal structure of the ModEM software.

Qualifications and Tasks:

• The candidate must have experience with Linux/Unix systems and shell scripting, MPI and OpenMP protocols, and compiled languages (knowledge of Fortran 90/95/2000 is strongly preferred). 
• Experience with Git/Subversion or other collaborative software revision control and configuration management software, as well as Matlab and/or Python is highly beneficial.
• The candidate will be required to report verbally on progress during weekly meetings with a team of technical experts selected by the USGS Geomagnetism Program. 
• Priorities and coordination of the work required will be discussed, and milestones will be established as needed. 
• The candidate will solicit feedback, as needed, from Geomagnetism Program or selected technical experts concerning software operability and functionality throughout the software development cycle. 
• The work will undergo code review and testing, as needed, by Geomagnetism Program and/or selected technical experts to ensure it meets required standards and functionality. 
• The candidate will also provide detailed documentation or update existing documentation regarding all aspects of the program.

The candidate will provide support to the USGS Geomagnetism Program with tasks including but not limited to:

Maintain and optimize ModEM software by:

• Setting up benchmarks to quantify CPU time and total memory usage for realistic ModEM software runs.
• Implementation of a more memory-efficient version of ModEM software where each computational node stores its own subset of the full geoelectric field in memory rather than passing all geoelectric fields to the master node.
• Implementation of an alternative memory-efficient version of ModEM software where each computational node writes its own subset of the full geoelectric field to disk and reads it back in as needed.
• Improvement of the interoperability between the MPI and OpenMP parallelization to achieve more optimal computational performance.
• Improvement of the MPI parallelization to achieve less standby time for CPUs.
• Setting up optimal CPU and GPU run configurations for ModEM software on USGS computing clusters.
• Maintaining documentation related to any scripts, codes, or configurations generated or modified.
• Submitting code for review to Geomagnetism Program and/or technical experts, as needed, throughout the development cycle.
• Providing support as required in the form of oral or written presentations and/or documentation at such places designated by the Government.

Provide operational support to the USGS Geomagnetism Program by:

• Performing ModEM software runs on USGS computing clusters as requested.
• Providing and visualizing ModEM software outputs as requested.

About Inalab Consulting, Inc.

Inalab Consulting is a leading Small Business IT solutions and strategy consulting firm focused on providing solutions that transform enterprise operations in the government and commercial sectors by dependably bridging the gap between business strategy and technology. The company was founded in 2005 and is a privately held company headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia. We see technology as an efficient, economical means to an end, and are dedicated to crafting technical solutions that result in increasing interoperable, responsive, and cost-effective enterprises. We are totally focused on providing “Cost-effective Solutions” to our customers.

Working at Inalab Consulting, Inc.

Inalab is a diverse, prosperous, and rewarding place to work. We provide our employees with competitive benefits, educational assistance, and career growth opportunities. Every employee is valued for their talents and contributions. We all take pride in helping our customers achieve their goals, which in turn contributes to the overall success of the company.

Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. US citizenship may be required for some positions.

With our company you will earn a highly competitive salary commensurate with your skill level and experience. You will also enjoy:

• Minimum of two (2) weeks annual paid time off.
• A comprehensive, company-paid medical, dental, and vision plan and life insurance.
• 401K plan with a vesting schedule for company added contributions.

Inalab 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.