Postdoctoral Scholar/Research Scientist - AI weather forecasting across scales

The University of Chicago’s Human-centered Weather Forecasting (HCF) Initiative and Climate Extremes Theory and Data (CeTD) group invite applications for multiple postdoctoral fellow and research scientist positions to work with Prof. Pedram Hassanzadeh and a group of multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary collaborators on advancing AI weather forecasting across scales, from short- and medium-range to subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) predictions. These researchers will closely collaborate with a growing multidisciplinary team, which includes Profs. Michael Kremer (Economics) and Amir Jina (Public Policy), focused on disseminating weather forecasts to the most vulnerable population worldwide, and in conjunction with the international efforts at UChicago’s Development Innovation Lab (DIL) and the broader AI for weather/climate efforts at UChicago’s AI for Climate Initiative (AICE).

Broadly, the topics of interest include

1. Developing S2S AI weather models

2. Developing AI models for probabilistic weather forecasting

3. Forecasting monsoon and other extreme precipitation events across scales

4. Developing benchmarks and metrics for AI weather models based on climate and AI theories, particularly focusing on physical consistency and extreme events

5. Calibrating AI weather models for optimal regional skills

6. Exploring hybrid AI-numerical weather prediction modeling

7. Integrating AI weather models and data assimilation techniques

8. Integrating AI weather models and mathematical and AI innovations for rare events

9. Developing algorithms for foundation AI weather models

Work on each of these topics involves collaborations with leading experts in atmospheric science and AI from the University of Chicago and other institutions. The close partnership with economists and public policy experts at DIL accelerates the translation of the outcome of this work to significant societal impact.

In addition to being part of the dynamic HCF, AICE, and DIL communities, these researchers will benefit from major activities around AI and climate at the University of Chicago, including the Data Science Institute, the Climate and Sustainable Growth Institute, and the AI+Science Initiative, as well as those at the Argonne National Lab.

Minimum Qualifications:

● Completion of a PhD in Climate Science, Atmospheric Science, Agrometeorology, Physical Oceanography, Applied and Computational Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or a related field at the time of the appointment;

● Strong programming and numerical skills;

● Experience with high-performance computing and analysis of large datasets;

● Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team;

● Ability to work in a fast-paced environment;

● Strong communication skills.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications:

● Expertise in weather forecasting or climate modeling/dynamics;

● Familiarity with theoretical and practical aspects of scientific deep learning;

● Experience with AI weather models.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit:

     1. A complete curriculum vitae that includes a list of publications and contact information of at least three references,

     2. A statement (max 2 pages) detailing how their past research experience, interests, and career plans would fit the aforementioned topics.

Please send these materials as a single PDF file to pedramh@uchicago.edu with the subject line "Application: AI weather". Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until May 1, 2025. The positions are available immediately. We encourage the applicants o submit their applications as soon as possible.

The start date can be flexible but should be before October 1, 2025. Depending on the applicant’s background and interests, the appointment will be made at the Department of Geophysical Sciences or Data Science Institute.

Research Scientist Appointments:

Outstanding applicants with more than 3 years of postdoc experience will be considered for appointment as research scientists.

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Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.