AI for Climate (AICE), a program of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth and the Data Science Institute, aims to accelerate and transform climate research with a focus on both scientific advances and societal impacts. AICE and Climate Extremes Theory and Data (CeTD) group invite applications for the position of Research Scientist to work with Prof. Pedram Hassanzadeh on advancing AI weather forecasting across scales, from short- and medium-range to subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) predictions. The researcher will closely collaborate with a growing multidisciplinary team, including Profs. Michael Kremer (Economics) and Amir Jina (Public Policy), focused on human-centered weather forecasts, and in conjunction with the international efforts at the Development Innovation Lab (DIL). The appointment will be for up to three years, with the possibility of extending it by one more year if necessary to complete the project. The expected start date is between January 1st and April 1st, 2025. 

Broadly, the topics of interest include

1. Developing probabilistic S2S AI weather models

2. Forecasting monsoon and other extreme precipitation events across scales

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

4. Exploring hybrid AI-numerical weather prediction modeling

5. Developing algorithms for foundation AI weather models

Work on 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 AICE and DIL communities, these researchers will benefit from major AI and climate activities 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.

Required Qualifications

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

• 2-3 years of postdoctoral experience

• Expertise in weather forecasting or climate modeling/dynamics;

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with theoretial and practical aspects of scientifc deep learning;
• Experience with AI weather/climate models.
• Experience with writing grant proposals for funding
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a mutidisciplinary team;
• Strong communication skills

Application process:

Interested candidates should submit:

• A complete curriculum vitae that includes a list of publications 

• Three confidential letters of recommendation

• A statement (max three pages) detailing how their past research experience, interests, and career plans align with the topics mentioned above. It also has to include their experience with AI weather/climate models, scientific deep learning, and proposal writing.

Applicants must apply online through the University of Chicago academic careers website using this link: http://apply.interfolio.com/159359

Review of applications will begin on December 22nd, 2024.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

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.

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