Postdoc - Climate scientist for hydrological downscaling with a climate AI foundation model

JSC - Jülich Supercomputing Centre

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Your Job:

In this position you will be an active part of our ESDE research group and the HClimRep consortium. You will be responsible for defining the scientific requirements and evaluating the HClimRep base model for climate predictions and developing a downstream application of this model for hydrological downscaling. The HClimRep model will extend the well-established AtmoRep concept, which is at the forefront of international AI research. We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher who can quickly learn new concepts and ideas and solve complex problems with high quality software solutions. You will work in a team with experts in machine learning, HPC and meteorology to develop a model that delivers high quality flood predictions.

Specifically, you will:

• Familiarise yourself with the AtmoRep model and its extension for meteorological downscaling to understand the concept and scientific ideas.
• Contribute your expertise to the evaluation of the new HClimRep foundation model.
• Adopt and develop a set of tools for the evaluation of climate simulations.
• Develop a concept and a machine learning model for hydrological downscaling based on the HClimRep core model.
• Carry out case studies and statistical analyses of hydrological downscaling and improve the downscaling model based on these results.
• Get involved in national and international scientific communities.
• Present research results at scientific meetings, conferences, and in the form of scientific papers.
• Participate in educational events such as university lectures, JSC courses, and hackathons.

Your Profile:

• Very good master's degree and a subsequent PhD degree in natural sciences, computer science, environmental engineering, or related subjects.
• Very good knowledge and proven skills (documented by publications) in the evaluation of climate simulations.
• Mastery of software development including the use of version control systems.
• Interest in and advanced knowledge of machine learning.
• Interest in applications of hydrological models.
• Self-motivated personality, curiosity to work in a multidisciplinary team on scientifically challenging problems.
• Very good command of written and spoken English.

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• Working at the frontiers of scientific and technological challenges with access to cutting-edge and unique supercomputing systems, including the first exascale computer in Europe: www.fz-juelich.de/en/ias/jsc/jupiter.
• Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for personal and professional further development.
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work.
• Extensive company health management.
• Ideal conditions for work-life balance and a family-friendly corporate policy.
• Flexible working hours in a full-time position with the possibility of slightly reduced working hours.
• Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g., partial remote working.
• 30 days annual leave and days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g., between Christmas and New Year).
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g., through our International Advisory Service.

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: go.fzj.de/benefits.

The position is limited until 30.04.2027. Salary and social benefits will conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), pay group 13, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks assigned to them. All information about the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) can be found on the BMI website: go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed. The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 66 of the PDF download.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g., in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation/identity, and social, ethnic, and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over €5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organization.