Scientist for Climate Data Analysis and AI Methods in Destination Earth (d/f/m/x)

About the role

Area of research:Scientific support staff Job description:Scientist for Climate Data Analysis and AI Methods in Destination Earth (d/f/m/x)BackgroundThe Climate Dynamics section of the AWI in Bremerhaven, Germany, invites applications for a scientist to analyse and exploit the unique climate simulations produced within the Destination Earth Climate Digital Twin (Climate DT) Phase 3. Destination Earth is a flagship initiative of the European Union to develop a digital twin of the Earth’s climate system. Climate DT delivers global kilometre-scale climate simulations with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution, enabling investigations of weather and climate extremes, climate variability, and future climate change under a wide range of scenarios. These simulations provide a unique opportunity to advance scientific understanding of the Earth system while supporting climate adaptation and decision-making. At AWI, we develop and operate one of the core climate models of Climate DT, IFS-FESOM. You will work closely with scientists developing the climate model, AI methodologies, and digital twin infrastructure, as well as with leading European climate scientists and software engineers. We are seeking a highly motivated scientist who is excited by the scientific opportunities offered by global kilometre-scale climate simulations. You will investigate the added value of Climate DT simulations for understanding weather and climate processes, extremes, and climate change. A particular focus will be on developing innovative analysis approaches that make effective use of modern artificial intelligence, machine learning, and agentic AI systems to analyse and interpret the unprecedented volume of climate data produced by Destination Earth. Your Tasks Analyse global kilometre-scale climate simulations produced within Destination Earth to investigate their added scientific value compared with existing climate modelling approaches Develop innovative diagnostics, analysis software, and reproducible workflows for the exploration of large climate datasets Develop and apply AI-assisted and agentic approaches to accelerate the scientific analysis, interpretation, and exploitation of Climate DT simulations Investigate weather and climate extremes, Earth system processes, and climate feedbacks using state-of-the-art kilometre-scale simulations Work closely with climate model development teams to evaluate simulations, identify systematic model behaviour, and provide scientific feedback supporting further model development Collaborate with scientists, AI researchers, and software engineers across the Destination Earth consortium Publish research results in leading international journals and present findings at international conferences, workshops, and project meetings Contribute to the dissemination of analysis tools, workflows, and scientific results to the wider scientific community Your ProfileAt least a Master’s degree (PhD preferred) or equivalent in climate science, meteorology, oceanography, or a related discipline Strong background in climate science and Earth system processes Experience analysing numerical climate or weather model simulations Excellent programming skills in Python; experience with scientific software development Experience working with large geoscientific datasets (e.g. NetCDF, Zarr, GRIB, xarray, Dask) Strong interest in applying artificial intelligence and modern computational methods to scientific data analysis Experience with version control (Git) and collaborative software development Very good command of English (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1) Preferred Qualifications and Skills Experience with machine learning or AI methods applied to geosciences Experience with large-scale data analytics and cloud/HPC computing Experience with workflow automation and reproducible research Familiarity with kilometre-scale weather or climate models Scientific publication record Experience working in international interdisciplinary research projects Further InformationWe offerWe offerExcellent research environment with access to globally unique infrastructure, comprehensive datasets, and international expeditions Opportunity to develop and pursue independent scientific ideas and innovative research approaches addressing societally relevant questions Close scientific collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation within the institute as well as with national and international partners An international working environment with daily interaction with colleagues from around the world Opportunities for professional and personal development Flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working for up to 50% of regular working hours 30 days of annual leave (full-time), plus additional days off on December 24th and 31st Annual special payment in accordance with the German public sector collective agreement (TVöD Bund) Occupational health promotion and company fitness programme with Hansefit Support services and an established culture promoting work–life balance, e.g. through our family office offering childcare services (e.g. holiday programmes) as well as advice on family and care responsibilities Occupational pension scheme (VBL) AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, disabilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present. AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways. And as a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI. 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 organisation.

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