We are looking for a highly motivated Scientist to work on hybrid modelling that combines physics-based and machine learned approaches to Earth system modelling. The successful candidate will work with ECMWF teams in implementing a new approach that nudges the large scales of ECMWF’s physical weather forecasting model – the Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) – towards the machine learned forecasting model – the Artificial Intelligence Forecast System (AIFS) – to develop a forecast system that combines the best of both worlds achieving the (better) large-scale skill of the AIFS and the physical consistency and detailed representation of small-scale features of the IFS. The work will combine cutting edge, km-scale modelling and machined learned weather forecasts. The hybrid model configurations will be prepared for application in numerical weather predictions both in the context of operational products at ECMWF and for use in the weather induced-extremes Digital Twin implemented by ECMWF in the Destination Earth (DestinE) initiative of the European Commission.
This position will work in close collaboration with AIFS developers and is based in the Numerical Methods Team that is mainly responsible for the development and maintenance of the dynamical core of the IFS. The team is part of the Earth System Modelling Section of the Research Department.
At ECMWF, you will find a passionate community, collectively aiming to build world-leading global Earth system models for numerical weather prediction. This effort supports ECMWF’s strategy of producing cutting‐edge science and world-leading weather predictions and monitoring of the Earth system.
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is a world-leader in weather and environmental forecasting. As an international organisation we serve our members and the wider community with global weather predictions and data that is critical for understanding and solving the climate crisis. We function as a 24/7 research and operational centre with a focus on medium and long-range predictions, holding one of the largest meteorological data archives in the world. The success of our activities builds on the talent of our scientists and experts, strong partnerships with 35 Member and Co-operating States and the international community, some of the most powerful supercomputers in the world, and the use of innovative technologies and machine learning across our operations. ECMWF is a multi-site organisation, with a main office in Reading, UK, a data centre/supercomputer in Bologna, Italy, and a large presence in Bonn, Germany.
ECMWF has developed a strong partnership with the European Union and has been entrusted with the implementation and operation of the Destination Earth Initiative and the Climate Change and Atmosphere Monitoring Services of the Copernicus Programme. Other areas of work include High Performance Computing and the development of digital tools that enable ECMWF to extend provision of data and products covering weather, climate, air quality, fire and flood prediction and monitoring.
See www.ecmwf.int for more info about what we do.
ECMWF is one of the three entities entrusted to implement the DestinE initiative of the European Commission, alongside with ESA and EUMETSAT as partners. DestinE aims to deploy several highly accurate thematic digital replicas of the Earth, called Digital Twins. The Digital Twins will help monitor and predict environmental change and human impact, in order to develop and test scenarios that would support sustainable development and corresponding European policies for the Green Deal. ECMWF is responsible for the delivery of these digital twins and of the Digital Twin engine, the software infrastructure needed to power them of some of Europe’s largest supercomputers, those of the European HPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC).
The second phase of DestinE covers the period June 2024 – May 2026, and future phases are foreseen (subject to funding). Phase 2 will focus on early operations with consolidation, maintenance, and continuous evolution of the DestinE system components developed in the first phase. There will also be an enhanced focus on ML activities, including the deployment of workflows of components of a ML model for the Earth system, optimisation of the Digital Twin Engine to enable efficient model training and simulations, and other activities.
For more information on DestinE, see https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/destination-earth-destine and https://www.ecmwf.int/en/about/what-we-do/environmental-services/destination-earth
We encourage you to apply even if you don’t feel you meet precisely all these criteria.
Grade remuneration: The successful candidates will be recruited at the A2 grade, according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations. ECMWF also offers a generous benefits package, including flexible hybrid working. The position is assigned to the employment category STF-PL as defined in the ECMWF Staff Regulations. Full details of salary scales and allowances plus the ECMWF Staff Regulations and the terms and conditions of employment, are available on the ECMWF website at www.ecmwf.int/en/about/jobs.
Starting date: As soon as possible
Length of contract: Approx. 3 years until 31 December 2027
Location: Reading, UK or Bonn, Germany (Candidates are expected to relocate to the duty station)
As a multi-site organisation, ECMWF has adopted a hybrid working model that allows flexibility to staff to mix office working and teleworking. We allow for remote work 10 days/month away from the office, including up to 80 days/year away from the duty station country (within the area of our member states and co-operating states).
Successful applicants and members of their family forming part of their households will be exempt from immigration restrictions.
Interviews will take place via videoconference (MS Team). If you require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment process, please contact us via email: [email protected]
At ECMWF, we consider an inclusive environment as key for our success. We are dedicated to ensuring a workplace that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for all, without distinction as to race, gender, age, marital status, social status, disability, sexual orientation, religion, personality, ethnicity and culture. We value the benefits derived from a diverse workforce and are committed to having staff that reflect the diversity of the countries that are part of our community, in an environment that nurtures equality and inclusion.
Applications are invited from nationals from ECMWF Member States and Cooperating States, listed below, as well as from all EU Member States:
ECMWF Member and Co-operating States are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
In these exceptional times, we also welcome applications from Ukrainian nationals for this vacancy.
Applications from nationals from other countries may be considered in exceptional cases.