Doctoral Researcher, Atmospheric Sciences Full-time

Doctoral Researcher, Atmospheric Sciences

The Faculty of Science invites applications for a doctoral researcher in atmospheric sciences starting latest in January 2027 in a fixed term contract of three years. Weather forecasting helps us plan daily activities and prepare for extreme events. Today, most forecasts rely on powerful computer models that simulate the atmosphere using the laws of physics. These models are accurate but require enormous computing power. Artificial intelligence (AI) can predict the weather much faster and with less energy, but we still don't fully understand how they make their predictions. The AI-Dream project will explore how AI “thinks” about weather by simplifying complex AI models and testing them under controlled conditions. By combining the speed of AI with the physical accuracy of traditional weather models, AI-Dream aims to create a new generation of forecasting tools that are faster, more efficient, and more trustworthy, helping scientists and society better anticipate weather events and the climate. The doctoral researcher will be working on the AI-Dream project. They will have to develop criteria and evaluation suites to test the “physical” accuracy of deep Machine Learning (ML) models. The doctoral researcher will also use state-of-the-art methods to make the ML models explainable, namely Deep Linear Probes and Latent Space Cartography. This work will be associated with large dataset management in a HPC environment. The doctoral researcher will work as part of the dynamic meteorology group at INAR, and be supervised by Dr. Clément Bouvier. The group covers a range of topics including atmospheric deep convection, extra-tropical cyclones, heat waves, ensemble prediction and algorithmic parameter estimation techniques as well as future changes to our weather and climate on global and regional scales. The work will be done in close collaboration with the University of Cambridge (Cambridge, UK), the Washington University (Washington, US), the ECMWF (Reading, UK), and the Lahti University of Technology (Lahti, FI).

We are seeking a talented and motivated doctoral researcher (PhD student), who recently completed their MSc degree in the field of Physics, Meteorology, Computer Science, or any other similar area. MSc students near the completion of their degree are also encouraged to apply. The candidate should have: Willingness to pursue a PhD degree in meteorology Good skills in written and spoken English Strong experience in dynamic meteorology Some previous experience in programming in Python and statistical analysis of scientific data is wished for. Previous experience in Machine Learning is an advantage. Interest in doing research close to the project scope and ability to independent creative thinking, combined with good self-discipline and reasonable communication skills Willing to visit the University of Cambridge for a period of three months to work on the project with Pr. Driscoll. The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately (www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell). The requirements for pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki can be found at https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/eligibility-and-educational-documents.

The candidate will get a chance to attend international conferences and present their scientific work in local and international meetings. As an employee of the University of Helsinki, the doctoral researcher will receive occupational health care, and will be entitled to sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The doctoral researcher position starts the latest in January 2027 (or as soon as the position is filled). The position is initially for three years. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months.

The starting salary of the doctoral researcher will be ca. 2700-2900 euros/month, depending on the appointees' qualifications and experience. Furthermore, the University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.