Computing and Mathematical Sciences Division - Postdoctoral Researcher: AI for Weather Forecasting

Position overview

Key responsibilities

• Conduct research in probabilistic and ensemble forecasting, deep learning for spatiotemporal data, uncertainty quantification, data assimilation, or related areas.
• Develop and evaluate AI forecasting methods using reanalysis, satellite, observational, and forecast datasets.
• Assess accuracy, calibration, extremes, and regional performance with suitable metrics and reproducible benchmarks.
• Develop operationally suitable forecasts, especially agriculturally relevant products tailored to regional and sector needs.
• Publish research and communicate findings to technical, interdisciplinary, and operational audiences.
• Collaborate with research, government, meteorological, hydrological, agricultural, and practitioner partners; contribute to training and knowledge transfer.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Atmospheric or Climate Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or a closely related field.
• Experience applying machine learning to weather forecasting, climate analysis, or spatial data; strong background in spatiotemporal modeling, probabilistic prediction, or time-series analysis.
• Proficiency in Python and hands-on experience with PyTorch or JAX.
• Experience with weather or climate reanalysis, satellite, observational, or forecast datasets.
• Strong publication record in top-tier AI or domain-relevant venues; excellent written and spoken English.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with data assimilation, uncertainty quantification, ensemble methods, or evaluation frameworks such as WeatherBench 2.
• Experience with xarray and scalable workflows using Dask and NetCDF or Zarr.
• Experience with GPU or distributed training, agricultural or environmental weather applications, or interdisciplinary and international research collaborations.
• Advanced training in spatiotemporal modeling, probabilistic prediction, numerical weather prediction, data assimilation, or uncertainty quantification.

Compensation and benefits

• The position offers a competitive tax-free monthly salary, housing allowance, comprehensive medical insurance, an annual return flight, and visa application support.
• Additional university benefits include health and life insurance and relocation support for international hires.

About MBZUAI

Application materials

• Submit a cover letter, CV, Google Scholar profile link, a 1–2 page research statement, and names and contact details for two referees.