Research Scientist in Machine Learning for Weather Forecasting

About the position

The Norwegian Meteorological Institute (Met Norway) invites applications for a permanent position as research scientist at the Development Centre for Weather Forecasting. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team working to develop a world-leading machine learning (ML)-based weather forecasting system that complements and benefits from our existing physics-based systems. This effort is part of a broader collaboration with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the Machine Learning Pilot Project, involving 15 European partners. The position offers the opportunity to address exciting research questions at the intersection of ML and Earth system modelling, including the further development of our global stretched-grid model Bris focusing on Nordic and Arctic weather conditions. Bris is based on graph neural networks (GNNs) and the  stretched grid architecture allows for higher spatial resolution over regions of interest while maintaining lower resolution elsewhere on the globe (https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.02891 (https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.02891)). The model architecture is flexible, allowing integration of multiple observation sources, such as crowd-sourced data, to enhance forecast accuracy. Results from this research will support the rapid evolution of ML in weather science and pioneer data-driven prediction models and their integration into the weather forecasting value cycle, contributing to improved weather services such as Yr.

The Development Centre for Weather Forecasting includes around 50 research scientists from both natural and social sciences and 10 research meteorologists, located in Oslo, Tromsø, and Bergen. The Centre has scientific responsibility for the full spectrum of research, development, implementation and operation of Met Norway's weather forecasting models and systems. In collaboration with the directors of the Ocean Division and the Climate and Environment Division, it also coordinates research activities across the institute. Emphasising a user-informed, research-driven approach, the Centre benefits from strong national and international collaboration and is supported by a high level of external funding for research and services. Its organisation is designed for flexibility and responsiveness, particularly in engaging with users and stakeholders to fulfil Met Norway's responsibility for continuous, high-quality services. Through the internal initiative Værio, the Centre develops and delivers data, products and services in collaboration with government agencies, municipalities and other partners. It plays a key role in the ongoing evolution of Yr as a leading digital forecasting platform, with a strong focus on innovation and user experience. The Centre also ensures the continued development of api.met.no for public access to weather data, and contributes to internal tools that improve workflow and operational efficiency.

The position is located in Oslo. National and international travel is expected and may include participation in Met Norway's capacity-building projects with least developed countries. While the working language at Met Norway is Norwegian, fluency in written and spoken English is required for all applicants. Foreign applicants must be willing to learn Norwegian, and training courses will be provided.

The position's responsibilities

Work areas

• Research, development, evaluation and operationalisation of weather forecasting models based on machine learning 
• Participation in and leadership of national and international projects, including the development of new project proposals
• Dissemination of results through scientific publications and presentations at international conferences

The successful candidate will also contribute to externally funded projects in this field. For example, within the large European programme Destination Earth, our focus is on improving forecasts of weather-induced extremes and high-impact events by developing ML methods that use novel, very high-resolution numerical weather prediction outputs. The position also includes responsibilities related to the development and operation of an innovative turbulence forecasting service for aviation, currently tailored to 19 Norwegian airports. This service involves running turbulence forecasts and generating visual products such as horizontal and vertical cross-section maps and distributing these forecasts through dedicated APIs. The role includes maintaining and monitoring the computational systems behind the service and evaluating the performance. Engagement with operational meteorological staff and end users such as Avinor is also part of the work, along with opportunities for further development of the service and its potential expansion to additional airports.

Qualifications

Required skills and qualifications 

• A PhD in statistics, computer science, meteorology, physics, applied mathematics or a related field
• Solid knowledge of machine learning methods and their application to scientific problems
• Proficiency in Python programming
• Experience working in a Linux-based environment
• Background in meteorology or meteorological applications is an advantage
• High level of motivation and initiative
• Ability to work independently and take responsibility, while also thriving in interdisciplinary and collaborative settings across national and international teams
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

We can offer

Conditions

• We can offer a good working environment professional challenges in a modern, technological environment
• Salary on the governmental salary scales dependent on qualifications and experience, NOK 580000 - 800000 pr. year
• Membership in the governmental pension scheme (2% deducted from gross salary)
• The first 6 months is a mutual trial period. 
• Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse (SPK) with good schemes for pensions, insurances and mortgages (read more here: https://www.spk.no/Medlemskap-i-SPK/)
• Flexible working hours according to agreements
• Possibility of one hour of training during working hours per week

Want to learn more about us or the position?

If you have any questions or would like to hear more about the position, contact: Dr. Jørn Kristiansen, Director of Development Centre for Weather Forecasting

Tlf: +47 464 20 054

Diversity and positive discrimination

We believe that diversity is a strength, and want employees with different skills, subject combinations, work experience, gender, life experience and perspectives.We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for a job with us regardless of ethnic background, age or ability.

We practice positive discrimination, and will call at least one qualified applicant in each of these groups for an interview: applicants with a disability, immigrant background or gaps in the CV.To be considered in one or more of these categories, you must mark the appropriate category in your application.

Functional impairment: applicants who need accommodation in the workplace or in the working relationship.

Immigrant background: applicants who have themselves immigrated to Norway. Or who was born in Norway with two parents who both immigrated to Norway.

Gaps in CV: applicants who have had a break from work, education or training for a total of at least two years in the last five years due to e.g. physical or mental illness or injury, intoxication or punishment.

The ticks can be used for anonymised statistics or reporting purposes.

Publication of applicant lists for public sector positions is an important principle to ensure transparency. If you want your name to be excluded from the applicant list, you must ask for it yourself, and give us a reason. In order to be exempted from the public applicant list, your justification for exemption must outweigh the consideration of transparency in the applicant list. If your request is not accepted, you will have the opportunity to withdraw your application.

The application

The application with CV and other attachments is sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. Attach certificates and all pages of diplomas. The documents must be in Norwegian, a Scandinavian language or English. Translations must be authorized. Before any employment, we will check the documents. In the case of foreign education, we ask that you attach an explanation of the grading system.

Moderne meteorologi krever håndtering og analyse av enorme datamengder, og byr på store og spennende faglige utfordringer. Helt fra 1866 har norske meteorologer stått sentralt i utviklingen av faget, og vi er i dag et ledende internasjonalt fagmiljø.