Context And Mission
The Climate Services (CS) Team within the Earth System Services Group (ESS) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to conduct cutting-edge methodological research on statistical and machine learning downscaling methodologies for climate predictions at sub-seasonal to decadal timescales, as well as for climate projections.
The mission of the CS Team is to apply state-of-the-art scientific climate knowledge for the co-development of actionable climate information and solutions relevant for key societal sectors (e.g. agriculture, renewable energy, health) in their adaptation to climate change. The CS Team is part of the Earth System Services Group (ESS) within the Earth Sciences Department, whose mission is to research the impact of weather, atmospheric chemistry and climate upon socio-economic sectors, including renewable energy, agriculture, water management, forest fires, urban development and health and demonstrate the ongoing value of earth system services to society and the economy.
The selected candidate will identify and apply statistical and machine learning downscaling techniques to sub-seasonal and seasonal predictions taking into account and integrating cross-timescale differences at both regional and local scales to fulfill stakeholders needs. This includes the development of tailored tools for downscaling to contribute to ongoing projects and services. The candidate will tackle research questions related to the increase of climate predictions, spatial resolution for decision-making and its impact in both skill and reliability of the climate information.
The candidate will benefit from interdisciplinary training opportunities tailored to their experience and interests. The research will be positioned within the context of WMO’s Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), whose aim is to provide actionable climate information to key sectors of society. This position presents an opportunity to work alongside a wide range of leading international climate scientists delivering cutting-edge climate services to inform policy makers across Europe and worldwide. The position holder will enjoy joining one of the leading and most dynamic European groups in the field of climate services.
Successful candidates will benefit from expert training and BSC-CNS staff benefits: international multidisciplinary scientific environment and advanced applied research training. We encourage applications from highly motivated candidates with demonstrated experience in statistical downscaling and AI and a strong interest in applied research in the context of climate services.
Key Duties
Formulate and apply statistical and machine learning algorithms to increase the spatial resolution of the sub-seasonal and seasonal climate predictions following stakeholders requirements
Interact with scientists in the group, department, center and other
Disseminate research outputs in peer-reviewed scientific papers and international conferences
Apply for competitive grants and projects
Engage with stakeholders and policy makers
Apply for competitive grants and projects
Engage with stakeholders and policy makers
Requirements
Education
BSc and MSc in Physics, Enviromental Sciences, Mathematics (or equivalent)
Essential Knowledge and Professional Experience
PhD in atmospheric sciences, applied statistics or related field
Experience in data management and statistical analyses
Proficiency in scientific programming in R is required and experience with Python is highly valued.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, demonstrated in scientific publications
Ability to work in a professional environment within a transdisciplinary and international team
Additional Knowledge and Professional Experience
Knowledge on some of the following topics: statistical downscaling, machine learning, climate data processing techniques and bias adjustments techniques
Experience working with stakeholders or decision-makers (not mandatory but desirable)
Competences
Problem-solving, pro-active, result-oriented work attitude
Excellent communication skills
Conditions
The position will be located at BSC within the Earth Sciences Department
We offer a full-time contract (37.5h/week), a good working environment, a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure, flexible working hours, extensive training plan, restaurant tickets, private health insurance, support to the relocation procedures
Duration: Open-ended contract due to technical and scientific activities linked to the project and budget duration
Holidays: 22 days of holidays + 6 personal days + 24th and 31st of December per our collective agreement
Salary: we offer a competitive salary commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate and according to the cost of living in Barcelona
Starting date: As soon as possible