WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The CMCC Foundation – Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici is seeking two highly motivated and skilled Machine Learning experts to join our interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and Earth system science.
These positions are part of CMCC’s strategic investment in data-driven and hybrid Earth System Modelling (ESM) solutions, and they are hosted within the Earth System Modelling and Data Assimilation Division. The successful candidates will have a strong background in machine learning and a keen interest in advancing the modelling of Earth System components. They will join a dynamic research environment committed to deepening our understanding of the Earth system through innovative computational approaches.

ABOUT US

CMCC Foundation is a cross-cutting scientific research center on climate change and its interactions with the environment, society, the world of business, and policymakers. Our work aims to stimulate sustainable growth, protect the environment, and develop strategies for the adaptation and mitigation of climate change. CMCC’s core objective is to conduct cutting-edge science, to train the next generation of scientists at both national and international levels, and to be a beacon for climate modelling.
CMCC pursues fundamental and applied science with utmost scientific integrity, prioritizing data-driven science and providing data, information, and research results that can support informed public debate and decision-making processes. To achieve climate research objectives at the highest international standards, we invest in training all our talents and strive to create a workplace where everyone can excel.
At CMCC you will find a strong, professional environment. Join an inclusive community that values diversity, where every voice is heard and respected. Help foster a culture of innovation and societal change, where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed.
Over the last decade, CMCC has experienced extraordinary growth. We are now embarking on a new chapter of our journey that will further boost CMCC’s global position in climate change research…Together!

REQUIREMENTS

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in Machine Learning, Climate Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in deep learning, spatiotemporal modeling, or probabilistic ML methods.
• Experience working with Earth System Models.
• Proficiency in Python and tools such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Xarray, Dask.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and in collaborative teams.
• Good command of written and spoken English.

ROLE

The two positions will focus on developing hybrid models that combine physics-based and ML approaches to Earth system modelling. Specifically, the goal is to integrate CMCC’s coarse-resolution Earth System Model with ML-based emulators of unresolved processes, creating hybrid models that enhance the representation of complex phenomena and emulate the behaviour of ultra-fine grid models. These hybrid systems aim to accelerate simulations while leveraging the strengths of both physical and data-driven methods.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The post-doc researcher(s) and/or junior scientist(s) will support the ESYDA Earth System Model (ESM) development group through the following activities:

• Develop machine learning algorithms tailored to Earth system processes
• Train and validate models using observational data and model outputs
• Integrate ML approaches into CMCC’s Earth System Model infrastructure
• Collaborate with CMCC scientists across multiple disciplines to support the integration of Earth System Modelling with socio-economic impact models.
• Present results at scientific conferences and publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.