Machine Learning Scientist / Machine Learning Scientistess

Machine Learning Scientist for Weather and Climate (Varda project)

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Center for Climate Systems Modeling (C2SM) at ETH Zurich, in partnership with the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss), is pioneering innovative methods to leverage machine learning for numerical weather forecasting and climate modeling.

Project Background

We are seeking a motivated Machine Learning Scientist to join the development team of the Varda machine learning weather prediction system. The model is being trained using archived data from MeteoSwiss operational forecasts and observations, with the objective of providing accurate and timely forecasts for the short to medium term. A central component of this effort is Anemoi, a framework developed by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) to support AI applications in weather and climate science.

Job Description

• Further develop and train machine learning models in Anemoi with a focus on regional weather predictions.
• Improve the system by integrating observational data or working on ensemble methods.
• Integrate the machine learning pipeline into production environments.
• Fine-tune and validate models against existing numerical models and observations.
• Curate and validate ML training datasets.

The position is limited to two years.

Profile

• University degree (MSc or PhD) in data science, computer science, physics, or a related field.
• Experience in training and validating large-scale deep learning models on distributed systems.
• Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with a modern ML stack (e.g., PyTorch, hydra, zarr, dask) and best practices in MLOps.
• Experience in handling and processing large datasets or knowledge of high-performance computing (HPC) is an advantage.
• Experience with weather and climate applications and ensemble forecasting is a plus.
• You are creative, solution-oriented, and possess excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams.
• Good command of spoken and written English.

Workplace

Join a dynamic team operating at the intersection of cutting-edge research and real-world applications. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and offer flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance for all team members.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us; we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please submit the following documents:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• List of references

Further information about C2SM can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Xavier Lapillonne at xavier.lapillonne@meteoswiss.ch (no applications).

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.