Machine Learning Scientist / Machine Learning Scientistess

Machine Learning Scientist for Weather and Climate (WeatherGenerator 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.

We are seeking a motivated Machine Learning Scientist to join the WeatherGenerator project. This project aims to develop a foundation model for Weather and Climate informed by diverse data sources, including satellite and radar observations. The core model will subsequently be fine-tuned for specific applications, such as high-resolution weather predictions for Switzerland.

Job Description

• Further develop and train the WeatherGenerator model for specific applications in Switzerland, including high-resolution regional weather predictions.
• Enhance the system by integrating observational and high-resolution model data.
• Fine-tune and validate the model against established numerical models and observational data.
• Curate and validate ML training datasets.
• Integrate the machine learning pipeline into production.

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).
• Experience in handling and processing large datasets or high-performance computing (HPC) is advantageous.
• Background in weather and climate applications is a plus.
• Creative, solution-oriented with excellent communication skills, capable of working in interdisciplinary teams.
• Good knowledge of spoken and written English.

Workplace

Your workplace will be located at ETH Zurich, a leading institution in science and technology, situated in the heart of Europe.

We Offer

• Unique opportunities to develop state-of-the-art Machine Learning systems that will shape the future of weather forecasting.
• A dynamic team operating at the intersection of cutting-edge research and real-world applications.
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance for all team members.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity. We nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we create a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are continually working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

If you are interested in this position, apply online using the form below. 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, pioneering research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located at the heart of Europe and forging connections globally, we collaborate to develop solutions for the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.