Center for Climate Systems Modeling
In recent years, AI-based weather forecasting models have demonstrated remarkable speed and skill. However, most existing systems operate at relatively coarse spatial resolutions, limiting their effectiveness in regions with complex terrain. Switzerland's unique topography, combined with the demand for precise and frequently updated forecasts, necessitates models that function at very high resolutions and integrate seamlessly into operational forecasting workflows.
In collaboration with the Center for Climate Systems Modeling (C2SM) at ETH Zurich and various European weather centers, MeteoSwiss is spearheading an initiative to develop and deploy a next-generation, high-resolution AI-based weather forecasting system.
The project aims to create a forecasting system capable of producing predictions across multiple temporal scales, from short-range forecasts to up to 10 days ahead, utilizing recent advancements in deep learning. A key 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.
Join the Post-Processing and Verification Team
As a Scientific Programmer / Software Developer at MeteoSwiss, you will:
- Contribute to the implementation of a state-of-the-art ML-based forecasting system.
- Focus on data processing pipelines, post-processing, and verification workflows.
- Collaborate closely with scientists, ML researchers, and operational teams.
- Ensure that forecast outputs meet the needs of diverse users.
- Support the reliable integration of forecast products into production environments.
- Design and implement new forecasting products.
- Develop scalable, maintainable processing pipelines.
- Contribute to the evolution and long-term sustainability of the system.
- Tackle complex problems and collaborate across disciplines.
- Engage across multiple stages of the workflow as the system matures.
The position is limited to two years.
We Welcome Candidates Who Meet Most of the Following Criteria:
- MSc or PhD in natural sciences (e.g., physics, meteorology), data science, computer science, or a related field.
- Experience in scientific software development.
- Solid understanding of numerical weather prediction and meteorological applications.
- Experience with, or strong interest in, machine learning, including classical methods (e.g., random forests) and modern deep learning approaches (e.g., graph neural networks, transformers).
- Strong Python skills; familiarity with Xarray and Earthkit is an advantage.
- Experience with parallel or distributed computing is a plus.
- Familiarity with large-scale or production-level software systems.
- Interest in DevOps practices and sustainable software engineering.
- Willingness to contribute across the full workflow, from development to maintenance and operations.
- A collaborative mindset, with the ability to take ownership of tasks and communicate effectively within a team.
- Motivation to work in a diverse, interdisciplinary, and international environment.
What We Offer:
- A unique opportunity to help shape the next generation of AI-based weather forecasting.
- Direct involvement in bringing cutting-edge ML research into operational use.
- Opportunities to work on production-grade systems at the scale of a national meteorological service.
- A position at the interface of research and operations, bridging academic innovation and real-world forecasting.
- Collaboration with international research groups and European weather centers.
- Use of modern scientific and ML software stacks, including Python, PyTorch, Xarray, and container technologies.
- A supportive, motivated, and interdisciplinary team within a mission-driven public service organization.
- The chance to combine scientific impact, societal relevance, and modern software engineering.
Apply online using the form below.
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. For further information, please visit the C2SM and MeteoSwiss websites. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Daniele Nerini at daniele.nerini@meteoswiss.ch (please do not send applications).
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence. For recruitment services, the General Terms and Conditions of ETH Zurich apply.