Do you want to work at the forefront of next-generation weather forecasting as a machine learning scientist? High-quality and reliable weather forecasts and weather impact assessments are essential for a safe and livable society. Rapid developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are changing the way weather forecasts are created. Sounds like something for you? Read our vacancy and apply directly!

How you contribute
The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) is an international leader in AI/ML research and development for weather forecasting. To support and accelerate this transition, we are looking for a data scientist to help realize the AI/ML ambition of the KNMI.

The KNMI helps various countries in the global south in their challenge to adapt to climate change and the impacts it can have on extreme weather, for example by issuing warnings for extreme weather so that preventive measures can be taken. Within the KNMI Global Programme, collaboration focuses on improving weather forecasts and making early warning systems more effective, among other things.

Your activities

• Within this context, you will work on the development of robust and accessible early warning solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa. The KNMI is already developing and implementing a high-resolution, regional machine learning weather model, as well as observation-based models with a focus on extreme weather conditions.
• You will join the scientists in the KNMI DataLab who are working on this, while also collaborating across departments (e.g., the R&D Satellite Observations department)
• You will investigate whether a machine learning model can be deployed for Sub-Saharan Africa by developing countries.
• You will explore the possibilities and train an initial version of the model. In doing so, you will provide proof of concept or even a minimum usable version that can be deployed quickly.

Your team
The KNMI DataLab is a driven team of scientists with expertise in Data Science and AI/ML. They work on the research and development of data-driven applications. This aligns with the KNMI's ambition to invest in the development and application of AI/ML, and to achieve the optimal combination of AI/ML, physical models, and human interpretation.

We strive for a strong collaborative culture, within the team and with the rest of the KNMI, but also externally: nationally and internationally. An example is our contribution to the Anemoi framework, which is being developed jointly with various European weather institutes, as well as contributions to MLCast. Regularly participating in workshops or hackathons, including in other European countries, may be part of the work.

• a completed WO degree or a (nearly) completed academic degree in the field of Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a comparable level through experience
• hands on experience developing and training deep learning models in Python, such as graph neural networks or generative models, PyTorch preferred
• demonstrated affinity with scientific computing, geospatial data, or physical systems (e.g., climate, weather, environmental data)
• experience with Git and working in collaborative environments is preferred
• professional command (oral and written) of English, Dutch is also preferred

• Job interviews for selected candidates will take place in De Bilt.
• An (online) pre-selection test, an assessment, making a case and (online) screening via databases, among others, can be part of the application process.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.