Onderzoeker Weather Generator

Are you passionate about advancing weather modeling using cutting-edge technology? Join the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) in the EU funded Horizon project Weather Generator. The goal of this project, led by the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), is to develop a European open-source foundation model for weather and climate in a collaborative effort of 16 institutes, where we push the future of high resolution weather modeling through deep learning. In addition to this foundation model, a number of tail networks will be developed. Think this could be your next big challenge? Find out more below!

Als onderzoeker werk je aan de ontwikkeling en verbetering van weather generators, waarmee we realistische weerscenario’s kunnen simuleren voor uiteenlopende toepassingen. Je draagt bij aan het modelleren van klimaatvariabiliteit en -verandering, en ondersteunt zo beleidsmakers, onderzoekers en andere gebruikers met betrouwbare klimaatinformatie.

How you contribute in this role

As part of the Data Science cluster in the Research & Development Weather and Climate Models department, we drive the development, maintenance, and application of several cutting-edge machine learning models. Our focus is on advancing machine learning methods for postprocessing of numerical weather prediction model output, as well as pioneering data-driven weather models using machine learning; a task where you will play a key role. You will contribute to the development of a specific tail network of the Weather Generator, namely a network to improve high resolution probabilistic extreme weather forecasts in Western Europe.

Additionally, you will compare the performance of the forecasts from this tail network with those from another machine learning weather model, a so-called stretched grid model, and with those from our operational high resolution numerical weather prediction model Harmonie Arome.

Je ontwikkelt, test en implementeert weather generators, analyseert meteorologische en klimatologische data, vertaalt wetenschappelijke inzichten naar praktische toepassingen, werkt samen met collega’s binnen en buiten het KNMI, en presenteert resultaten aan stakeholders en op (inter)nationale conferenties.

What gives you satisfaction

You thrive on solving complex challenges and pushing the boundaries of weather modeling through innovative machine learning techniques. You are excited about working with large, detailed datasets and collaborating with international experts to drive forward projects that have a direct impact on weather forecasts.

Dit krijg je

• Arbeidsovereenkomst voor bepaalde tijd
• 24 maanden
• 32 - 36 uur

Dit bieden we nog meer

• Temporary position for 27 months.
• 144 hours of annual leave based on a 36-hour workweek
• mobile phone and laptop provided
• hybrid working, with a € 2.40 per day home office allowance
• € 750 allowance to set up your home workspace or make your home more sustainable
• 100% reimbursement for public transport (2nd class mobility card), including access to OV-fiets and Greenwheels
• bicycle travel reimbursement of € 0.21 per kilometer
• every 5 years, € 500 to purchase a bicycle or accessories or the option to lease a bike
• every 3 years, € 300 towards a new battery for your electric bike
• an Individual Choice Budget (IKB) of 16.5% of your salary (at least € 440 per month based on a 36-hour workweek)
• the option to use your IKB to pay off student loans
• training, courses, and education opportunities: from personal leadership to certifications in your field
• leave arrangements tailored to different situations, including care leave, parental leave, adoption leave, and foster care leave
• Een uitdagende functie binnen een toonaangevend kennisinstituut
• Ruimte voor persoonlijke ontwikkeling en opleiding
• Een inspirerende werkomgeving met betrokken collega’s
• Goede arbeidsvoorwaarden volgens de cao Rijk

Dit vragen wij

• You have completed a PhD in data science or a related field, with a strong focus on machine learning, or an academic degree in meteorology, climate sciences, mathematics, physics, or a comparable field.
• You have hands-on experience developing deep learning models using PyTorch.
• Kennis van statistische modellering en programmeervaardigheden (bijvoorbeeld in Python, R of Matlab).
• Ervaring met het analyseren van grote datasets.
• Goede communicatieve vaardigheden, zowel mondeling als schriftelijk.
• Proactieve en samenwerkingsgerichte houding.
• Meteorological knowledge is a bonus.
• Experience with a data-driven weather model (such as AIFS from ECMWF) and/or Anemoi is a bonus.
• You are prepared to travel a few times a year to different European countries.
• For this position you will need to have a valid European work permit.

Hier kom je te werken

Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute

The weather is unpredictable, the ground moves, and the climate is changing. To ensure our safety and prosperity, we need to understand the risks and opportunities this presents and how best to prepare. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) provides that knowledge. As the national centre of expertise and data for weather, climate, and seismology, KNMI is reliable, independent, and focused on what the Netherlands needs: a safe society that is prepared for the impact of weather, climate change, and seismic activity.

Driven by our core values - Development, Collaboration, and Relevance - we pursue our ambitions both within and beyond KNMI, nationally and internationally. We continuously develop our knowledge and skills, and work together as one KNMI to make a meaningful difference for society.

KNMI is part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) is committed to a safe, accessible, and liveable Netherlands. It works to ensure strong connections via road, rail, waterways, and air. IenW also protects against flooding, monitors the quality of our air, water, and soil, and contributes to the transition toward a circular economy.