Machine Learning Scientist (AI-based Weather Forecasting)

About

Recent advances in AI-based weather prediction have demonstrated remarkable skill and computational efficiency. However, most current machine-learning weather prediction (MLWP) systems rely primarily on NWP analyses for initialization and only partially exploit the wealth of available satellite observations. With the advent of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG), new high-frequency and high-resolution measurements of clouds, moisture, temperature, and lightning activity provide unprecedented opportunities for substantially improving regional forecasts.

Project Background

Within the framework of a Research Fellowship supported by EUMETSAT, we are advancing the integration of geostationary satellite observations into a next-generation regional MLWP system. The project builds on an existing graph-based, stretched-grid regional forecasting model developed at Meteo Swiss and is embedded in the Anemoi framework initiated by ECMWF. The objective is to develop and evaluate novel multi-encoder-decoder architectures capable of ingesting various satellite data streams (e.g. radiances, cloud products, lightning observations, hyperspectral soundings) and integrating them into high-frequency forecasting cycles with lead times from short-range to up to 10 days ahead.

The work will be carried out in close collaboration with national and international partners and contributes directly to the future operational exploitation of MTG data.

We are looking for a Scientific Programmer / Software Developer to join our motivated and interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement machine-learning model architectures enabling the direct ingestion of next generation satellite data (e.g. MTG FCI, LI, IRS) into state-of-the-art regional forecasting models in Anemoi
• Contribute to the evolution of a multi-encoder-decoder MLWP framework within the Anemoi ecosystem
• Train, fine-tune, and evaluate models using large-scale meteorological and satellite datasets
• Quantify the impact of satellite data on forecast skill across variables and lead times
• Collaborate closely with scientists, ML researchers, and operational forecasting teams to ensure that forecast outputs meet the needs of diverse users
• Disseminate results through scientific publications, conference presentations, and exchanges with EUMETSAT and partner institutions

We value people who enjoy solving complex problems, collaborating across disciplines, and contributing across different stages of the workflow as the system matures.

This is a fixed-term contract of 1 year, with the possibility of extension for up to an additional 2 years. The main workplace is located at Meteo Swiss Locarno-Monti with regular visits to Zürich. The amount of remuneration will be in accordance with the salary system of ETH Zürich.

Profile

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds who meet most (not necessarily all) of the following criteria:

• PhD in computer science, data science, natural sciences (e.g. physics, meteorology) or a related field. Candidates with an MSc and proven professional experience may also be considered
• Experience working with satellite data (e.g. geostationary observations, radiances, retrieval products)
• Strong programming skills in Python
• Experience in machine learning, ideally including deep learning architectures such as graph neural networks, transformers, or spatio-temporal models
• Experience with high-performance or distributed computing environments
• Good understanding of meteorological processes and numerical weather prediction
• Interest in Dev Ops practices and sustainable software engineering
• Ability to work independently on research questions while contributing to a collaborative team environment
• Motivation to work in a diverse, interdisciplinary, and international environment
• Good communication skills (oral and written) in English and one of the Swiss national languages

We Offer

• Direct involvement in shaping next-generation AI-based weather forecasting systems
• A unique opportunity to contribute to the operational exploitation of Meteosat Third Generation data
• Direct involvement in bringing cutting-edge ML research into operational use
• Close collaboration with European partners, including EUMETSAT, European national weather centers, ECMWF and the wider Anemoi community
• Use of modern scientific and ML software stacks, including Python, PyTorch, Xarray, and container technologies on high-performance computing infrastructure
• A supportive, motivated, and interdisciplinary team within a mission-driven public service organization
• The opportunity to combine scientific impact, societal relevance, and modern software engineering

EUMETSAT and ETH Zürich are committed to providing an equal opportunities work environment for men and women.