"Research Fellow HEPPI - College of Life and Environmental Sciences - 103620 - Grade 7"

Position Details

College of Life and Environmental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2027 

Closing date: 22nd April 2024 

Background

This post will advance the application of Machine Learning (ML) in weather forecasting. The Research Fellow will develop and evaluate ML methods for postprocessing numerical ensemble precipitation forecasts over India to improve their skill, in particular for heavy precipitation.

Role Summary

Implement and test different ML architectures for postprocessing precipitation forecasts over India.

Determine how to maximise information extracted from the raw forecasts and how to optimise postprocessing skill for heavy precipitation.

Publish the results in high-quality journals and present them at conferences.

Main Duties

Implement and test different Artificial Neural Network (ANN) architectures, such as multilayer perceptrons and convolutional ANNs, for postprocessing ensemble precipitation forecasts over India from the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) global ensemble prediction system (NEPS-G).

Develop innovative specifications of input and output of postprocessing that account for the stochastic nature of precipitation and for systematic location errors in the original forecasts.

Apply Interpretable AI concepts to make the postprocessing transparent and to improve the understanding of processes during heavy precipitation events over India.

Implement the ML postprocessing methods on high performance computing systems in a way that is suitable for operational use.

Disseminate research findings through publications and conference presentations.

Supervise students on research-related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate. 

Undertake management and administration related to project.

Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.

Develop research objectives for future own or joint research, with mentorship from the project team.

Person Specification

PhD (or one near to completion) in a relevant, quantitative field, e.g. meteorology, machine learning, climate science, physics, mathematics, statistics or related fields.

Evidence of good understanding (or capacity to develop understanding) of statistics and ML. 

Evidence of a good understanding (or capacity to develop understanding) of meteorological processes and numerical weather prediction, and preferably specific knowledge related to monsoon precipitation.

Experience working with large meteorological datasets.

Good programming skills in languages such as Python, MATLAB or R.

Familiarity with UNIX/LINUX.

Publication record appropriate to experience.

Ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Ability to assess and use resources effectively.

Understanding of and ability to contribute to management and administration processes.

Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the research project.

Ability to coordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.

Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Informal enquiries to Martin Widmann email: m.widmann@bham.ac.uk 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.

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JOB INFO

Job Identification

4445

Job Category

Academic Non-clinical

Posting Date

03/27/2024, 08:01 AM

Apply Before

04/23/2024, 06:59 AM

Job Schedule

Full time

Locations

 Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TT, GB