Research Software Engineer - Forecast-in-a-Box Developer

Reading, United Kingdom

2026-03-17 (Europe/London)

Job reference: VN26-29

Salary and Grade: Grade A2 EUR 91,754 ( Bonn/Germany) / GBP 76,384 (Reading/UK) NET annual basic salary + other benefits

Deadline for applications: 17/03/2026

Department: Forecasts and Services

Location: Bonn, Germany or Reading, UK

Contract type: STF-PS

Publication date: 18/02/2026

Contract Duration: 2 years up to 31 May 2028, with possibility of extensions

Your role

We are seeking a Research Software Engineer (A2) to contribute to the application of the Forecast-in-a-Box concept within the framework of the Destination Earth (DestinE) initiative of the European Commission.

Destination Earth is developing Digital Twins of the Earth system, combining high-resolution numerical and machine learning (ML) models. In this context, the Forecast-in-a-Box encapsulates a portable, reproducible and scalable environment that supports experimentation, deployment and downstream product generation for a range of ML models, delivering a fully packaged ML-based modelling chain to users. This builds on ECMWF’s software stack, which also underpins Destination Earth’s Digital Twin Engine.

In this role, you will contribute to the development and implementation of the execution workflows that enable the Forecast-in-a-Box to interface seamlessly with ECMWF’s operational forecasting and post-processing pipelines. This includes ensuring robustness, scalability and performance across distributed high-performance computing and cloud environments and supporting the integration of new post-processing pipelines within the framework.

Working closely with ECMWF scientists, software engineers and Digital Twin Engine developers, you will support the integration of ML models and outputs into coherent, automated workflows. You will contribute to ensuring these workflows are reproducible, maintainable, operationally viable and integrate seamlessly within the Earthkit ecosystem.

The position sits in the Data Processing Services Team in the Development Section in the Forecast and Services Department. You will join a dynamic group working on AI/ML workflows, distributed computing and large-scale data processing. The team plays a central role in evolving ECMWF’s operational post-processing framework and in connecting research innovation with production-grade forecasting systems.

About ECMWF

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is a world leader in Numerical Weather Predictions providing high-quality data for weather forecasts and environmental monitoring. As an intergovernmental organisation, we collaborate internationally to serve our members and the wider community with global weather predictions, data and training activities that are critical to contribute to safe and thriving societies.

Your responsibilities

• As part of a team, design, develop and contribute to the evolution of the Forecast-in-a-Box framework.
• Collaborate with Digital Twin Engine developers and ECMWF partners to align Forecast-in-a-Box execution workflows with DestinE standards and services.
• Integrate ML models and post-processing components into the Forecast-in-a-Box environment, in alignment with ECMWF’s operational post-processing framework.
• Adapt ML modelling workflows to diverse computing environments, including resource-constrained operational settings.
• Develop technical documentation, reproducible examples and training materials to support knowledge transfer and long-term sustainability.
• Participate in technical workshops and training activities linked to DestinE and related initiatives.
• Contribute to ECMWF’s open-source software ecosystem, including projects such as Anemoi and Earthkit.

What we are looking for

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive, continuous improvement approach.

Your profile

• Advanced university degree (EQ7 level or above) or equivalent professional experience in computer science or engineering, computational science, physics or natural sciences, mathematics, or a related discipline.

Other information

Grade remuneration: The successful candidates will be recruited according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations. Details of salary scales and allowances are available on the ECMWF website at www.ecmwf.int/en/about/jobs.

Starting date:as soon as possible.