12716 - Junior scientist or postdoctoral researcher in AI/ML for Climate Adaptation and Decision-Making

Milano, Italy

Full Time

European Institute on Economics and the Environment (EIEE)

Mid Level

CMCC Position cod. 12716
Junior scientist or postdoctoral researcher in AI/ML for Climate Adaptation and Decision-Making
Deadline: May 31th, 2025

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking 2 motivated and talented Junior Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers to join our growing team in the field of AI and Machine Learning for climate adaptation and decision-making. This position is ideal for candidates with strong analytical and computational backgrounds who are passionate about developing innovative tools to support the design of resilient systems under deep uncertainty.
The successful candidate will contribute to the development of AI/ML methods applied to:

the characterization and forecasting of extreme climate events (e.g., heatwaves, floods, droughts),
the emulation of complex Earth system and infrastructure models (climate-energy-water systems),
technological scenario generation and exploration via generative AI and reinforcement learning,
and the integration of these methods within robust decision-making (RDM) frameworks.

The role involves both methodological innovation and application to real-world case studies, with a focus on supporting climate-resilient infrastructure design and planning.
We are particularly interested in candidates who can bridge the gap between data-driven AI techniques and physics-based modeling, and who are excited to work on interdisciplinary research that connects climate science, engineering, and decision analysis.

ABOUT US
CMCC Foundation is a cross-cutting scientific research center on climate change and its interactions with the environment, society, the world of business, and policymakers. Our work aims to stimulate sustainable growth, protect the environment, and develop strategies for the adaptation and mitigation of climate change. CMCC's core objective is to conduct cutting-edge science, to train the next generation of scientists at both national and international levels, and to be a beacon for climate modelling.

The European Institute in Economics and the Environment (EIEE) is one of the three institutes of CMCC. It was established in 2018 in a trans-Atlantic partnership with Resources for the Future (RFF). It is one of the leading research centers on climate economics, featuring a diverse and international team of economists and natural scientists.

CMCC pursues fundamental and applied science with utmost scientific integrity, prioritizing data-driven science and providing data, information, and research results that can support informed public debate and decision-making processes. To achieve climate research objectives at the highest international standards, we invest in training all our talents, and strive to create a workplace where everyone can excel.

At CMCC you will find a strong, professional environment. Join an inclusive community that values diversity, where every voice is heard and respected. Help foster a culture of innovation and societal change, where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed.

Over the last decade, CMCC has experienced extraordinary growth. We are now embarking on a new chapter of our journey that will further boost CMCC’s global position in climate change research…Together!

To learn more about this opportunity and submit your application, please refer to the following:

ROLE

The researcher(s) will work under the supervision of the Technologies for Climate Transition (TCT) Division Director and contribute to the development of novel AI/ML methods to support climate adaptation and resilient system design. The position emphasizes the application of reinforcement learning, emulation, and generative modeling techniques to climate-energy-water systems, with a strong focus on enabling decision-making under deep uncertainty.
The role includes the design and implementation of data-driven and hybrid modeling frameworks that integrate AI with domain knowledge to address complex challenges such as:

the characterization and forecasting of extreme climate events,
the emulation of computationally intensive Earth system models,
and the generation and exploration of scenarios to support robust decision-making processes.

Particular emphasis will be placed on applying AI/ML approaches within robust decision-making (RDM) frameworks, enabling the design of strategies that are resilient across diverse and uncertain futures. This position offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between climate science, artificial intelligence, and decision theory, contributing to the TCT Division’s mission of delivering evidence-based, adaptive solutions for sustainable development in a changing climate.

TCT is the third, new division of the European Institute on Economics and the Environment (EIEE). The candidate will support the development of the division within the overall strategy of the institute, leveraging the relation with existing research at EIEE.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The researcher(s) will:

Develop and apply AI/ML algorithms for predictive modeling of climate extremes and their compound effects on critical systems.
Design and train emulators for complex simulation models (e.g., climate, hydrology, energy systems) to enable faster exploration of decision spaces.
Integrate reinforcement learning and generative approaches for scenario discovery and adaptive decision support.
Contribute to the development of decision-support tools under deep uncertainty, including robust and adaptive planning approaches.
Contribute to scientific publications, project deliverables, and funding proposals.
Contribute to proposal writing and fundraising activities.
Communicate results through reports, academic publications, and presentations.
Mentor interns or junior team members, contributing to team capacity building.
Contribute to the objectives of the EIEE institute and to its methodological suite

REQUIREMENTS

PhD in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or equivalent subjects.
Accuracy and excellent analytical skills.
Excellent programming skill in c++ and/or python, with experience in ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn).
Excellent written and spoken English.
Interest in interdisciplinary research and policy-relevant science.

DURATION, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The position will be based in Milan CMCC office.
The appointment period will be initially 12 months, renewable pending a positive evaluation. Tenure can be granted from 2 to 4 years after being appointed as a junior researcher.
Contract and gross salary will be based on qualifications and working experience and competitive with major research centers in Europe.
Welfare package, for minimum 12 months contract.
Flexible working time as per internal policies.
Support during the immigration process, if needed.
Please note that this opportunity will be issued both internally and externally.
Interviews will begin one month after the opening of the job call and will continue until the position is filled.

PROTECTED CATEGORY
Belonging to legally protected categories (ex L. 68/99) will constitute a preferential condition.
Some fiscal benefits could be applied for repatriated workers or foreign researchers/professors, having the requirements defined by Dlgs 147/2015 (for repatriates) or Dl 78/2010 (for foreigners).
CMCC is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status, and other legally protected characteristics. Please omit from your CV any data you or we might consider discriminatory.
This job announcement is an invitation to express interest in the above-mentioned CMCC Position.

Applicants responding to this posting declare that they have read, understood and agreed to the “Official Rule for the CMCC Personnel recruitment".

We will keep your information on file for up to 1 year.

Apply for this position

Required*

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Phone*

Resume*

We've received your resume. Click here to update it.

Attach resume or Paste resume

Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

Cover Letter*

Date of birth*

Gender*

Place of Birth (country)

Place of birth (city)

Citizenship*

Residence/Home address*

Current/Temporary address*

Authorized to work in the Country*

Note about authorized to work in the Country

Protected Category : (as per Law 68/1999)

Level of education completed*

Education completed in*

Year of completed education

Qualification obtained*

Professional experience level*

Professional experience into*

Current job position*

Level of knowledge of English*

Knowledge of other languages*

Computer skills*

Any other skills or qualification ?

Are you enrolled in a professional register ?

Available to travel

Available to relocate

How did you find out about this job opportunity ?* People I know (for example a colleague or a friend)CMCC websiteJob FairOther website (please specify)Other (please specify)

Note about 'how did you find out about this job opportunity'

Do you have any family members currently working for CMCC?* SINO

Reference Name and E-mail Address:*

Upload a signed copy of your CV*

Privacy policy
The data provided will be processed by the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change Foundation as the Data Controller, for purposes related to the evaluation of the application and the selection process. We kindly ask you to omit irrelevant data in relation to the submission of the application or, in any case, data that is not necessary for evaluating the candidate's profile. If you deem it appropriate to provide data belonging to special categories (e.g., health data, religious beliefs, union membership, etc.), we kindly ask you to provide a declaration of consent for the processing of such data in your cv.
Without such declaration or other legal basis for processing (e.g., if required in relation to the purposes of the Data Controller, you may indicate membership in protected categories), the data pertaining to special categories, if indicated in the curriculum vitae or any other document provided by you, will be immediately deleted and will not be considered for the selection process.
For all other information regarding the processing of personal data, please refer to the extended notice. ** I have read and understood the privacy policy

Cover Letter*

Human Check*

Submit Application

Thanks for visiting our Career Page.Please review our open positions and apply to the positions that match your qualifications.

12716 - Junior scientist or postdoctoral researcher in AI/ML for Climate Adaptation and Decision-Making

Apply for this position

Thanks for visiting our Career Page.
Please review our open positions and apply to the positions that match your qualifications.