12711 - Machine learning and Earth System Data assimilation Junior Research Associate
Lecce, Italy
Full Time
Institute for Earth System Predictions (IESP)
Experienced
CMCC Position cod. 12711
Machine learning and Earth System Data assimilation Junior Research Associate
Deadline: May 15th, 2025
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The CMCC Foundation – Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici is looking for a highly motivated and skilled Machine Learning Expert to join our interdisciplinary team working at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence and Earth system science.
This position is part of CMCC’s strategic investment in data-driven environmental monitoring and hybrid modelling solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in machine learning and a keen interest in advancing both observation-only analysis systems and hybrid data assimilation.
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.
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
Your work will focus on two main keys:
You will work closely with scientists, engineers, and domain experts in a highly collaborative and international research environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Scientific Junior research associate is responsible of:
REQUIREMENTS
DURATION, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
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.
Machine learning and Earth System Data assimilation Junior Research Associate
Deadline: May 15th, 2025
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The CMCC Foundation – Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici is looking for a highly motivated and skilled Machine Learning Expert to join our interdisciplinary team working at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence and Earth system science.
This position is part of CMCC’s strategic investment in data-driven environmental monitoring and hybrid modelling solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in machine learning and a keen interest in advancing both observation-only analysis systems and hybrid data assimilation.
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.
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
Your work will focus on two main keys:
- developing an ML-based infrastructure that uses only observations (e.g., satellite, in situ, remote sensing data) to produce spatiotemporally consistent analysis fields of key Earth system variables (e.g., temperature, precipitation, soil moisture);
- improving the assimilation of observations into complex Earth system models through hybrid approaches that integrate physics-based and data-driven techniques, with an eye toward improving forecast skill, uncertainty characterization, and model diagnostics.
You will work closely with scientists, engineers, and domain experts in a highly collaborative and international research environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Scientific Junior research associate is responsible of:
- Design and implement machine learning architectures to create gridded Earth system analyses from observational data only;
- Explore and develop hybrid assimilation workflows that combine ML components (e.g., emulators, observation operators, error models) with traditional ensemble or variational frameworks.
- Process and integrate diverse observational datasets (e.g., satellite, in situ networks, reanalysis).
- Evaluate and validate analysis outputs for consistency, accuracy, and uncertainty.
- Contribute to open-source tools, scientific publications, and project deliverables.
- Collaborate in national and international projects aligned with CMCC’s mission.
- Provide support to other team activities when needed, contributing to a collaborative and flexible working environment.
REQUIREMENTS
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in Machine Learning, Environmental Science, Applied Mathematics, or related fields.
- Proven expertise in deep learning, spatiotemporal modeling, or probabilistic ML methods.
- Experience working with Earth observation datasets and geospatial formats (e.g., NetCDF, GRIB).
- Proficiency in Python and ML/data tools such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Xarray, Dask.
- Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.
- Good written and spoken English.
DURATION, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Please note that this job opportunity will be issued both internally and externally to CMCC.
- The job position is located in Lecce CMCC office.
- The gross annual salary will be based on qualifications and working experience.
- Welfare package, for minimum 12 months contract
- Flexible working time as per internal policies.
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.
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