2026-27_2_184 - A post-doctoral researcher contract in climate science and machine learning

Universitat de les Illes Balears; España; Hybrid; EUR 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site in Majorca

Flexible / hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) invites applications for a post-doctoral researcher to join the UHEAT project on Majorca. You will develop a deep-learning system combining ocean observations and climate data to predict marine heatwave probability, publishing results in top journals and presenting at conferences.

The role involves assembling datasets from global climate models, training models with observations, and working within an interdisciplinary team spanning Europe and Asia.

Qualifications

• Solid ability to conduct and organise scientific research.
• Programming experience with scientific programming and data analysis (e.g. Python, Matlab).
• Experience handling and analysing large or complex scientific datasets.
• Ability to communicate research findings clearly and to discuss results with others.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and analyse data from a large set of simulated global coupled climate models.
• Build a deep-learning model to predict marine heatwaves by integrating ocean heat content and transport, and sea surface temperature.
• Train and refine the prediction model using simulations and observations.
• Publish research in leading international journals and present findings at conferences.

Skills

Python

Data analysis

Writing

Communication

English (plus)

Education

PhD in Ocean Science

Tools

Matlab

Job description

Organisation/Company Universitat de les Illes Balears Research Field Environmental science » Earth science Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 11 Nov 2026 - 23:55 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 11 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number PCI2026-177454-1 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Funding body:

European Union

Institution:

Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) / University of the Balearic Islands (UIB)

Are you passionate about climate science, oceanography and artificial intelligence? We are seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher to join the UHEAT project at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) on the breathtaking island of Majorca.

UHEAT is a joint European-Japanese research project looking into how ocean heat content influences marine heatwaves. It aims to develop AI-based approaches for predicting marine heatwaves and their impacts on key fish species.

The successful candidate will primarily work on developing a deep-learning system that combines ocean observations and climate data to predict marine heatwave probability.

It is a fantastic opportunity to take part in cutting‑edge research with real‑world impact, contributing to our understanding of how the ocean is responding to climate change and helping address impacts on fisheries and society.

Please visit the project website for more information:

What you’ll be doing:

• Assembling and analysing data from a large set of simulated global coupled climate models
• Building a deep-learning model to predict the likelihood of marine heatwaves, integrating ocean heat content and transport, and sea surface temperature
• Training and refining the prediction model using the large simulation set alongside observations
• Publishing your research in leading international journals and presenting your findings at conferences

Why you should join us:

• You will be part of a highly interdisciplinary international project combining physical oceanography, climate science, artificial intelligence and fisheries science
• You will be working in a vibrant research setting at the UIB with close ties to IMEDEA and international partners in Germany and Japan
• You will get the chance to visit research partners in Japan and Germany for project meetings, collaboration and knowledge exchange, and build an international research network
• You will enhance your expertise in AI and climate prediction whilst addressing an important challenge linked to climate change and its impacts on marine ecosystems and fisheries

A PhD in Ocean Science, Physics, Mathematics or a related field by the contract start date.

Specific Requirements

• Research: a solid ability to conduct and organise scientific research
• Programming: familiarity with scientific programming and data analysis (e.g. Python, Matlab or similar)
• Data analysis: experience handling and analysing large or complex scientific datasets
• Writing: an ability to communicate research findings clearly
• Communication: confidence discussing ideas and sharing results with others.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:

English skills would be a plus.

Preferred experience:

• Working with climate or oceanographic data, such as observations, reanalysis products or outputs from global coupled climate models
• Spatiotemporal data analysis or spatial statistics
• Familiarity with machine learning or deep learning methods
• An interest in ocean and climate dynamics.

Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

Gross monthly salary: 3,000.00 €

National Social Security Insurance (Public Health Insurance)

Planned end date of the tasks subject to the contract:

Wednesday, January 10, 2029

Compensation may be higher where the successful candidate accredits recognised professional experience.

Eligibility criteria

• Curricular merits in the field (max. 40 points).
• Qualifications in the specialist area (max. 20 points), other (max. 5 points).
• Video curriculum and, if applicable, personal interview (max. 20 points).
• Experience in the field (max. 15 points). E.g.: > 3 years (10 points), < 3 years (5 points).
• Other merits (max. +5 points). E.g.: recommendation letters.

Eligibility threshold: 60 points.

Candidates who hold the qualification corresponding to the required category in the job offer with a non‑EU degree, if selected, must present a certificate of equivalence of their non‑EU qualification to a European qualification, or proof of having applied for this equivalence, in order to proceed with their hiring.

Selection process

In accordance with article 8 of the REGULATORY AGREEMENT 145140 of 15th June 2022 that approves the regulation governing the recruitment of research staff under chapter 6 allocation of the university budget, as well as technical or operational research staff.

i. The relevant Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research (or person s/he delegates), as chair.

ii. The supervisor (or person s/he delegates).

iii. The members of the Research Area Assessment Committee (CARAI).

iv. One or more expert members in the topic pertaining to the recruitment and chosen by the chair of the committee, where applicable.

v. The head of FORHU (or delegated representative), acting as secretary, who may speak but not vote.

Additional comments

Although we believe on‑site working is valuable for both candidates and the organisation, we are happy to discuss flexible arrangements, including partial WFH.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Universitat de les Illes Balears / University of the Balearic Islands Country Spain Geofield