Senior Research Associate, AI for Weather Forecasting

Alan Turing Institute; London; Hybrid; GBP 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in London is seeking a Senior Research Associate to conduct cutting-edge research in machine learning for Earth system prediction. This role involves developing AI models for weather forecasting and supervising early-career researchers. Candidates should hold a PhD and have experience with machine learning and software development. The position offers an annual salary of £56,840 with excellent benefits and opportunities for flexible working.

Benefits

Flexible working

Family friendly policies

Employee-only benefits guide

Qualifications

• A PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant area.
• Experience in software development related to machine learning.
• Ability to analyze data and write computer code, particularly in Python.

Responsibilities

• Conduct internationally leading research in machine learning for Earth system prediction.
• Provide technical leadership for research projects.
• Contribute to software development and mission-led research.
• Supervise early-career researchers in the team.

Skills

Machine learning and AI

Software development

Vision language models

Deep generative models

Python/PyTorch

Education

PhD in machine learning, AI, computer science, mathematics or equivalent

Job description

Company Description

Named in honour of Alan Turing, the Institute is a place for inspiring, exciting work and we need passionate, sharp, and innovative people who want to use their skills to contribute to our mission to make great leaps in data science and AI research to change the world for the better. Please find more information about us here.

Position

The Turing has recently undergone a restructuring and is now operating a challenge-led model with three Grand Challenges (Environment &Sustainability, Health, Defence & National Security) ,underpinned by cross-cutting Fundamental Research. This new Turing 2.0 model focuses on world-class science and innovation and aims to generate high-quality research and translate it into real-world impact and deployment.

In the Environment & Sustainability Grand Challenge, we will develop machine learning and AI as a transformative technology to benefit planet and people. Initially the Grand Challenge will centre around using machine learning and AI for transforming Earth system forecasting, with a focus on weather prediction and sea-ice modelling.

AI is already transforming how we approach weather forecasting. Better medium-range and localised weather forecasts can be used to predict heavy rainfalls or extreme temperatures. These forecasts can then lead to a more informed and confident decision to issue warnings for these regions.

Aardvark

The Environment and Sustainability Grand Challenge's Aardvark Weather project, led by Prof Richard Turner, is spearheading the development of end-to-end AI weather forecasting systems, that learn to produce predictions directly from raw observational data (for more information see here). Compared to conventional forecasting approaches, Aardvark's systems can leverage a far greater breadth of environmental information, are computationally inexpensive, and they are easily customizable. These new systems are supported by novel machine learning innovations which support forecasts at different temporal scales, globally and regionally. The goal of the project is to generate impact in a range of areas in both the UK and with international partners in the Global South which often lacks comprehensive forecasting infrastructure. We think that Aardvark Weather will be the starting point for a new generation of end-to-end machine learning models for medium-range forecasting.

ROLE PURPOSE

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Research Associate who will be key to conducting internationally leading research in machine learning for Earth system prediction for the Aardvark project. This role will be funded by a Horizon 2020 grant, called DVPS, and it will involve equipping Aardvark with text-based outputs such as meteorological forecasts, disaster reports, and plain-language summaries. It will also involve training on a combination of remote sensing and numerical weather data to enhance Aardvark's representation of the Earth system thereby improving predictions and using deep generative models to express forecast uncertainty. This role will be part of the Environment & Sustainability Grand Challenge, and you will be reporting to the Research Lead for the project and work closely with other Senior Research Associates and possibly PhD students within the same area. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in: vision language models, Earth system forecasting, spatio-temporal modelling, and deep generative modelling, such as diffusion and flow-matching. The candidate should have strong software engineering skills.

The candidate will join a vibrant team of researchers and will have opportunities to engage with internal and external stakeholders throughout the delivery of the project.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Play a leading role in undertaking high-quality research, actively contributing, and steering the broader research aims of the Environment & Sustainability Grand Challenge.
• Provide technical leadership for research projects, ensuring successful outcomes, including that research outcomes can be deployed in the real world.
• Contribute to software development including planning, execution and package release and management
• Contribute to mission-led research in collaboration with team members and Principal Investigators(PIs).
• Be a point of contact, supporting PIs in engaging with stakeholders regarding projects and deputising in meetings where necessary.
• Take the lead on writing up findings as they emerge, producing and developing reports, and publications in peer- reviewed journals, in collaboration with the research team.
• Lead on the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g., for funding and contractual purposes.
• Present, disseminate and explain our work at meetings/events and contribute to both the internal and external visibility of the Institute.
• Take responsibility for driving collaboration with academic experts and broader research partners from across the Turing, and the wider Turing/project community.
• Supervise the work of early-career researchers in the team and provide guidance as required with line management of direct reports if required.

Requirements

• A PhD (or equivalent experience and/or qualifications) in a relevant area, e.g., machine learning, AI, computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering.
• Experience in machine learning and AI, including experience in machine learning software development.
• Experience in training and applying vision-language models and / or large language models.
• Analyse data and write computer code, in particular using Python/Pytorch.
• Substantial research experience in their field of expertise with commensurate output.
• Evidence of high-quality publication(s)in a relevant field commensurate with your career stage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to present complex or technical information, and to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Please see the job description for a full breakdown of the role and person specification.

Other information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the apply button below. You will need to register on the applicant portal and complete the application form including your CV and covering letter. If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact us on 020 3862 3536 or email [email protected].

Your covering letter should focus on the following criteria:

• Experience in machine learning and software development.
• Substantial research experience in your field of expertise with commensurate output (including publication list if not detailed in your CV).
• Ability to carry out research independently and take the lead on research direction in collaboration with the PIs.
• A statement on how you see machine learning for environmental modelling changing over the next 3 years.

If you are applying for more than one role at the Turing, please note that only one Cover Letter can be visible on your profile at one time. If you wish to apply for multiple roles and do not want to overwrite your existing Cover Letter, please apply for the role using the button below and forward your additional cover letter directly to [email protected] quoting the job title.

If you are an internal applicant and wish to apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter directly to [email protected] and your application will be considered.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: MONDAY 25 AUGUST AT 23:59 (LONDON, UK, BST)

Interviews will take place in September, once the role closes and the shortlisting process has taken place.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This post is offered on a full time, fixed-term basis until 30 June 2029. Part-time(0.8FTE) applications can be considered. The annual salary is £56,840 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, Employee-only benefits guide | The Alan Turing Institute

The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London's Knowledge Quarter. We expect staff to come to our office at least 4 days per month. Some roles may require more days in the office; the hiring manager will be able to confirm this during the interview.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. In accordance with the Equality Act, we welcome applications from anyone who meets the specific criteria of the post regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are committed to making sure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive. This includes making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have a disability or long-term condition. Please contact us at [email protected] to find out how we can assist you.

Please note all offers of employment are subject to obtaining and retaining the right to work in the UK and satisfactory pre-employment security screening which includes a DBS Check.

Full details on the pre-employment screening process can be requested from [email protected]