12802 - Early career postdoctoral or Mid-level researcher in crop modelling and machine learni[...]

CMCC Position cod. 12802

Early career postdoctoral or Mid-level researcher in crop modelling and machine learning for climate-risk assessment on agricultural systems

Deadline: 19th, 2025

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for up to two Early career postdoctoral or Mid-level researchers to join our team in conducting crop modelling activities aimed at assessing the impacts of climate change on agricultural systems. Candidates will contribute to the development and application of crop models and/or machine learning approaches to evaluate the effects of climate change on agriculture and to identify effective adaptation and mitigation strategies to enhance the resilience and sustainability of agricultural systems. The work will also involve integrating socio-economic indicators to assess climate-related risks in agriculture and food (in)security risk. The positions are based at the Impact on Agriculture, Forests and Ecosystem Services (IAFES) division in Sassari, where the candidates will work in close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of scientists.

About Us

CMCC Foundation is a cross‑cutting scientific research center on climate change and its interactions with the environment, society, the business world 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, train the next generation of scientists at both national and international levels and 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.

ROLE

The Early career postdoctoral or Mid-level researcher candidates are expected to evaluate the effects of climate change on agricultural systems and the effects of alternative soil and crop management practices as potential adaptation and mitigation measures. These assessments will involve process‑based crop models and machine learning tools to estimate crop growth stages, biomass, and crop yield under projected climate scenarios. Specific duties include parameterization and validation of crop models with respect to experimental data, simulations under climate change scenarios, development of machine learning models to predict crop yield by using historical data and outputs from crop growth model, analyses of model outputs, and integration of yield projections with socio‑economic indicators to assess climate‑related risks and evaluate implications for food security, to support decision‑making processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the parameterization and validation of crop models based on measured data
• Set up model simulations under climate change scenarios
• Develop machine learning models to predict crop yield using historical data and outputs from crop growth models
• Analyse model outputs to quantify uncertainties and assess potential impacts
• Integrate yield projections with socio‑economic indicators to evaluate climate risks and support decision‑making for the agricultural sector at different scales
• Use machine learning techniques to identify climate‑related risks to food security
• Model the effects of alternative soil and crop management as potential adaptation and mitigation options to support the decision‑making process
• Communicate research outcomes through high‑impact publications and presentations at conferences

Requirements

• PhD in Agricultural Science or equivalent subjects
• Expertise in crop modelling
• Expertise in machine learning frameworks
• Strong programming skills in Python, R, or similar languages
• Experience with geospatial analysis and visualization tools
• Very good knowledge of the English language, with strong communication skills for collaboration within a multidisciplinary team
• Availability to travel for limited periods
• Proven track record on international research and publication at the intersection of crop science, climate science, and risk modeling

Duration, Compensation & Benefits

• Internal and external appointment options
• Initial appointment period of 12 months, renewable for 12 additional months pending positive evaluation
• Gross annual salary range: 28,000 to 45,000 Euros, depending on qualification and experience
• Welfare package for a minimum 12‑month contract
• Flexible working time as per internal policies
• Support during the immigration process, if needed

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, under the relevant regulations.

Equal‑Opportunity Employer Statement

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, or other legally protected characteristics. Please omit from your CV any data you or we might consider discriminatory.

Application

To learn more about this opportunity and submit your application, please refer to the following: Role (see above). This job announcement is an invitation to express interest in the above‑mentioned CMCC Position.