Postdoctoral Associate - Atmospheric Sciences Research Center

University at Albany, SUNY; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University at Albany seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to join the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center. The candidate will work with Dr. Sukanta Basu on climate and weather hazard modeling, using deep learning and ML tools to develop high‑resolution datasets.

The role involves presenting at conferences and publishing results. A PhD in a related field is required, with strong Python skills and collaboration capabilities.

Qualifications

• PhD in atmospheric science or related field.
• 1–5 years of experience in atmospheric modeling.
• Extensive Python programming experience.
• Ability to work effectively in a research team.

Responsibilities

• Report research findings weekly to Dr. Basu.
• Present results to project sponsor and at conferences.
• Disseminate findings via peer‑reviewed publications.
• Conduct physics‑based and AI‑based modeling of meteorological hazards.
• Perform statistical analysis of financial loss datasets.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Python programming

Deep learning

English fluency

Team collaboration

Education

PhD degree

Tools

Python

WRF

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Job description

About University at Albany:

The University at Albany is a Carnegie-classified Research 1 institution driven by academic excellence, pioneering research and scientific discovery, and service to community. UAlbany's world-class faculty experts and approximately 17,500 students are creating new knowledge in fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor engineering, atmospheric and environmental sciences, cybersecurity, public health, public administration and social welfare while deepening our understanding of our world through scholarship and creative activity in the social sciences and humanities. As one of the most diverse public research institutions in the nation, the University is a national leader in public engagement, educational equity and social mobility. For over 180 years, UAlbany has molded bright, curious and engaged students and launched them toward success.

Located in Albany, New York, New York State's capital, the University is convenient to Boston, New York City, and the Adirondacks.

Job Description:

Dr. Sukanta Basu is an Empire Innovation Professor with Atmospheric Sciences Research Center and is jointly appointed as a Professor with the Department of Environmental & Sustainable Engineering. His research activities, grants, and publications are available at: www.sukantabasu.com.

The research group of Prof. Basu is contributing to a project focused on understanding future climate conditions and weather-related hazards across New York State. The project examines multiple high-impact perils, including extreme wind gusts, hurricanes, extratropical cyclones, tornadoes, hail, extreme precipitation, and coastal and inland flooding. A central objective is to generate high-resolution meteorological datasets using complementary physics-based numerical models and artificial intelligence-based downscaling methods.

Primary Responsibilities:

On a weekly basis, the post-doc will report their research findings to Dr. Sukanta Basu. They will also make presentations to the project sponsor on a regular basis. It is expected that the post-doc will present the research findings at various international conferences and disseminate them via peer-reviewed journal publications.

• Physics-based modeling and analysis of meteorological hazards
• AI-based modeling and analysis of meteorological hazards
• Statistical analysis of financial loss datasets
• Communication of research results through publications in project reports, peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at project meetings and conferences.
• Other reasonable duties as assigned

Functional and Supervisory Relationships:

• Reports to: Professor Sukanta Basu
• Supervises the following positions: N/A

Job Requirements:

• In-depth understanding of deep learning.
• Proficiency in various machine learning frameworks (e.g., Pytorch, Keras, Tensorflow, JAX)
• Strong communication skills and fluency in English.
• Ability to work productively in a research team.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD degree from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• 1 to 5 years of relevant experience in atmospheric modeling.
• Extensive experience in python programming.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1 to 5 years of experience in machine learning.
• PhD degree in atmospheric science, meteorology, environmental science, engineering, or a closely related field or related field from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• Working experience with mesoscale models (e.g., WRF)
• Peer-reviewed publications in atmospheric modeling

Working Environment:

Typical office environment

Additional Information:

Professional Rank and Salary Range:

Postdoctoral Associate, SL1, $60,000-65,000.

Special Notes:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, please note that UAlbany is not an E-Verify employer.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, without exception, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. The University at Albany's Annual Security Report is available in portable document format [PDF] by clicking this link http://police.albany.edu/ASR.shtml

Pursuant to New York Labor Law 194-a, the University will not seek, request, or rely upon an applicant's wage or salary history in determining whether to interview, hire, or establish compensation for an applicant. Applicants are not required to provide wage or salary history information as a condition of employment consideration. Salary history may only be verified in the limited circumstances permitted by law.

If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, including interviews, please contact Rhonda Haines, the University's Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) in the Office of Human Resources, at [e-mail] or [phone]; requests for accommodation will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

THE UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY IS AN EO/AA/IRCA/ADA EMPLOYER

Preference will be given to applications received by November 15.