Research Scientist

Digital Harbor Foundation; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401k Retirement Plan with 6% matching

15 Days Paid Time Off

Job summary

Digital Harbor Foundation is seeking a skilled Data Scientist specializing in climate science to develop machine learning models that optimize predictions of glacier movements and their implications for sea level rise. Candidates must hold a PhD with 3+ years of related experience, proficient in Python and machine learning frameworks. The role is fully remote, offering a salary range of $120,000 to $150,000 and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401k matching, and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of postdoctoral research experience applying ML to weather forecasting.
• Proficiency in handling large-scale datasets and cloud computing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to develop forecasting methods for glacier flow.
• Evaluate probabilistic ML models and their performance.
• Process and curate large observational datasets for modeling.

Skills

Machine learning

Deep learning

Python

Collaboration in teams

Statistical methods

Education

PhD in atmospheric science or related field

Tools

PyTorch

JAX

Job description

Overview

Current projections of sea level rise aren’t precise enough and potential solutions to mitigate the contributions of land based glaciers to sea level rise are underexplored. We aim to fund and accelerate existing research by increasing investments in Antarctic science as well as by internally developing accurate forecasts of sea level rise and the expected behavior of Antarctic glaciers. To achieve this we leverage state‑of‑the‑art computational methods combining physics and AI on remote sensing and field data. This role specifically is for the internal development of data‑driven physics and machine learning methods. Climate change is destabilizing marine ice sheets, creating a risk of catastrophic sea‑level rise over the next century. The Arête Glacier Initiative is a new nonprofit initiative dedicated to understanding this risk and assessing the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of potential interventions to stabilize ice sheets.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in atmospheric science, geophysics, applied mathematics, computer science, or a closely related field


• 3+ years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience applying machine learning or deep learning to weather forecasting or Earth system modeling (e.g., forecasting, downscaling, emulation)


• Proficiency in Python and relevant ML frameworks (PyTorch or JAX) with experience in high‑performance or cloud computing environments and large‑scale parallel processing


• Experience handling noisy data, uncertainty propagation, and error estimation in a geoscientific context


• Experience with remote sensing datasets, specifically satellite radar, altimetry, and optical imagery


• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross‑functional, multi‑disciplinary teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in running ice dynamics models such as ISSM, PISM or MALI


• Experience with physics‑informed neural networks, neural operators, Graph Neural Networks, or AI‑accelerated FEM modelling


• Familiarity with uncertainty quantification methods (e.g., ensembles, Bayesian inference) and sensitivity analysis techniques (e.g., adjoint methods) in a geoscientific context


• Experience with large gridded dataset tooling (Zarr, xarray, Dask)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Develop, optimise, and maintain scalable processing workflows and pipelines for Finite Element Modelling


• Design and implement physics‑informed machine learning models to improve predictive accuracy


• Quickly learn and apply new tools, datasets, and methods to address evolving project needs


• Apply advanced statistical methods to quantify uncertainty and validate model outputs


• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly in both written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences


• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote, fast‑paced environment

Role and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with data scientists, engineers and scientists to develop methods to forecast glacier ice flow and its impact on sea level rise


• Integrate domain knowledge into model design and interpret model outputs for physically realistic conditions


• Develop, adapt, and evaluate probabilistic ML and hybrid physics‑ML models for cryospheric processes including ice sheet flow, surface mass balance, and ocean‑ice interactions


• Develop and run large scale numerical simulations of ice dynamics


• Process and curate large‑scale observational and synthetic datasets (e.g., satellite data, radar sounding and ice sheet model outputs) for use in model training and validation


• Identify sensitivities of model outputs to model imperfections of low quality source data or data gaps


• Participate in regular team research reviews, contributing to and receiving feedback on methods and results

Location

This position is fully remote with occasional in‑person meetings as needed to fulfil the responsibilities of the position.

Compensation

Compensation for this full‑time position is $120,000 – $150,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Health Benefits & Insurance

• Carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield – Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (100% of the premium paid for employees and 85% of dependents)


• Pre‑Tax Health Savings Account (HSA) (with $275 monthly employer contributions)


• Pre‑Tax Flexible Savings Account (FSA)


• Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance


• Paid Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability Insurance


• Paid Basic Life Insurance


• Supplemental Voluntary Life Insurance (Employee, Spouse & Dependent Children)


• Total Pet Plan and Supplemental Wishbone Pet Insurance


• Employee Opportunity Program (EAP) – Health and Wellness


• Wellness Reimbursement Program

Retirement

• 401k Retirement Plan (with 6% matching)

Paid Time Off

• 15 Days Paid Time Off Per Year


• 16 Paid Holidays (14 common plus 2 flexible holidays, including Dec 25 – Jan 1)


• Paid Bereavement Leave


• Paid Parental Leave for Moms and Dads (two weeks after first year)

Digital Harbor and Arête Glacier Initiative are an equal opportunity employer.