Ireland – PhD in Artificial Intelligence for Weather Forecasting at University College Dublin

PhDFinder; Emfuleni Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research university in Ireland invites applications for a PhD scholarship programme focused on applying artificial intelligence to weather forecasting and climate change. Ideal candidates possess a strong background in AI or related fields and demonstrate excellent analytical and programming skills. This is a unique opportunity to engage in impactful research and contribute to advancements in climate adaptation. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Benefits

Access to high-performance computing facilities

Generous travel/training budget

Cohort-based training environment

Qualifications

• Must be open to both EU and international students.
• Interest in interdisciplinary research is essential.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively is required.

Responsibilities

• Participate in AI-enhanced offshore forecasting research.
• Conduct studies on fog detection using machine learning.
• Engage in social media-driven impact assessments related to weather.

Skills

Analytical skills

Programming skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Strong academic background in AI, computer science, meteorology, climate science, data science

Job description

Overview

University College Dublin (UCD) in Ireland invites applications for the Met Éireann/UCD PhD Scholarship Programme in Artificial Intelligence for Weather Forecasting and Climate Change. Fields include Artificial Intelligence, Climate Science, Computer Science, Meteorology, Data Science. Deadline: rolling.

About the University/Research Institute

University College Dublin (UCD) stands as Ireland’s largest and most globally engaged university, renowned for its research, teaching, and innovation. Located in Dublin, UCD combines a rich academic tradition with interdisciplinary research and strong industry/government partnerships, including collaboration with Met Éireann. The university emphasizes world-class facilities and an international community, supporting opportunities to work at the forefront of scientific discovery and societal impact.

Research Topic and Significance

The primary focus is the application of artificial intelligence to weather forecasting and climate change. Advancements in AI and machine learning are transforming meteorology and climate science, enabling analysis of large datasets, improved weather models, and early-warning systems with societal benefits in adapting to climate risks.

Project Details

• Met Éireann/UCD PhD Scholarship programme is a 5 million euro initiative with six fully funded PhD positions.
• Research topics include AI-enhanced offshore forecasting, fog detection using machine learning, social media–driven impact assessment, and links between weather, health, and infrastructure resilience.
• Students have access to high-performance computing facilities, a generous travel/training/computing resources budget, and a cohort-based training environment. The programme commences January 2026.
• Academic lead: Dr. Andrew Parnell. Positions advertised in collaboration with Met Éireann to ensure cutting-edge, applied research.

Candidate Profile

Ideal candidates will have a strong academic background in artificial intelligence, computer science, meteorology, climate science, data science, or related disciplines. Applicants should show interest in interdisciplinary research, aptitude for applying computational methods to environmental challenges, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Strong analytical, programming, and problem-solving skills are essential. The programme is open to both EU and international students.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The selection process includes an application form, an assessment task, and an interview. Applicants will be contacted regarding the outcome; status queries may not be answered due to high submission volumes. For details, refer to the official application form/advertisement.

Example link for reference: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/andrew-parnell-412a1387_phd-scholarships-at-ucd-activity-7373369601818120192-W5fV

Conclusion

This is a unique opportunity to join a world-class research team at UCD and contribute to advancements in artificial intelligence, weather forecasting, and climate change adaptation. If you are driven to tackle global environmental issues and work in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment, consider applying. For more information, follow the official advertisement above.