At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead machine learning-based weather forecasts for African agriculture and evaluate their effectiveness.
- Company: Join a collaborative project funded by the Gates Foundation, led by the Alan Turing Institute.
- Benefits: Enjoy 42 days of holiday, a generous pension scheme, and discounted gym membership.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and potential visa sponsorship available.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact in climate dynamics while working with international partners.
- Qualifications: Atmospheric science expertise and a passion for tackling weather prediction challenges required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Research Fellow in African Sub-seasonal Weather Prediction
This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.
Are you an atmospheric scientist looking to apply your expertise to real-world forecasting challenges in Africa?
Machine-learning has the potential to revolutionise weather prediction in Africa, and we are seeking a scientist who understands and enjoys challenges in atmospheric and climate dynamics, weather prediction and predictability. You will take a lead on the deployment and evaluation of a new generation of machine learning-based sub-seasonal weather forecasts for African agriculture.
The Cumulus project is a consortium of UK and African partners funded by the Gates Foundation, which aims to make a breakthrough in the application of machine-learning forecasting methods for West African agriculture. The project is led by the UK’s Alan Turing Institute, with partners in Senegal and Ghana, and all partners will collaborate closely. We will also be part of an over-arching project – Nimbus – linking with US and East African teams and other international specialists.
Within Cumulus, you will lead the application and evaluation of sub-seasonal (2-4 week) forecasts. Other members of the team will be developing innovative machine-learning methods for global sub-seasonal prediction and downscaling for Africa. We aim to get the first models developed rapidly, and you will support work to ensure that the methods can be run, evaluated and improved by partners in African universities and weather services.
A significant part of your work, in collaboration with the African groups, will be to understand how to create and evaluate forecasts of highest priority to farmers (such as rainfall onset prediction) from the machine-learning derived products. We aim to understand the predictability of these forecasts as a function of lead time, spatial scale and the controlling physical processes or phenomena. You will also lead on the evaluation of the forecasts according to known physical drivers and constraints, such as tropical wave modes, feedback with the land surface and response to global sea surface temperatures. From these insights into climate dynamics in the machine-learning predictions, we aim to understand drivers of predictability: are there “windows of opportunity” of high predictive skill which may benefit farmers?
Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa .
For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent .
What we offer in return
•26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
•Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – The University contributes 14.5% of salary.
•Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
•Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
•Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
And much more!
If you are looking for a role where you develop real-world impact from your climate dynamics expertise, apply today.
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:
#J-18808-LjbffrResearch Fellow in African Sub-seasonal Weather Prediction in Leeds employer: University of Leeds
Join a forward-thinking university that champions innovation and collaboration in atmospheric science. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer generous holiday allowances, a robust pension scheme, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, all within a vibrant campus environment. Our commitment to personal development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to grow your expertise while making a meaningful impact on African agriculture through cutting-edge machine-learning weather prediction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in African Sub-seasonal Weather Prediction in Leeds
✨Get into the Lab Network
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in African Sub-seasonal Weather Prediction in Leeds
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List Practical Skills and Certifications:Don’t forget to include any practical lab skills or certifications you have that are pertinent to scientific research. Whether it's a proficiency in using specific equipment or a safety certification, these details can set you apart. Make sure these are clearly visible in your CV, so hiring managers at University of Leeds can easily spot your qualifications!
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this position is seasonal, it’s super important to be transparent about your availability in both your CV and motivation letter. Specify when you can begin working and your expected availability throughout the season. This clarity shows your commitment to the role and makes scheduling easier for University of Leeds.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Show Your Passion for Research
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✨Get Familiar with Current Trends
The world of scientific research is constantly evolving, so make sure you're up to speed with the latest trends, methodologies, and tools in your area of expertise. Brush up on any significant papers or breakthroughs, especially those related to what University of Leeds is doing. Showing that you’re knowledgeable will score you major points.
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Expect to face technical questions that might dive deep into your understanding of processes and techniques. You might even be asked to design an experiment or interpret data on the spot. Practising these scenarios beforehand will make you feel way more confident during the technical aspects of your interview.
✨Emphasise Adaptability and Learning
Since this is a seasonal role, it's important to highlight your adaptability and eagerness to learn. Talk about your ability to quickly grasp new concepts and your readiness to jump into various projects. This will show that you're not just here for a short stint, but keen to contribute meaningfully during your time at University of Leeds.
