Research Scientist, Heat Forecasting - Development Innovation Lab

Research Scientist - Heat Forecasting, Human Centered Weather Forecasts

About the Department:

The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.

Human-Centered Weather Forecast Initiative:

The Human-Centered Weather Forecast (HCWF) Initiative works with governments, academia, tech companies, and other partners to deliver tailored forecasts that can improve human lives. Weather forecasts should be accurate as well as oriented around specific human needs on the ground, then delivered at the right time and place to inform decisions—like giving farmers advance notice of the start of the rainy season.

HCWF brings together climate scientists, artificial intelligence (AI) experts, and economists to build and evaluate weather forecasts that can target what citizens need to know, leveraging novel technologies, including AI, and scientific understanding. This interdisciplinary team then works with low- and middle-income countries to test forecast dissemination strategies, refine those strategies based on user response, and scale forecast dissemination to improve decision-making.

This job opening is part of the launch of a new initiative under DIL/HCWF.

Formal employment will be through an in-country employer of record (“EoR”) under contract with DIL. Additional details regarding salary, benefits, and terms and conditions of employment offered by the EoR will be provided to individuals during the hiring process.

Job Summary:

The Research Scientist Heat Forecasting will contribute to the development of forecasts of dangerous heat stress using a range of physics-based, artificial intelligence, and statistical weather prediction models as part of a multidisciplinary collaboration between universities, international development agencies, and governmental ministries in multiple countries. The candidate will support UChicago's Human Centered Weather Forecasting Initiative, helping broaden this program from its initial focus on monsoon onset to other phenomena, including heat stress, and supporting its expansion into other countries. 

Responsibilities:

• Develop novel decision-oriented forecasting metrics, and forecasting systems using AI, statistical, and physics-based methods, and evaluate forecast skill compared to novel baselines tailored for decision-makers.
• Work as a key member of a fast-paced, multi-institutional team to develop built-for-purpose regional forecasts to improve livelihoods of farmers in low- and middle-income countries 
• Build fundamental understanding of the forecasting potential for high-impact phenomena, such as extreme heat, using AI and statistical weather models.
• Collaborate with meteorological agencies in multiple countries to help build an operational system to provide actionable, real-time predictions to tens of millions of people throughout the tropics, leveraging last-mile delivery pipelines developed by non-governmental partner organizations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned or needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education
  • Masters in atmospheric science, meteorology, climate science, agrometeorology, physical oceanography, applied math, statistics, physics, engineering, or a related field. 
• Experience
  • Minimum of 3 or more years of work experience in a related job discipline, including atmospheric science research or operational meteorology.
  • Experience developing novel decision-oriented forecasting metrics, and forecasting systems for extreme heat using AI, statistical, and physics-based methods. 
  • Experience evaluating forecast skill compared to novel baselines tailored for decision-makers. 
  • Prior work in low- and middle-income country contexts, data-sparse environments, or experience with field work in developing countries, preferably including randomized controlled trials.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education
  • Ph.D. in atmospheric science, meteorology, climate science, agrometeorology, physical oceanography, applied math, statistics, physics, engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Competencies:

• Strong programming and numerical skills; proficiency in Python and common scientific computing libraries (e.g., NumPy, xarray, PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Experience with high-performance computing and analysis of large meteorological or climate datasets (e.g., reanalyses and NWP or AI weather prediction ensemble products).
• Expertise in weather forecasting, climate modeling/dynamics, or related geospatial applications.
• Familiarity with theoretical and practical aspects of scientific deep learning and AI weather models (e.g., GraphCast, AIFS).
• Knowledge of forecast verification methods (e.g., CRPS, reliability diagrams, skill scores).
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including ability to present to non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team.

Working Conditions:

• This position involves collaboration with international partners and may require occasional travel to field sites in low- and middle-income countries.

Application Documents:

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Professional reference contact information (3) (required)

Anticipated Salary Range:

19.85 - 33.09 lahk/annually

The above salary range represents the Organization’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer based on the currency of India for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Information:

Yes. This position is eligible for benefits in accordance with local Indian labor laws. Benefits include, local and private health insurance, travel insurance, annual vacation benefits and public holidays. Additionally, this position is eligible for annual professional development funds and technology support.

AI Statement:

The Development Innovation Lab uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.