Postdoc/Research Scientist: AI Weather Forecasting at University of Chicago

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Salary: $75,000 - $120,000 per year

Application Deadline: January 1, 2026

Start Date: Before March 1, 2026

Multiple Positions Available

Position Overview

Postdoctoral fellow and research scientist positions at the intersection of AI and human-centered weather forecasting research.

Institution: University of Chicago Initiative: Human-Centered Weather Forecasting (HCF) and AI for Climate Initiative Project: Project Cirrus Focus: AI Weather Models, Climate Adaptation Salary: $75,000 - $120,000 Position Type: Postdoc/Research Scientist (multiple available) Application Deadline: January 1, 2026 Start Date: Before March 1, 2026 Benefits Eligible: Yes

About Project Cirrus

Interdisciplinary, multi-institutional research team focusing on bridging AI advances with practical weather forecasting applications.

Leadership:

• Prof. Pedram Hassanzadeh (University of Chicago)
• Prof. Tiffany Shaw (University of Chicago)
• Prof. Amir Jina (University of Chicago)
• Dr. Katie Kowal (University of Chicago)
• Prof. Bill Boos (UC Berkeley)

Recent Success:

• Benchmarked and developed AI forecasts for Indian monsoon onset
• Disseminated AI forecasts to 38 million farmers in India
• Collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare
• Real-world impact in developing regions

Research Focus

Primary Topics:

1. AI Model Understanding & Development
   • Strengths and limitations of AI weather models
   • Forecasting tropical dynamics across time scales
   • Scientific machine learning approaches
   • Performance optimization
2. Human-Centered Benchmarks
   • Decision-making informed by AI forecasts
   • Large-scale dissemination strategies
   • Practical usefulness for stakeholders
   • Development of decision-support tools
3. Weather Extremes & Shocks
   • AI model performance for extreme events
   • Regions with sparse observational data
   • Improving prediction accuracy
   • Risk and vulnerability assessment

Geographic Focus:

• Tropics and tropical dynamics
• Low and middle-income countries
• Developing regions with data scarcity
• Agricultural communities

Position Types

Postdoctoral Fellow

• For recent PhD holders
• 1-3 years post-PhD
• Mentored research
• Professional development focus
• Typical salary: $75,000-$90,000

Research Scientist

• For applicants with 3+ years postdoc experience
• More independent research role
• Leadership opportunities
• Typical salary: $95,000-$120,000

Outstanding candidates with 3+ years postdoc experience considered for Research Scientist appointment

How to Apply

Application Materials (as single PDF):

1. Complete Curriculum Vitae
   • Academic background
   • Publication list
   • Research experience
   • Contact information for 3+ references
2. Research Statement (Maximum 1 page)
   • How past research experience aligns with project
   • Research interests and fit with Project Cirrus topics
   • Career plans and goals
   • Why this position appeals

Submission:

• Email to: Mauricio Ortiz-Riomalo (ortizriomalo@uchicago.edu)
• Subject line: "Application: Cirrus"
• Combine all materials in single PDF file
• Include contact information for references

Application Deadline: January 1, 2026

Rolling Review: Applications reviewed continuously until deadline

Timeline

• Now - January 1, 2026: Application period open
• January 1, 2026: Deadline for applications
• January-February 2026: Review and interviews
• Before March 1, 2026: Start date (flexible timing)

Who Should Apply

• PhD holders in climate/atmospheric science
• Physics and mathematics PhD graduates
• Engineers interested in climate applications
• Computer scientists with domain interest
• Those passionate about climate impact
• Researchers interested in AI applications
• Those committed to sustainable development
• International scientists (welcome)

For More Information

Application Submission:

• Email: Mauricio Ortiz-Riomalo (ortizriomalo@uchicago.edu)
• Subject: "Application: Cirrus"

Questions & Informal Meetings:

• Email: katiekowal@uchicago.edu
• Team members at AGU and AMS meetings available for discussion

Postdoc Start: Before March 1, 2026 | Application Deadline: January 1, 2026

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