Postdoctoral Researcher in AI for Climate Information Inference

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The postdoctoral researcher will advance the application of AI, large language models (LLMs), and machine learning to extract trustworthy climate information from large-scale geospatial and Earth system datasets, within the NCCR CLIM+ program. The role bridges climate science and AI, developing novel methods for climate data analysis, downscaling, and synthesis using foundation models (e.g., Google Earth AI, AlphaEarth, TerraTorch) on a cutting-edge HPC platform. The researcher will conduct publishable scientific research while building tools and pipelines that serve the broader CLIM+ community. The position is jointly supervised by Prof. Andreas Prein, Prof. Erich Fischer, and Prof. Reto Knutti at ETH Zurich and Prof. Markus Leippold at the University of Zurich.

Project background

Climate science is generating rapidly growing volumes of satellite, reanalysis, and model data, creating new opportunities but also major challenges for turning data into robust and useful information. This project will develop AI-based methods to extract, synthesize, and interpret trustworthy climate information from large and complex Earth system datasets within the NCCR CLIM+ programme.

Job description

• Design, develop, and apply AI/ML methods -- including large language models (LLMs) and foundation models (Google Earth AI, AlphaEarth, TerraTorch) -- to extract, synthesize, and reason about trustworthy climate information from large-scale geospatial, satellite, reanalysis, and climate model datasets
• Advanced physics-aware machine learning for kilometer-scale climate process representation
• Implement and evaluate advanced generative AI models for high-resolution climate downscaling, data assimilation, emulation, and post-processing of weather-to-climate predictions
• Develop methods for uncertainty quantification in downscaled projections of extreme weather and climate hazards
• Work with multimodal Earth system data including satellite, airborne, in-situ, reanalysis, and high-resolution climate model outputs
• Build robust, scalable software tools and data pipelines for processing large geospatial datasets, enabling CLIM+ project partners and the broader research community to leverage AI-driven climate information
• Develop and maintain reproducible research workflows using modern software engineering practices (version control, testing, documentation, containerization)
• Conduct original, publishable scientific research generating novel insights at the intersection of AI and climate science
• Write and submit peer-reviewed journal papers, present at international conferences, and contribute to NCCR CLIM+ reporting and grant proposals
• Ensure that the research produces both scientific insight and methodological contributions to the field
• Collaborate closely with research groups at ETH (Prein, Knutti, Fischer) and UZH (Leippold, Vaghefi, Colesanti Senni) to align AI development with climate science research questions
• Participate in CLIM+ programme activities, workshops, and cross-project initiatives
• Contribute to supervision of students and interns where appropriate

Profile

• PhD in climate science, atmospheric science, computer science, data science, physics, applied mathematics, remote sensing, or a related field
• Strong publication record in AI, machine learning, or Earth system data science
• Experience with large geospatial datasets, remote sensing, reanalyses, or climate/weather model output
• Proficiency in Python and machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX
• Experience with HPC and GPU-accelerated computing
• Familiarity with foundation models / LLMs; interest in reproducible workflows
• Interest in reproducible workflows and scientific software development
• Independent, proactive, and collaborative working style with strong communication skills

Workplace

We offer

• An exciting interdisciplinary research environment at the forefront of climate science and AI
• A collaborative and supportive team culture with close exchange across ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, and the NCCR CLIM+ network
• Strong support for career development through mentoring, scientific networking, publications, and conference participation
• Access to state-of-the-art computing infrastructure and unique large-scale climate and geospatial datasets
• Opportunities to develop your own research ideas and build an independent scientific profile
• A modern and inclusive workplace with attractive employment conditions and flexible working arrangements in line with institutional guidelines

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application, including the following documents:

• A letter of motivation describing your research interests and fit for the position
• Curriculum vitae, including a publication list
• Copies of relevant degree certificates
• Contact details of two or three academic references

Further information about the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science is available on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Andreas Prein (E-Mail schreiben), Reto Knutti (reto.knutti@ env.ethz.ch), or Markus Leippold (markus.leippold@ df.uzh.ch) (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications sent by email or post will not be considered.

All applications submitted before 11th of May 2026 will be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

Apply online now

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.