Research Fellow in Weather Forecast Postprocessing with Machine Learning – School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
General Description
The University of Birmingham is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Weather Forecast Postprocessing with Machine Learning within the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. This full-time, fixed-term position forms part of an interdisciplinary research programme advancing machine learning applications in weather forecasting and hydrological prediction. The post is primarily associated with the project “HEavy Precipitation Forecast Post-processing over India with Machine Learning (HEPPI-ML)”, funded through the Weather and Climate Science for Service Partnership programme.
The successful candidate will develop and apply machine learning methods to improve the postprocessing of numerical ensemble weather forecasts over India, with a particular focus on improving precipitation prediction skill and producing hydrological forecasts. The project collaborates closely with the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting in India and the UK Met Office, and the role may include participation in project meetings in India as well as visits to the UK Met Office.
The Research Fellow will work alongside Dr Martin Widmann, Dr Ruth Geen, and Professor Gregor Leckebusch at the University of Birmingham, and collaborate with Dr Andrew Orr at the British Antarctic Survey. The position is embedded within a strong machine learning research environment with links to the Institute for Data and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Birmingham and other related ML projects.
Key responsibilities include implementing and testing machine learning architectures for postprocessing precipitation forecasts, exploring ways to maximise information extracted from raw ensemble forecasts, and optimising postprocessing methods for heavy precipitation events. The role involves developing methods to predict hydrological variables from weather forecasts, applying interpretable AI approaches to enhance transparency and understanding of forecasting processes, and implementing machine learning postprocessing workflows on high-performance computing systems suitable for operational deployment.
Additional duties include disseminating research results through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, developing research proposals and contributing to funding applications, supervising and guiding students or research assistants where appropriate, and supporting departmental research activities and administration. The postholder will also contribute to fostering an inclusive research culture, promote equality and diversity, and help address challenges that may impact research progress and deadlines.
The appointment is a full-time Grade 7 postdoctoral position, offered on a fixed-term basis for one year with the possibility of extension for an additional year. The expected start date is November or December 2025. UK and international travel may be required as part of the role.
Eligibility Criteria
PhD, or close to completion, in a relevant quantitative discipline such as meteorology, machine learning, climate science, physics, mathematics, statistics, or a related field
Demonstrated understanding, or the capacity to develop understanding, of statistics and machine learning methods
Understanding, or ability to develop understanding, of meteorological processes and numerical weather prediction
Preferably knowledge related to monsoon precipitation processes
Experience handling large meteorological or environmental datasets
Required Expertise/Skills
Experience applying machine learning methods in scientific or environmental contexts
Ability to design and implement Artificial Neural Network architectures, including convolutional and encoder-decoder networks
Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB
Familiarity with UNIX or Linux environments
Experience working with high-performance computing systems
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Ability to communicate complex research findings clearly in written and verbal formats
Experience presenting research results in seminars, reports, or academic publications
Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams
Skills in planning and organising research programmes and coordinating work with colleagues
Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles in research environments
Salary Details
Full-time starting salary typically in the range of £36,130 to £45,413 per annum, with potential progression once in post to £48,149 (Grade 7).
Application Deadline
12 March 2026