(in person or remotely)

Job Summary

There is an open position for a postdoc researcher at the University of Buenos Aires in the project Uncertainty Visualization and Analysis of High-Resolution Numeric Weather Forecasts. This position is for a postdoc researcher who will participate in an SNF-funded joint project between the University of Zürich (UZH) and the University of Buenos Aires (UBA).

Description

The open position is for a postdoctoral research assistantship with a focus on feature tracking applied to ensemble-based convective-scale numerical weather prediction to improve short-range warning systems of high-impact weather events associated with deep convection. This project is specifically targeted at the interactive analysis and visualization of numerical high-resolution weather forecast models, covering aspects such as spatio-temporal uncertainty visualization, visual abstractions and uncertainty representations, ensemble visualization, as well as visual analysis of storm tracking and sensitivity of large dimensional systems. A central focus is on uncertainty and sensitivity analysis in space and time at convective scales, in particular in weather situations associated with high-impact events related to deep moist convection.

The project requires a strong interest in numerical weather prediction and data analytics, in particular feature tracking algorithms for convective-scale numerical weather predictions as well as numerical data processing and analysis methods. Furthermore, a strong willingness and ability to learn about uncertainty quantification, characterization, and visualization approaches, as well as excellent programming skills, are required. 

The activities of the position include not only research but also support for administrative tasks. The main goal is to conduct excellent research that generates results that are published and presented in top international journals and conferences.

Project Partners

The lead of the project is at the University of Zurich (UZH), a top internationally recognized research university with faculties in medicine, humanities, economics, as well as mathematical and natural sciences. UZH is the largest university in Switzerland and regularly ranks among the top world-leading research universities. The Department of Informatics (computer science) covers major computer science, software engineering, and information management research and teaching topics. It offers BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in informatics and computer science. The researchers of the Visualization and MultiMedia Lab (VMML) research group, leading this project at UZH, have an established track record in scientific visualization research.

The project partner is the Atmospheric and Oceanographic Research Center (CIMA for its acronym in Spanish http://www.cima.fcen.uba.ar/) at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA, Argentina). CIMA is very well recognized for its contributions to understanding climate variability and climate change in South America as well as for contributing to the improvement of numerical weather capabilities in the region. CIMA is located at the School of Exact and Natural Sciences of UBA, providing the opportunity to interact with different disciplines including math, physics, computer science, and earth sciences. CIMA and the researchers involved in this project have strong collaboration links with researchers in different countries in South America, North America, Europe, and Asia.

Workplace

For this postdoctoral position, the workplace is in the CIMA and the Atmospheric and Oceanographic Science Department at UBA, located in the lively city of Buenos Aires – Argentina. The workplace is located in Ciudad Universitaria, which is well connected to many parts of the city through many bus lines. Moving to Buenos Aires – Argentina during the period of the postdoctoral fellowship is desired but not strictly required. Full-time remote work is also possible, but only candidates living in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean region could potentially be considered for the remote work modality. Full-time remote work will be analyzed in each case.

As part of this project, regular interactions with our partners from the VMML research group at UZH are foreseen, including some research exchange visits. Regular interactions are also expected with the National Meteorological Service of Argentina, located 20 minutes away from Ciudad Universitaria. 

Requirements

A PhD in atmospheric science, physics, computer science, or a closely related area from a recognized research university is required for this position. The prospective candidates are supposed to have an excellent background in atmospheric sciences or computer sciences as well as good mathematical skills. A prior focus on or experience with numerical weather prediction, ensemble forecasting, data assimilation, or feature tracking algorithms is desired. Also, good numerical math skills and excellent programming skills are required. Furthermore, the ability to work with and integrate diverse programming frameworks is of great benefit.

Very good English skills, both in speaking and writing, are required, as is the capability to work independently and in a team, as well as in an interdisciplinary and international context.

What we offer

The Uncertainty Visualization and Analysis of High-Resolution Numeric Weather Forecasts project is an interdisciplinary project aiming to improve our capability of anticipating high-impact weather events (such as flash floods, large hail, etc.) by developing advanced techniques for the quantification and visualization of high-resolution numerical weather prediction systems and their associated uncertainty. We offer the opportunity to work in an international and interdisciplinary environment. The project PIs are Prof. Dr Renato Pajarola (http://www.ifi.uzh.ch/vmml.html), Prof. Dr Paola Salio ( https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Paola-Salio), Prof. Dr Juan Ruiz (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Juan-Ruiz-13), and Dr Alexandra Diehl as the main project partner. More information about the project will be available at https://unweather.ifi.uzh.ch/.

Benefits at UBA

Research assistants and postdocs are remunerated according to standards from the funding agencies (SNF) and local funding agencies (e.g., CONICET). Appointments will be made with respect to standard university rules; the same applies to fringe benefits and vacation days. Appointments are expected to involve a full-time effort in research, which can be either in person or remotely. 

It is the goal of UBA to offer an equal-opportunity workplace environment, and as part of this, we strongly encourage women to apply. Specific benefits include flexible working hours.

Application

Applications must include a detailed CV (in Spanish or English), information on university-level educational background, a brief description of practical work and research experience in atmospheric sciences, a clear exposition of prior experience relevant to this project, as well as a short statement of motivation and goals.

For application and further information about this position at UBA, send an email to  Prof. Paola Salio: salio@cima.fcen.uba.ar and  Prof. Juan Ruiz: jruiz@cima.fcen.uba.ar

Dates and More

• The first deadline for applications is Friday, August 30, 2023.
• Starting date is estimated for October 2023 but is subject to the successful evaluation of candidates at both project partners, UZH and UBA
• The duration is expected to be about 2 years, with the possibility of renewal for an extra year. 

Contact

Prof. Dr. Paola Salio (salio@cima.fcen.uba.ar ) and Prof. Dr. Juan Ruiz (jruiz@cima.fcen.uba.ar )
Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera
Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences Department
School of Exact and Natural Sciences – University of Buenos Aires
Intendente Guiraldes 2160
1428 – Buenos Aires
URL: http://www.cima.fcen.uba.ar/