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Research Assistant - PhD Student in Numerical Weather Prediction and Data Science

Employer
University of Buenos Aires
Location
University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Salary
Up to 7.000 Swiss Francs per year
Closing date
Aug 27, 2022

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Discipline
Atmospheric Sciences
Career Level
Student / Graduate
Education Level
Masters
Job Type
Internship
Relocation Cost
No Relocation
Sector Type
Academia

Description The open position is for a research assistantship in a PhD program in atmospheric sciences with a focus on ensemble-based numerical weather prediction and feature tracking 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 the uncertainty and sensitivity analysis in space and time at convective scales, as well as interactive visual analytics techniques.

 

The project requires strong interest not only in numerical weather prediction, but also in data analytics and in particular in the implementation and development of feature tracking approaches as well as numerical data processing and analysis methods. Furthermore, strong willingness and ability to learn about uncertainty characterization and visualization approaches as well as excellent programming skills are required. 

 

The activities of the position not only include research and continuing education for PhD students, but also support in administrative tasks. The main goal is to conduct excellent research generating results which are published and presented in top international journals and conferences, and to eventually work towards achieving a PhD degree granted by the University of Buenos Aires through the writing and defense of a doctoral dissertation. 

 

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 ranked 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 as well as PhD degrees in informatics/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). 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 PhD position, the workplace is in the CIMA and the Atmospheric and Oceanographic Science Department at UBA, located in the lively city of Buenos Aires. The workplace is located in Ciudad Universitaria which is well connected to many parts of the city through many bus lines. 

 

As part of this project, regular interactions with our partners from 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 MSc degree in atmospheric science, computer science or closely related area from a recognized research university is required to enter the PhD program at UBA. 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 well as the capability to work independently and in a team, as well as in an interdisciplinary and international context.

 

Good Spanish skills both in speaking and writing or willingness to learn Spanish. Most PhD courses at the University of Buenos Aires are taught in Spanish and PhD dissertations have to be presented in Spanish.

 

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 main project partner.  More information about the project will be available at https://unweather.ifi.uzh.ch/.

 

Benefits at UBA Research assistants, PhD students of UBA 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, same applies for fringe benefits and vacation days. Appointments are expected to involve a full-time effort in doctoral research and graduate education.

 

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/resume, information of university level educational background, brief description of practical work and research experience in atmospheric sciences, clear exposition of prior experience relevant for this project, as well as a short statement of motivation and goals.

 

Certified copies of transcripts, degrees and reference letters may eventually be required for admission to the PhD program.

 

For application and further information about this position at UBA, send 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 19, 2022.

 

Entrance is estimated for October 2022 but subject to the successful evaluation of candidates at both project partners UZH and UBA

 

Duration is expected to be about 4 to 5 years for PhD students

 

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