Machine Learning Scientist - 131855

Payroll Title:RSCH DATA ANL 3 Department:CLIMATE/ATMOS SCI/PHY OCEANOG Hiring Pay Scale$85,400 - $97,000 / Year Worksite:SIO Appointment Type:Contract Appointment Percent:100% Union:Uncovered Total Openings:1 Work Schedule:8 hrs/day#131855 Machine Learning ScientistFiling Deadline: Tue 9/10/2024Apply NowUC San Diego values equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.This is a 100% Contract position for 2 years with the possibility of extension or conversion to career status based on the needs of the department.DESCRIPTIONDEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) is leading the development and implementation of new research and applications capabilities focused on extreme weather and climate events in the Western US. CW3E is developing and implementing weather and climate observations, numerical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and decision support tools focused on atmospheric, land-surface, and hydrologic conditions related to extreme weather events and their impacts. CW3E is an interface between UCSD departments, other universities, and local, state, and federal agencies in the operation, utilization and expansion of a new state-of-the-art weather observing network recently deployed in California. Efforts undertaken by the Center include scientific research, technology development, numerical and neural network model development and testing, and the development/deployment of smart tools that aid decision makers affected by extreme weather, water, and climate events. A key activity of the Center is the development of methods and systems to aid reservoir operations for flood control, water supply, and sustainable ecosystems. CW3E is a focus of national and international research on atmospheric rivers (ARs).CW3E aspires to promote the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of our work. The Center understands the intrinsic value of a diverse workforce and continually seeks to expand the representation of people from diverse backgrounds and identities in geosciences. CW3E aims to foster an environment where all of our members feel valued, supported, and included. The Center strives to partner with and include the perspectives of historically underrepresented communities in our research, education, and outreach. More information can be found on our dedicated EDI website at https://cw3e.ucsd.edu/edi/POSITION OVERVIEW:The scientist will apply their background and expertise in computational science to develop, support, and execute projects of broad scope and complexity that addresses CW3E's objectives. A particular emphasis will be on the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled data-driven models for weather/climate modeling and prediction, and on gaining insights for model interpretability.Develops novel model topologies, including but not limited to graph neural networks, transformers, and diffusion models, for weather forecasting. Supports the development of related decision support tools for potential uptake by the applications community. The position will lead and contribute to proposals, reports, and peer-reviewed scientific journal publications as needed, may give technical presentations to associated research and technology groups and management, and represent the organization at national and international meetings, conferences, and committees. In addition, the position will contribute to ongoing efforts on the strategic growth of computing platforms and resources and improvement of data management procedures.QUALIFICATIONS• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. Master degree or PhD in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, computer science, or related field preferred.• Experience developing and implementing artificial intelligence and machine learning methods in weather/climate research, analysis of dynamical model (e.g., WRF) outputs, and publishing research results.• Thorough skills in analysis and consultation. Experience in handling numerical weather prediction model simulations, reanalysis products, and developing methods for deterministic and ensemble predictions of hydrometeorological variables.• Thorough skills associated with statistical analysis and systems programming. Strong experience in scientific programming, working in a Unix environment, and with scripting languages such as Python, Matlab, or R is highly desirable. Experience using common machine learning software (PyTorch, Tensorflow, Keras, Scikit-Learn, etc.).• Knowledge of operational forecasting models and products from NOAA and ECMWF. Knowledge of observational and reanalysis data sets relevant to US West coast meteorology and climate.• Skills to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing. Skills in scientific writing for peer-reviewed journal publications, scientific graphical representation, and experience presenting at scientific conferences (oral and poster presentations).• Thorough knowledge of research function. In-depth experience as an independent researcher.• Skills in project management. Strong time management skills. Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.• Research skills at a level to evaluate alternate solutions and develop recommendations. This includes proposing new analyses, new conceptual ideas, or new workflow recommendations.• Familiarity with water management and weather-related hazards in the Western US.• Excellent interpersonal skills including thoughtfulness, diplomacy and flexibility with the ability to work independently or within ateam framework in conjunction with principles of community with staff, faculty, researchers, and students.SPECIAL CONDITIONS• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.• This is a 100% Contract position for 2 years with the possibility of extension or conversion to career status based on the needs of the department.Pay Transparency ActAnnual Full Pay Range: $85,400 - $156,800 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)Hourly Equivalent: $40.90 - $75.10Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).Apply NowIf employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-DiscriminationUC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.