Research Data Scientist – University of Chicago
Research Data Scientist role at University of Chicago . Join the Data Science Institute (DSI) to advance AI, data, and climate research.
Job Summary
The Research Data Scientist will work as a technical research staff member at the DSI, reporting to Prof. Pedram Hassanzadeh. The primary responsibility is research at the intersection of AI, data, and climate, collaborating closely with the AI for Climate (AICE) initiative, Human Centered Weather Forecasts (HCF) Initiative, and international partners. The role involves advancing AI weather forecasting across scales, disseminating forecasts to low‑ and middle‑income countries, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams.
Responsibilities
- Delineate new research directions and execute milestones in collaboration with principal researchers.
- Supervise operational deployment of forecasting for monsoon and other weather events, managing staffing for the forecast pipeline.
- Prepare and write grant applications and reports, and co‑author scientific manuscripts.
- Lead negotiations with stakeholders and represent the HCF initiative in high‑level meetings.
- Coordinate and conduct weather data acquisition and cleaning for model development.
- Present work in scientific journals and meetings.
- Contribute insights to project management and research direction for subseasonal‑to‑seasonal model development.
- Train and mentor DSI research personnel on weather and climate applications.
- Develop and maintain data infrastructure, applying data science principles to complex datasets.
- Guide staff or faculty in project definition and application of data science principles.
- Perform other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
- College or university degree in a related field.
- 5‑7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Preferred Qualifications
Education
- Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Climate Science, Atmospheric Science, Engineering, Statistics, Applied and Computational Mathematics, Physics, or a related STEM field.
Experience
- Strong background and track record in environmental science, weather forecasting, or climate modeling/dynamics.
- Experience with high‑performance computing and large‑scale data analysis.
Technical Skills or Knowledge
- Environmental data analysis, weather forecasting data, and models.
- Strong programming and numerical skills.
- Familiarity with theoretical and practical aspects of scientific deep learning.
- Strong communication skills.
Preferred Competencies
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Leadership of interdisciplinary teams.
- Thrives in a fast‑paced environment.
- Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals and conferences related to environmental science, data science, and weather forecasting.
Working Conditions
- Location: Washington, D.C. – hybrid schedule: 4 days remote, 1 day onsite.
- Approximately 25% travel to the Hyde Park campus (about once a month for a week).
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover Letter (preferred)
- References (3) (required)
When applying, upload documents via the My Experience page in the section titled Application Documents .
Job Details
- Pay Range: $101,000.00 – $129,000.00 per year
- Job Family: Research
- Role Impact: Individual Contributor
- Hourly Schedule: 37.5 hours per week
- Drug Test Required: No
- Health Screen Required: No
- Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required: No
- Pay Rate Type: Salary
- FLSA Status: Exempt
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level
- Employment Type: Other
- Job Function: Engineering and Information Technology
- Industries: Higher Education
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
Benefits Guidebook
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Security & Fire Safety Report
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: . Paper copies are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
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