Research Software Engineer (all genders) AI & Earth System Modelling

The German Climate Computing Centre (DKRZ) is the central simulation and data processing facility for the German climate and Earth system modelling community and one of the leading institutions in this field worldwide. DKRZ not only operates supercomputers in the highest performance class and one of the largest data and archive systems but also participates in many national and international projects aimed at improving the software and infrastructure for climate modelling. Here we are offering a position as

Research Software Engineer (all genders)

AI & Earth System Modelling

The national Earth System Modelling Initiative (natESM) brings together leading German institutions in climate and Earth system science to build an integrated and sustainable Earth System Modelling capability usable in research operational applications training and education.

During its first phase natESM focused on modernising model components improving workflows for high-performance computing and establishing collaborative sprints as a new mode of scientific software development. With natESM Phase 2 we aim to extend our scope towards innovative data-driven approaches. This includes exploring how machine-learning methods can improve model performance enhance data quality and support new forms of analysis and prediction across the Earth system modelling (ESM) community.

About the position

We are looking for a Research Software Engineer (RSE) with a strong interest in applying and developing AI methods in climate and Earth system science. This is a new position within natESM an opportunity to shape the future of AI in Earth system modelling. You will help build the structures methods and community links that enable AI-based research across Germany. The position will be based across departments at DKRZ enabling lively exchange with model developers HPC experts and colleagues in the field of data analysis and machine learning.

You will also collaborate with scientists model developers and data specialists from different institutions to understand their needs identify opportunities for AI integration and develop practical solutions. Strong communication skills and curiosity for interdisciplinary exchange are essential as your work will connect diverse perspectives and communities.

Your tasks

As this is a newly created position within natESM your exact responsibilities will evolve with your expertise and interests. You will work closely with scientists and other RSEs to identify needs develop solutions and establish sustainable workflows. Depending on your background your focus may include some of the following areas:

• Support users by integrating AI methods into modelling or data-driven workflows e.g. for statistical downscaling bias correction research discovery or quality improvement.
• Develop and maintain robust reproducible pipelines for data processing (xarray netCDF/Zarr Dask).
• Collaborate with scientists on experiment design data curation benchmarking and model evaluation.
• Implement and optimise ML models (e.g. emulators or parameterisations) and workflows (AI ready data handling) on HPC systems (e.g. PyTorch or JAX and more).
• Contribute to training and capacity-building activities within the natESM community.
• Engage actively with the community to identify needs promote exchange and shape collaborative development of AI-enabled tools.
• Follow new developments in AI and Earth system science to continuously improve our methodological toolbox.

Your profile

We are aware that this role can be approached from different backgrounds. Depending on your experience your focus may lie in one of two complementary directions:

1. Data-driven Earth System Modelling applying ML methods to analyse interpret and evaluate ESM data.

You are familiar with approaches such as statistical downscaling bias correction or model validation and with the tools and libraries commonly used in the field (xarray netCDF Zarr). You enjoy exploring data and developing AI methods that enhance scientific insight.

2. AI Engineering at Scale developing and optimising scalable ML workflows and models for scientific applications. You are skilled in frameworks like PyTorch or JAX and can translate scientific ideas into efficient software solutions.

Few candidates will cover both profiles in full we welcome applications from those who bring depth in one and curiosity about the other.

Qualifications / Experiences

• Academic degree (Masters Diploma or PhD) in computer science physics mathematics climate science or a related field.
• Proven experience in practical ML development (Python PyTorch TensorFlow or JAX).
• Strong software-engineering skills (Git testing CI/CD documentation).
• Experience in handling large datasets in formats such as netCDF/Zarr using xarray or similar libraries.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English.

Desirable skills

• Familiarity with methods for statistical downscaling bias correction and data assimilation.
• Experience with emulator or parameterisation training and evaluation on GPUs.
• Knowledge of workflow optimisation profiling and scalable data processing (Dask Ray).
• Interest in collaborative software development data standards and open-source practices.

What we offer

• A creative role at the intersection of AI HPC and climate research where you can shape new infrastructures and methods.
• Collaboration with a diverse team of RSEs and scientists across Germany and Europe.
• Access to state-of-the-art HPC systems and one of the worlds largest climate data archives.
• Opportunities to engage directly with the natESM community explore their needs and translate them into practical scalable solutions.
• Participation in natESM training workshops and community events.
• Continuous learning conference participation and international networking.

Employment conditions

We offer work in interdisciplinary teams and excellent connections to national and international research addition to specific implementation and support requirements from our users and project partners your work will be characterised by the freedom to work creatively at the interface between applied computer science and the development of scientific applications. Participation in international conferences project meetings and hackathons enable further training and presentation of your own results.

We are based in Hamburg but want to create a suitable working environment by offering flexible working hours and location (up to 100% work from home within Germany. Remuneration will be based on the candidates qualifications according to TVÖD-Bund. You can ideally start in January 2026 but the exact starting date can be agreed individually.

The position is initially limited to two years with the option of further two years following a successful review by the funding body.

Application

Please send your CV a short motivation letter (max. 1 page) and examples of your work (links to Git repositories reports publications) by submitting them as a single PDF with the reference number DKRZ 102025 via the portal deadline: Open until filled.

Questions Hendryk Bockelmann () and Christopher Kadow () will be happy to answer them in advance.