Postdoctoral Scholar Machine Learning for Extreme Weather Events

Professor Greg Hakim in the Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science at the University of Washington is seeking a full-time (100% FTE) postdoctoral scholar to investigate extreme events in historical climate. Building on reconstructions of the climate of the last millennium we seek to understand the range of variability of extreme heatwaves coldwaves tropical cyclones and other weather events. This research involves the use of machine-learning weather models for sampling these extreme events conditioned on the climate state. This position is part of a larger team spread across three universities with the common goal of understanding weather events constrained by historical climate variability.

This position is full-time (100% FTE) with an initial term appointment of one year (12 months) renewable depending on funding and/or satisfactory performance for a total period of up to 2 years. The salary for this position will be $6681-$6761 per month commensurate with experience and qualifications or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. The position is available starting March 6 2026. The review process will commence immediately upon receipt of applications and will continue until filled. The anticipated start date is June 1 2026. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by April 1 2026.

Postdoctoral scholars at UW are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

Postdoctoral scholars are engaged in full-time mentored advanced training to enhance professional skills and research independence. Given the close mentoring relationship necessitated by the nature of postdoctoral scholar appointments; access to the full university community to support individual development; and if applicable visa sponsorship requirements postdoctoral scholars must be physically present at their place of work on University property to fulfill their appointment duties.

University of Washington postdoctoral scholar appointments are for a temporary defined period not to exceed five years/60 months including any previous postdoctoral experience.

Minumum Qualifications

• Candidates must have completed a PhD or foreign equivalent in Atmospheric Science or a related discipline.
• Experience running weather and/or climate models.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with machine learning methods including emulators of weather and climate dynamics.
• Experience with modern computing environments including Python Linux and agentic workflows
• Strong analytical and writing skills as demonstrated by a record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience working effectively independently and in a collaborative group.