Machine Learning Scientist - 140859

Payroll Title: RSCH DATA ANL 3 RP Department: CLIMATE/ATMOS SCI/PHY OCEANOG Hiring Pay Scale $96,075 - $136,710/ Annually Worksite: Hybrid Appointment Type: Career Appointment Percent: 100% Union: RP Contract Total Openings: 1 Work Schedule: 8 hrs/day #140859 Machine Learning Scientist Filing Deadline: Fri 8/21/2026 Apply Now UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. 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. UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 08/12/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor. Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance. DESCRIPTION The CW3E machine learning team is recruiting a scientist to work on the development of artificial intelligence (AI) weather prediction models. The successful candidate will apply their background and expertise in computational science to develop, support, and execute projects of broad scope and complexity that address CW3E's objectives, with a focus on modeling, analyzing, and predicting extreme weather and water events. The position will contribute directly to ongoing developments at CW3E in the domain of AI weather prediction, including novel architecture design and ensemble strategies. May also develop innovative deep learning-based post-processing methods for quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF) as well as forecasting other relevant variables, e.g., temperature, integrated water vapor transport (IVT) for the benefit of water management. Communicates research findings through peer-reviewed journal publications, conference presentations, technical reports, and other 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. Supports proposal development and contributes to ongoing efforts on the strategic growth of computing platforms and improvement of data management procedures. QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, climate science or related field. Master's degree or PhD preferred. • Experience in implementing machine learning methods for weather/climate research, analysis of dynamical model (e.g., WRF) outputs, and publishing research results. • Experience in handling artificial intelligence weather models and numerical weather prediction model simulations, and developing methods for deterministic and probabilistic predictions of hydrometeorological variables. • 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. • 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, R, or Matlab is highly desirable. • Experience using common machine learning software (Tensorflow, Keras, PyTorch, Scikit-Learn, etc.) on cloud computing environments (AWS, Azure, etc.). • 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 skills in analysis and consultation. • 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. • Excellent interpersonal skills including thoughtfulness, diplomacy and flexibility with the ability to work independently or within a team 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. Pay Transparency Act Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified - No data available (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%) Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified - No data available Factors 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 Now If 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. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information. Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace