The Wegener Center Climate and Global Change at the University of Graz invites applications for a PhD position as part of the project “RegDTAlp – Towards a Digital Twin of Mountainous Weather and Climate for Impact Assessment in the Austrian Alps”. This interdisciplinary project is conducted in collaboration with Know Center, Graz, a leading research center specializing in Artificial Intelligence. The successful candidate will be based at Wegener Center, University of Graz and will have the opportunity to engage closely with researchers at Know Center.
Position Overview:
The PhD candidate will develop advanced methodologies for downscaling regional weather and climate data using artificial intelligence techniques such as physics-informed neural networks. This research aims to enhance the understanding of climate impacts in mountainous regions, providing insights for stakeholders and policymakers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct research on artificial intelligence based downscaling techniques for weather and climate data.
- Develop and implement machine learning algorithms to improve meteorological datasets.
- Combine expertise from meteorology with artificial intelligence methods
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams at the University of Graz and Know Center.
- Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present research findings at conferences
Necessary requirements:
- Master’s degree (MSc) in Physics, Climate Physics, Meteorology, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Expertise in either meteorology/climate physics or machine learning/artificial intelligence.
- Proficiency in programming, ideally Python.
- Strong oral and written proficiency in English.
- Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team environment.
- Curiosity-driven mindset
Beneficial requirements:
- Experience working with gridded meteorological datasets.
- Familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques.
- Knowledge of statistical analysis methods relevant to climate data.
- Experience with physics-informed machine learning
- Previous research experience (e.g., master thesis) in a closely related field.
Contract: 30h/week, fixed term for 3 years
Salary: the renumeration of the position is, in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement for universities, 39.005,40EUR/year.
How to apply – Deadline 29 July 2025
Please submit your application including the reference RegDTAlp and all application documents as a single pdf until 29 July 2025 to Sabine Tschürtz. Interviews will be held in August. Applications after the deadline may be considered until the position is filled.
To apply, please provide the following documents:
- Motivation letter
- CV including information on previous work experience and publications and a transcript of records
- Two letters of recommendation (e.g., master thesis supervisor, teachers), or, alternatively two reference letters.
- Abstract in English of the master thesis including a web-link to an electronic copy of the thesis (or a thesis draft)
For questions on the position contact Sebastian Scher.
The Wegener Center is an international oriented research institute, and we invite applications from all cultural backgrounds and nationalities. The University of Graz aims to increase the representation of female researchers, and therefore particularly encourages applications from female candidates. In the event of underrepresentation, women with equal qualifications are generally given priority for admission. We welcome applications from persons with disabilities who meet the requirements of the advertised position.
Graz is a city of 300,000 people in the southern Alpine foothills, just a short drive from skiing resorts and hiking treks, and a three hours’ drive from the Adriatic Sea. It is home to a vibrant student community, and offers a wide range of cultural and leisure activities.
Benefits:
- Flexible working time, with the possibility of working remotely part of the time
- While not required for this position (the working language of the Wegener Center and of Know Center is English), the University of Graz offers free German courses for its employees
- Health Insurance: Full coverage under Austria's public health insurance system, ensuring access to medical care and services.
- Social Security Benefits: Protection under the Austrian social security system, including pension contributions and unemployment insurance.
- Paid sick leave
- Vacation: 25 days/year paid vacation
Additionally, as a PhD candidate in Austria, you will benefit from comprehensive legal rights and public insurance coverage, including:
- Health Insurance: Full coverage under Austria's public health insurance system, ensuring access to medical care and services.
- Social Security Benefits: Protection under the Austrian social security system, including pension contributions and unemployment insurance.
- Paid sick leave
- Vacation: 25 days/year paid vacation