2026-27_2_184 - A post-doctoral researcher contract in climate science and machine learning

About this position

PI: Dr. Francisco Jaime Mir Calafat

Funding body:

MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033

European Union

Institution:

Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) / University of the Balearic Islands (UIB)

Are you passionate about climate science, oceanography and artificial intelligence? We are seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher to join the UHEAT project at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) on the breathtaking island of Majorca.

UHEAT is a joint European-Japanese research project looking into how ocean heat content influences marine heatwaves. It aims to develop AI-based approaches for predicting marine heatwaves and their impacts on key fish species.

The successful candidate will primarily work on developing a deep-learning system that combines ocean observations and climate data to predict marine heatwave probability.

It is a fantastic opportunity to take part in cutting-edge research with real-world impact, contributing to our understanding of how the ocean is responding to climate change and helping address impacts on fisheries and society.

Please visit the project website for more information:

https://kikomcx.github.io/uheat

What you’ll be doing:

• Assembling and analysing data from a large set of simulated global coupled climate models
• Building a deep-learning model to predict the likelihood of marine heatwaves, integrating ocean heat content and transport, and sea surface temperature
• Training and refining the prediction model using the large simulation set alongside observations
• Publishing your research in leading international journals and presenting your findings at conferences

Why you should join us:

• You will be part of a highly interdisciplinary international project combining physical oceanography, climate science, artificial intelligence and fisheries science
• You will be working in a vibrant research setting at the UIB with close ties to IMEDEA and international partners in Germany and Japan
• You will get the chance to visit research partners in Japan and Germany for project meetings, collaboration and knowledge exchange, and build an international research network
• You will enhance your expertise in AI and climate prediction whilst addressing an important challenge linked to climate change and its impacts on marine ecosystems and fisheries