The KISTE project

The interdisciplinary joint project “KISTE” (AI strategy for earth system data) was selected by the Federal Ministry of the Environment as a so called light tower project. The aim of the project is to establish the use of modern AI methods in environmental and earth system science. For this we would like to use current AI approaches for spatially-temporally variable pattern recognition and pattern analysis for the analysis of environmental data, build an easy-to-use data and software platform for environmental AI applications and exchange knowledge between AI developers and users on content, methodological and technical level. The interdisciplinary exchange between different fields of earth system science should stimulate innovative ideas and solutions. To achieve this, the project partners Forschungszentrum Jülich, University of Cologne, RWTH Aachen University, University of Bonn, 52 ° North Initiative for Geospatial Open Source Software GmbH and Ambrosys GmbH set up a joint doctoral student colloquium in which young scientists become future environmental AI experts should be trained. In addition to the specialist training, the doctoral students will work closely with professional software developers to learn the basics for modern, data-based science.

For this we are looking for motivated employees for the following positions, who will be located at the different locations of the project partners to develop and use the AI methods: • PhD position – Application of Unsupervised Learning on Air Quality Data with focus on Biogenic Emissions • PhD position – PhD position – Statistical characterization of meteorological forcing and its impact on near- surface melting and re-freezing processes using hybridized modeling techniques • PhD position – Characterization of cloud variability through novel satellite-based observations and its application for questions related to solar energy • Research Software Engineer – Geodata management und Geodats analysis

The following pages show short overviews to the positions. You can also visit our project website here: https://kiste-project.de/

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PhD position – Data driven statistical analysis of air quality with focus on biogenic compounds using unsupervised learning methods Jülich Supercomputing Center is looking for a motivated doctoral researcher to support our “Earth System Data Exploration” group in the KISTE project. We work together to develop machine learning methods for air quality data in an interdisciplinary, multinational team.

Your task will be centered around: • Develop unsupervised learning tools for plant emission prediction • Analyze statistically the connection between plant emission and air quality in different seasons and for different plat stress conditions • Present and discuss the developed learning tools in a series of earth and data scientists’ colloquia • Write articles about your technical developments and insights on the interaction of plant emissions and air quality • Be part of the creation of a massive open online course to make your developed methods usable to a broad audience

Your background: • University degree in either environmental sciences, physics, applied mathematics, or another discipline with relevance to air pollution research • Expertise in HPC systems and numerical modelling workflows • Experiences with Python and SQL databases • Experience with handling large data files and large datasets • Strong interest in AI, machine learning and statistical data analysis • Very good communication and organizational skills • Very good command of the English language

What we offer: • Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure – ideal conditions for successfully completing a doctoral degree • A highly motivated group as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe's largest research establishments • Chance of participating in (international) conferences and project meetings and continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisor • Doctoral degree conferred by University of Bonn • Participation in overarching seminars including certificate • Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. via a comprehensive further training program • Pay in line with 50 % of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund). Pay higher than the basic pay may be possible

About us: The Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) at Forschungszentrum Jülich operates one of the most powerful HPC infrastructures in Europe, enabling scientists and engineers to solve highly complex problems by simulations. The research group Earth System Data Exploration develops new analysis methods for Earth System data with a focus on Deep Machine Learning. Specifically, as the lead partner in the interdisciplinary research project KISTE, AI strategies for earth system data), we develop new AI applications and concepts to address relevant aspects in environmental sciences with a focus on air quality and weather information.

Further information and application: https://www.fz- juelich.de/SharedDocs/Stellenangebote/_common/dna/2020D-067-DE-JSC.html?nn=718260

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PhD position – Statistical characterization of meteorological forcing and its impact on near- surface melting and re-freezing processes using hybridized modeling techniques

The RWTH Aachen University/Graduate School AICES is looking for a highly motivated PhD student (m/f/d) joining the team of the research group ‚Geofluiddynamics‘ (Prof. Julia Kowalski) in order to support the KISTE project. In an interdisciplinary and multinational team, we are working on predictive models for earth science applications focusing on near-surface processes, geohazards and cryosphere physics.

Your task will be centered around: • Developing computational models for near-surface phase-change processes • Assembling and analyzing the meteorological forcing for selected near-surface regimes using machine learning tools • Developing a hybridized workflow to couple both • Present and discuss the developed tools in a series of colloquia and conferences • Write articles about your technical developments, results and insights on the interaction between meteorological forcing and near-surface melting and refreezing • Be part of the creation of a massive open online course to make your developed methods usable to a broad audience

Your background: • University degree in earth sciences, physics, applied mathematics, computer science or a related discipline • Expertise in HPC systems and numerical modelling workflows • Experience with handling large data files and large datasets and / or Python • Strong interest in AI, machine learning and statistical data analysis • Very good communication and organizational skills • Very good command of the English language

What we offer: • A highly motivated local group, close collaboration opportunities within the interdisciplinary research project KISTE (AI strategies for earth system data), as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment • Ideal conditions for successfully completing a doctoral degree • Chance of participating in (international) conferences and project meetings • Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. via a comprehensive training program • Pay in line with 100 % of pay group 13 (TVL).

About us: The Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science (AICES) at RWTH Aachen University offers a doctoral training at the interface between the applied sciences and engineering, mathematics and computer science. RWTH Aachen University is certified as a Family-Friendly University and particularly welcomes and encourages applications from women, disabled persons and ethnic minority groups, recognizing they are underrepresented across RWTH Aachen University. For information on the collection of personal data pursuant to Articles 13 and 14 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), please visit: http://www.rwth-aachen.de/dsgvo-information-bewerbung.

Please send your application by email (in one pdf-file) to: [email protected]. Please include CV, letter of motivation, interest in research and continuing learning regarding the position, diplomas and two contacts for references.

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PhD Position - Characterization of cloud variability through novel satellite-based observations and its application for questions related to solar energy

The University of Cologne/Institute for Geophysics and Meteorology is looking for a highly motivated PhD student (m/f/d) joining the team of the research group ‚Integrated Remote Sensing‘ (Prof. Susanne Crewell) in order to support the KISTE project. In an interdisciplinary and multinational team, we are working together on various methods of integrated remote sensing (ground-based, aircraft-based and satellite-based) for cloud and energy research.

Your task will be centered around: • Statistical analysis of geostationary and multispectral satellite data of the second and third generation Meteosat satellites • and data linkage for the assessment of solar energy • Use of Deep Learning techniques for the identification of typical patterns in solar energy and their forecasting • Validation of the results by means of ground based remote sensing measurements at the Jülich Observatory for Cloud Evolution (JOYCE) • Presentation and discussion of the developed learning tools in a series of Earth and data scientists’ colloquia • Writing of articles about your technical developments and insights on the distribution and forecasting of solar energy • Be part of the creation of a massive open online course to make your developed methods usable to a broad audience

Your background: • Master (M.Sc.) in meteorology or another relevant field of the natural sciences (geophysics, physics, mathematics and computer sciences) • Expertise in at least one of the following areas: remote sensing, HPC systems or numeric modelling • Advanced programming skills in Python and preferably SQL database • Experience with handling large data files and large dataset • Strong interest in AI, machine learning and statistical data analysis • Excellent communication and organisational skills • Very good command of the English language

What we offer: • A highly motivated research group in an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s oldest and largest universities. • Chance of participating in (international) conferences and project meetings • A diverse and fair working environment • Support in reconciling work and family life • Flexible working time models, full-time positions suitable for job sharing • Extensive advanced training opportunities • Local transport ticket at a discount for UoC employees

About us: The University of Cologne is one of the largest and most research-intensive universities in Germany, offering a wide range of subjects. With its six faculties and its interfaculty centres, it offers a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines and internationally outstanding profile areas, supported by the administration with its services. The research group ‘Integrated Remote Sensing/Prof. Susanne Crewell’ is part of the Institute for Geophysics and Meteorology. The University of Cologne is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Women are expressly encouraged to apply and given priority in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act

6 of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from people with special needs or of equal status. Please send your application by email (in one pdf-file) to: [email protected]. Please include CV, letter of motivation, interest in research and continuing learning regarding the position, diplomas and two contacts for references.

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Research Software Engineer Fulltime Position – Münster, Germany

The 52°North GmbH is looking for a Research Software Engineer to support its team within the project KISTE. You will be working with a team of Geodata enthusiasts and cutting edge software frameworks to explore GeoAI-based data analytics and its applications.

Your tasks will focus on (depending on your skill set): • Design and development of web and mobile applications based on state-of-the art methods and technologies • Integration of scalable data processing frameworks to create analysis-ready spatio- temporal data for ML and AI, based on cloud and HPC technologies

Your background and qualifications: • Diploma or MSc degree in Geoinformatics or Computer Science (or equivalent) • Significant experience in the field of software development • In-depth knowledge of state-of-the-art web technologies • Significant experience in Geodata management • Good overview on machine learning and related software frameworks • Very good German and English language skills - oral/reading/writing • Enthusiasm for working at the cutting edge of research and professional software development • Readiness of mind, creativity, team spirit and good organizational skills for your area of responsibility

What we offer: • Internationally operating research institute • Close cooperation with academia, industry and administration • Dynamic, highly motivated and dedicated team • Challenging job with individual responsibilities • Flat management structure, short communication and decision-making channels • Ideal environment for personal and professional development (PhD option) • Congenial, loyal working atmosphere, flexible working conditions (positive work-life balance) • Münster, a lively student city in the heart of the Münsterland biking country

About us: 52°North is a private non-profit research organization in the field of geoinformatics. We develop new concepts, technologies and innovative applications for geoinformation infrastructures. We are a multidisciplinary team of about 20 researchers, software engineers and data scientists, working on topics such as Sensor Web Technologies, data analytics and near real-time processing of very large volumes of spatio-temporal data. 52°North contributes to many national and international research projects. The application domains are diverse and range from environmental monitoring, disaster control, smart cities to Industry 4.0. Furthermore, 52°North supports customers as a trusted advisor and provides qualified consulting and software development services.

Applications can be addressed to: [email protected] see https://52north.org/career- opportunities/#jobs

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