Fully-funded to the University of Leicester (UK): Postdoctoral Fellow in Climate Change Science

Postdoctoral Fellow in Climate Change Science – IKIRERE Project

Status: Full-time – 2 years fixed contract
Supervisor: Dr. Mouhamadou Bamba Sylla
Duty Station: AIMS RIC, Kigali, Rwanda

Overview
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Research and Innovation Centre (AIMS-RIC), in partnership with the University of Leicester (UoL), is excited to announce a vacancy for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the IKIRERE project: “Innovation and Knowledge Integration for Resilience in East Africa through Climate Research and Education.”

This project aims to address critical challenges posed by droughts and heatwaves while also nurturing local talent to sustainably manage climate challenges.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Data Preparation: Gather a variety of datasets (remote sensing, modeled, and reanalysis) and apply machine learning techniques to achieve data fusion and reduce uncertainties.
• Detection and Attribution: Characterize historical droughts and heatwaves, create drought and heatwave metrics based on stakeholder needs, construct a comprehensive catalogue of climate events, and conduct attribution studies using machine learning.

• Physical Mechanisms Analysis: Conduct composite analysis to evaluate the covariation of climatic variables, account for phenomena such as the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and identify environmental conditions conducive to the formation of these hazards.
• Projections of Drought/Heat Risk: Assess soil moisture droughts and extreme heat events under various future climate scenarios, enhancing African decision-making capabilities in climate resilience.

Requirements

• A PhD in Meteorology, Climate Science, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in climate data analysis.
• Extensive knowledge of machine learning applications in climate science.
• Proficiency in Python programming.
• Familiarity with NetCDF and CSV data formats.

Application Process
To apply, please submit the following documents to applications@aimsric.org:

1. Your CV
2. A cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position
3. Contact information for at least two academic references

Please include “IKIRERE Postdoctoral Fellow in Climate Change Science” in the subject line of your email.

Application Deadline: April 7, 2025

Please note that if you do not receive feedback from AIMS RIC within four weeks of the application deadline, kindly accept that your application will not be further considered. AIMS RIC reserves the right not to make an appointment at its sole discretion.

AIMS RIC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

For additional information, please contact us at info@aimsric.org or call +250 788 315247.

Join us in our mission to promote resilience and capacity-building in climate research and education in East Africa!

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences | Research and Innovation Centre (AIMS-RIC)
District Gasabo, Sector Kacyiru, Cellule Kamatamu Rue KG590 ST, Kigali, Rwanda
Website: www.aimsric.org