Professor Dorian Abbot of the University of Chicago and Assistant Professor Ashesh Chattopadhyay of the University of California, Santa Cruz invite applications for a postdoctoral position at the intersection of climate systems engineering, optimization, and AI weather and climate modeling. This position will focus on developing next-generation methodologies for the design, analysis, and optimization of climate interventions and Earth system processes using state-of-the-art machine learning, dynamical systems theory, and data-driven modeling approaches.
The successful candidate will join the University of Chicago Climate Systems Engineering Initiative (CSEi), a highly interdisciplinary effort integrating climate science, engineering, and AI to address critical challenges in climate risk, mitigation, and adaptation. The postdoc will collaborate across institutions and disciplines, contributing to both foundational advances and applied research in areas such as extreme event prediction, uncertainty quantification, and decision-making under complex environmental constraints.
We are particularly interested in candidates with strong quantitative and computational backgrounds, including experience in one or more of the following areas: machine learning for physical systems (e.g., deep learning, generative models, operator learning), climate or geophysical fluid dynamics, optimization and control of complex systems, scientific computing, and high-performance computing. Familiarity with large-scale climate datasets, numerical modeling frameworks, and modern ML tools (e.g., PyTorch, JAX) is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to work at the interface of theory and application, communicate across disciplines, and contribute to collaborative, team-based research.
The position will be based in Chicago, offering opportunities to engage with a vibrant academic and research community. The anticipated start date is October 1, 2026. The annual salary is $85,000. This position is benefits-eligible, and information regarding benefits can be found here: https://clients.garnett-powers.com/pd/uchicago/
To apply, please describe why you would be a good fit in 250 words in an email to abbot@uchicago.edu and attach a cv.
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.