of University of Cape Town has announced applications for two prestigious postdoctoral research fellowships focused on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in climate science and climate risk management.
The Fellowship is hosted by: Climate system analysis group Within the UCT School of Environmental and Geographic Sciences.
This position is supported through the Quadrature Climate Foundation Postdoctoral Science Fellowship Programme, which provides funding to young researchers conducting high-impact climate adaptation research.
The initiative aims to strengthen research capacity at the intersection of AI, climate science, policy and humanitarian work, particularly in the African context.
Research focused on climate risk and artificial intelligence
This fellowship is designed for researchers interested in applying AI and ML technologies to pressing climate-related challenges.
According to the announcement, the successful fellow will work on the following areas:
- Climate vulnerability modeling and mapping
- Forecasting and forecasting of abnormal weather
- climate impact modeling
- Proactive action and humanitarian response
- Climate adaptation and resilience planning
- Climate risk management system powered by AI
Researchers will also examine broader issues related to AI deployment, including ethics, algorithmic bias, explainability, and responsible use of data.
The Climate System Analysis Group says the program aims to develop innovative approaches that combine climate science with practical decision-making tools for vulnerable communities and policy makers.
Three major research areas
The fellowship program identifies three major thematic areas of research potential.
1. Translate climate science into actionable decisions
The first challenge area focuses on improving how climate science and climate modeling results are translated into actionable information for climate risk management.
Potential research topics include:
- Climate risk narratives and storytelling frameworks
- Integrating climate models with social and economic vulnerability data
- Complexity and chain of climate-related events
- Seasonal to long-term climate risk analysis
- Humanitarian and policy applications of climate science
This study builds on previous climate risk narrative research developed through international climate adaptation programs.
2. Application of AI and machine learning in climate risk management
The second focus area explores the opportunities and risks of applying AI and ML to climate science and disaster preparedness.
Research opportunities include:
- AI-assisted prediction system
- Vulnerability and risk analysis
- Climate impact prediction model
- Automated climate data interpretation
- Ethical AI framework for climate change applications
The program also encourages critical research into potential risks associated with AI systems, such as bias, error, hallucinations, and transparency issues.
3. Climate risk management across timescales
The third thematic area addresses growing concerns that short-term climate responses may unintentionally increase long-term vulnerability and maladaptation.
Potential research areas include:
- Linking disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation policies
- Planning for long-term climate change resilience
- An integrated approach to humanitarian response and adaptation
- Multi-timescale climate information system
- Strategies to reduce maladaptive risks in vulnerable communities
Researchers will be encouraged to develop evidence-based approaches that bridge short-term disaster management and long-term climate adaptation planning.
Fellowship system and research environment
Successful fellows will spend their first three months working in the Climate System Analysis Group and Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center This is to narrow down the focus of the research.
This fellowship provides access to an interdisciplinary research environment spanning:
- climate modeling
- Hydrology and agricultural systems
- Vulnerability and resilience research
- Social science and adaptation research
- High performance computing infrastructure
Fellows will also engage in humanitarian and policy-focused work through the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center, touching on topics such as:
- Proactive humanitarian action
- social security system
- Climate and conflict dynamics
- Humanitarian policy and recovery planning
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree within the past five years and must not have previously held a full-time academic or professional job.
Eligible educational backgrounds are as follows.
- Climate science and forecasting
- climate system analysis
- Machine learning and data science
- Development and application of artificial intelligence
Applicants are required to demonstrate the following:
- Strong research and publication track record
- Excellent English communication skills
- Interdisciplinary collaboration experience
- Climate justice and adaptation efforts in Africa
Other desirable skills include:
- Advanced Python programming
- Scientific visualization expertise
- Knowledge of explainable AI and AI ethics
- Education or training experience
Applicants must also have legal permission to live and work in South Africa as this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Fellowship funding and benefits
This fellowship provides substantial research support over two years.
The main benefits are:
- Annual funding from R500,000 to R540,000
- Additional support for conference travel and research activities
- Access to IT and high-performance computing resources
- Tax-free fellowship funding under South African regulations
This fellowship does not include employment benefits such as medical aid or retirement benefits.
Application procedure and deadline
Applicants must submit the following in one PDF document:
- A statement of motivation that outlines your research interests and aptitude
- Detailed educational resume
- Publication record and academic achievements
- Contact details of two academic reviewers
- Published writing samples
For applications and inquiries, please contact below. Dr. Christopher Jack in [email protected] subject:
“QCFPDRF Fellowship”
The University of Cape Town said it reserves the right to reject incomplete or ineligible applications or not to make appointments.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization providing this opportunity. For inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not submit your application or resume to GSO as it cannot be processed by GSO. Due to the large volume of emails we receive every day, we may not be able to reply to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding
