(English) Data scientist

Are you ready to drive data-driven innovation in weather, climate, and seismology? At the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, you’ll join a pioneering team at the Datalab, where data science experts leverage AI and machine learning to transform research into impactful products. With expanding datasets from diverse sources—including IoT and crowdsourcing—our projects span from exploratory concepts to international collaborations. If you’re passionate about pushing boundaries with data science and eager to make a real impact, this is your opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking team!

What will you be doing?

As a research data scientist you will be central to driving data-driven innovation in weather, climate, and seismology.

Your main tasks include:

• developing data-driven models and proof of concepts: using AI/ML methods and big data, you’ll create models and prototypes that turn diverse datasets—from traditional observation networks to sources like IoT and crowdsourcing—into actionable insights, helping refine KNMI’s scientific and operational capabilities. Further, you will contribute to the development of a foundation model for the atmosphere as part of a European collaborative project. Through representation learning and exascale computing, this project will integrate large-scale reanalysis, satellite and synoptic data.
• advising and collaborating on data science initiatives: you’ll guide research projects by providing expertise in data science techniques and novel data sources. Through collaboration with public and private partners, and internal KNMI teams, you’ll contribute to impactful, data-driven solutions addressing complex climate challenges.
• engaging in knowledge sharing and continuous learning: sharing findings and tools through presentations, demos, and publications, you’ll extend the reach of your work. Attending conferences and exploring new AI/ML technologies keeps your skills sharp and brings innovation to KNMI.

Your work will empower KNMI to stay at the cutting edge of data science, transforming data into meaningful outcomes that support our understanding of weather, climate, and seismology.

This gives you energy

You’ll get energy from working in a dynamic environment that values curiosity and innovation, where you can explore new ideas and push the boundaries of data science. Turning raw data into insights that directly enhance our understanding of weather, climate, and seismology will give you real satisfaction. Collaborating with a passionate team and partners from various disciplines creates an inspiring atmosphere that fosters creativity and continuous learning. Your motivation will be fueled by knowing that your work contributes to tangible advancements in scientific research and practical applications.

We understand that you might want to learn more about this position. Therefore, feel free to contact Philippe Steeghs, manager, at 0+31 (0)6-11591395. He will be happy to assist you!

Our unique task is the gathering of information about the atmosphere and the subsurface and the translation of that information to risks for society. Would you like to learn more about how we strive to make our high-quality knowledge and information in the area of weather, climate, and seismology operationally available? You can read more about it on our website.

• PhD in AI/ML, computer science, applied mathematics or other relevant area
• at least 2 years of applied research experience in the domains of Machine Learning, processing and visualization
• programming skills that include data analytics languages (e.g., Python, R, Matlab) and experience in cloud, HPC and/or virtual computing environments
• hands-on experience with AI/ML frameworks (e.g. Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch
• good communication skills and experience in consulting clients/customers from different domains and disciplines to obtain their essential requirements and ideas and be able to transform those into practical and efficient working solutions, as well as a publication record in AI/ML
• fluent in written and spoken English and willing to learn Dutch

Je herkent je in de volgende eigenschappen:

You approach complex problems with analytical precision and creativity, using AI/ML to uncover insights in big data environments. You’re driven to transform data into impactful results and enjoy working with spatio-temporal information to develop meaningful proof-of-concepts. Your passion for the geophysical world—whether it's weather, climate, or seismology—fuels your commitment to making a difference.

You bring a naturally curious, proactive mindset, coupled with an eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Your enthusiasm and innovative thinking allow you to dive into new knowledge areas with ease and contribute thoughtfully to our team.

• Salaris­niveau schaal 11
• Maand­salaris Min €4.024 – Max. €6.110 (bruto)
• Dienst­verband Arbeidsovereenkomst voor bepaalde tijd met uitzicht op onbepaalde tijd
• Contract­duur Vast contract voorafgegaan door een jaarcontract. Bij voldoende functioneren: na een jaar omzetting in onbepaalde tijd.
• Minimaal aantal uren per week 36
• Maximaal aantal uren per week 36

Other conditions of employement

In addition to your salary, you will receive an Individual Budget (IKB). The IKB consists of funds (16.50% of your gross annual salary) and time. With the IKB, you make choices that are right for you, and you can decide on some of your employment conditions yourself. For example, you could opt to receive part of your monthly salary at a date of your choosing. You could also use the budget to purchase additional leave, or vice versa, or spend it on tax-efficient purchases. The Government of the Netherlands strongly values personal growth and career development and offers a wide range of options to achieve that. The fringe benefits include various study facilities, company fitness, a full compensation of your public transport expenses for your commute and partially paid parental leave.

• apply immediately, we look forward to it! A first meeting can take place soon
• once we have found the right candidate, we close the vacancy
• obtaining references can be part of the application process. An (online) pre-selection test, an assessment, making a case and (online) screening via databases, among others, can be part of the application process.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.