PhD in Climate Dynamics in University of Bergen – Norway

Summary

The University of Bergen is offering a PhD Research Fellow position in climate dynamics at the Geophysical Institute. The role is for a fixed-term period of 3 years, with a potential fourth year for career development. The successful candidate will join the NorCPMNext project, focusing on advancing subseasonal to seasonal climate prediction using hybrid physics-AI models. The project involves AI-based downscaling of climate model output for regional and local scale predictions, applied to assess risks of extreme events in Norway. Applicants need a Master's degree in atmospheric sciences, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or related fields, with experience in atmospheric dynamics and scientific programming. The gross annual salary is NOK 593,700. The application deadline is October 15, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Geophysical Institute
Position Type	PhD Research Fellow
Discipline	Geosciences, Physics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics
Research Area	Climate Dynamics, Subseasonal to Seasonal Prediction, Hybrid Physics-AI Models, AI-based Downscaling, Climate Prediction Systems, Environmental Risk Assessment
Degree Required	Master's degree or equivalent education in atmospheric sciences, physics, applied mathematics, computer science or related disciplines
Experience	Experience in atmospheric dynamics; experience with scientific programming using Python, R, Matlab, Julia, C, C++ or similar. Experience with machine learning, analysis of climate or high-resolution model output, climate predictions/projections, or environmental risk assessment is an advantage.
Salary	NOK 593,700 gross annual salary
Contract Duration	3 years, with the possibility of a fourth year
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-15
Employer Address	Museplassen 2, Bergen, Norway
Employer Contact	Dr. Francine Schevenhoven ([email protected]), Professor Camille Li ([email protected]), Magnus Larsen ([email protected])

About the Project

The PhD project is part of NorCPMNext, a strategic initiative by the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research (BCCR) aimed at improving subseasonal to seasonal predictions of regional climate and extreme events using hybrid physics-AI models. The core work involves developing AI-based methods to downscale coarse-resolution climate model outputs, providing high-resolution climate information for regional and local scales. These predictions will be applied in stakeholder-oriented case studies to assess risks associated with extreme events in Norway, demonstrating the capabilities of next-generation hybrid physics-AI climate prediction systems. The project addresses the need for accurate and efficient climate predictions to mitigate the impacts of hazards like heatwaves and heavy precipitation.

Key Responsibilities

• Focus on AI-based downscaling of coarse resolution climate model output
• Provide actionable climate information at regional and local scales
• Apply high-resolution predictions in stakeholder-oriented case studies
• Assess risks associated with extreme events in Norway
• Collaborate closely with scientific partners in NorCPMNext
• Participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree

Required Skills

• Master's degree or equivalent in atmospheric sciences, physics, applied mathematics, computer science or related disciplines
• Experience in atmospheric dynamics
• Experience with scientific programming using Python, R, Matlab, Julia, C, C++ or similar
• Ability to work independently and in a structured manner
• Good collaborative skills
• Good written and spoken English skills
• Research experience, ambitions, and potential (will be emphasized)
• Experience with machine learning (advantageous)
• Experience with analysis of climate or high-resolution model output (advantageous)
• Experience with climate predictions/projections (advantageous)
• Experience with environmental risk assessment (advantageous)

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for candidates holding a Master's degree in atmospheric sciences, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or related disciplines. Ideal applicants will have experience in atmospheric dynamics and scientific programming, with an advantage for those experienced in machine learning, climate model analysis, climate predictions, or environmental risk assessment. Candidates should be able to work independently, collaborate effectively, and possess strong written and spoken English skills. Master's students expecting to complete their degree by December 31, 2026, are also encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Salary as PhD research fellow code 1017 in the state salary scale (NOK 593,700 gross annual salary)
• Further increases in salary according to length of service
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Good welfare benefits
• International working environment through the BCCR

About the Employer

The University of Bergen (UiB) is an institution committed to shaping society through knowledge, skills, and attitudes, interacting globally, nationally, and locally. It hosts the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research (BCCR), which is described as the largest climate research centre in the Nordic countries and among the leading centres in Europe, with approximately 200 scientists from 37 countries. UiB emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, economic background, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the PhD position?

The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years, with the possibility of a fourth year dedicated to career-development activities such as teaching.

What is the main focus of the PhD project?

The PhD project will focus on AI-based downscaling of coarse resolution climate model output to provide actionable climate information at regional and local scales, applied in stakeholder-oriented case studies assessing risks associated with extreme events in Norway.

What degree is required for this position?

Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent education in atmospheric sciences, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or related disciplines.

What is the annual salary for this position?

The gross annual salary for a PhD research fellow (code 1017) is NOK 593,700.

What are the English language requirements?

Applicants must have good written and spoken English skills, and approved documentation of proficiency in English is required if applicable for PhD admission.

Who can I contact for more information about the position?

For further details about the position, you can contact Dr. Francine Schevenhoven ([email protected]) and Professor Camille Li ([email protected]). For HR-related questions, contact Magnus Larsen ([email protected]).