PhD Position in Statistics, AI Weather Models, and Climate Extremes at the University of Geneva University of Geneva in Switzerland

University of Geneva is advertising a PhD position at the Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM), within the Research Institute for Statistics and Information Science (RISIS). The position is in the research group of Professor Sebastian Engelke and sits at the intersection of statistics, extreme value theory, machine learning, AI weather forecasting models, and climate science.

The project focuses on the statistical analysis of AI-based weather models such as GraphCast, AIFS, and GenCast, as well as methods for understanding and predicting extreme climate and weather events. The successful candidate will enrol in the PhD in Statistics at GSEM and conduct doctoral research on statistical methods for complex extreme events and extrapolation in machine learning methods.

This is also a Research and Teaching Assistant appointment at 80%. In addition to research, the candidate will support teaching at bachelor and master level, including tutorials, exam preparation, grading, and supervision of master’s theses. The contract is renewable for 2 years and the assistantship can last up to 5 years in total.

Eligibility highlights: Master’s degree in statistics, probability theory, climate science, or a related field; strong interest in extreme value theory, machine learning, climate science, or weather forecasting; excellent Python skills; excellent English; motivation and self-discipline to complete a doctorate.

Application deadline: 31 May 2026 (midnight, Geneva time). Applications must be submitted only through the University of Geneva recruitment portal. A motivation letter, detailed CV with two references, transcripts, and theses if available are required.

Contact: Professor Sebastian Engelke ([email protected]).