Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Applied AI for Weather Radar Nowcasting and Storm-Scale Prediction North-West University in South Africa

North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), South Africa, is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Applied AI for Weather Radar Nowcasting and Storm-Scale Prediction. The fellowship sits at the interface of atmospheric science and artificial intelligence, with supervision by Prof. Roelof Burger and Prof. Absalom Ezugwu.

The project is a collaboration involving the NWU Centre for Global Change, the Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and TinyML Group, and the South African Weather Service (SAWS). The fellowship is funded by the United Arab Emirates Rainfall Enhancement Program.

Research activities include hands-on engagement with NWU’s C-band dual-polarisation radar and the SAWS operational radar network, designing and testing AI-based nowcasting and bias-correction models using real radar data streams, working with storm-object datasets and dual-polarisation microphysical features, and integrating model outputs into radar processing workflows. The role also includes scientific publication, operational best practices, open-source tooling, and knowledge transfer through workshops.

Eligible applicants should hold a PhD in Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field. Strong Python programming skills are required, and experience with machine learning/deep learning is essential. Familiarity with weather radar data, atmospheric physics, or remote sensing is an advantage, as is experience with Linux and version-controlled workflows. The post values physics-guided modelling, interpretability, uncertainty quantification, and the ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.

The appointment is for 3 years, based in Potchefstroom, with an annual salary of R380,000–R450,000. The advert also mentions access to research support, computing resources, travel funding, and opportunities for co-supervision of MSc and PhD students.

Application deadline: 31 May 2026. Applicants should submit a detailed CV with publications and references, a letter of motivation, certified copies of doctoral degree certificate or PhD award letter, and certified copies of ID/permanent residency/valid permit. Incomplete applications will not be considered.