The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.
Human-Centered Weather Forecast Initiative
The Human-Centered Weather Forecast (HCWF) Initiative works with governments, academia, tech companies, and other partners to deliver tailored forecasts that can improve human lives. Weather forecasts should be accurate as well as oriented around specific human needs on the ground, then delivered at the right time and place to inform decisions—like giving farmers advance notice of the start of the rainy season.
HCWF brings together climate scientists, artificial intelligence (AI) experts, and economists to build and evaluate weather forecasts that can target what citizens need to know, leveraging novel technologies, including AI, and scientific understanding. This interdisciplinary team then works with low- and middle-income countries to test forecast dissemination strategies, refine those strategies based on user response, and scale forecast dissemination to improve decision-making.
This job opening is part of the launch of a new initiative under DIL/HCWF.
Formal employment will be through an in-country employer of record (“EoR”) under contract with DIL. Additional details regarding salary, benefits, and terms and conditions of employment offered by the EoR will be provided to individuals during the hiring process.
Job Summary
The Research Scientist Heat Forecasting will contribute to the development of forecasts of dangerous heat stress using a range of physics-based, artificial intelligence, and statistical weather prediction models as part of a multidisciplinary collaboration between universities, international development agencies, and governmental ministries in multiple countries. The candidate will support UChicago's Human Centered Weather Forecasting Initiative, helping broaden this program from its initial focus on monsoon onset to other phenomena, including heat stress, and supporting its expansion into other countries.
