Overview
SENIOR RESEARCHER Jobs in Johannesburg at University Of The Witwatersrand
Requirements
Associate Researcher
- A MasterÂ’s degree in Atmospheric Science, Climate Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated experience with statistical or machine learning methods for environmental or geospatial data.
- Strong Python programming and data analysis skills
- Experience working with meteorological or climate datasets will be advantageous.
- Interest in pursuing doctoral-level research in climate or weather prediction.
Researcher
- A PhD in Atmospheric Science, Climate Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related field.
- Evidence of a strong research track record, including peer-reviewed publications in accredited journals.
- Experience with numerical weather prediction, seasonal forecasting, or data-driven weather prediction methods.
- Experience working with meteorological datasets, reanalysis data, or climate model outputs.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and collaborate internationally.
Senior Researcher
- A PhD in Atmospheric Science, Climate Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
- 3–5 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
- A strong international publication record in areas related to weather prediction, climate modelling, or machine learning.
- Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and attract research funding.
- Experience supervising postgraduate students and early-career researchers.
- Established local or international research collaborations.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct original scientific research on AI-driven weather prediction and seasonal forecasting systems for Africa.
- Investigate methods to improve the skill of numerical weather prediction and seasonal climate prediction systems using statistical and machine learning techniques.
- Develop and apply forecast verification frameworks to evaluate the performance of weather and climate models.
- Analyse meteorological datasets including reanalysis products, satellite observations, and station observations.
- Publish research findings in internationally accredited scientific journals and present results at scientific conferences.
- Contribute to the development of research proposals and collaborative research programmes.
- Supervise or co-supervise postgraduate students working on related research topics.
- Collaborate with African National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and international research partners.
- Contribute to capacity-building activities, including workshops and training initiatives.
- Senior Researchers will additionally be expected to:
- Provide scientific leadership within the research programme.
- Lead research proposals and project components.
- Mentor junior researchers and postgraduate students.
Detailed Description
Job Requirements
Additional Details
How To Apply
Only applicants who meet the minimum requirements should apply by submitting a letter of motivation that includes experience in climate modelling, a statement of research interests, and an outline of future research plans, full Curriculum Vitae (CV) and names and contact details of at least three referees.
External applicants are invited to apply, by registering their profile on the Wits i-recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting their application. Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits /Self Service application/” Apply for a job”.
Correspondence will be entered into with shortlisted candidates only. Short-listed applicants must be available for a personal or MS Teams/Zoom interview.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment and continue searching after the closing date, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Closing date: 15 May 2026
Informal inquires may be directed Prof Rendani Mbuvha [email protected]
By applying for this post the applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University. The Applicant, by their conduct in proceeding with an application for this position, gives their consent to the processing of their personal information as required by the UniversityÂ’s Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. Such processing includes logging their information on the UniversityÂ’s recruitment systems, conducting necessary background and reference checks including disciplinary and/or criminal records, and disclosing their personal information to university employees identified to take part in the selection and recruitment process. The Applicant consents to any processing of their personal information as may be required. The confidentiality of the Applicant’s personal information will be maintained.
Wits is committed to excellence and equity
The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.
Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.
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Work At Home
Title: SENIOR RESEARCHER
Company: University Of The Witwatersrand
Location: Johannesburg
