Postdoctoral Researcher / ML Scientist for the KPA IMfESS (f/m/x) Wiss2606-13 | Computer Science

Postdoctoral Researcher / ML Scientist for the KPA IMfESS (f/m/x)

Department of Computer Science

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The position combines independent academic research in machine learning and artificial intelligence with a coordination role at the newly established ELLIS Unit NRW (https://ellis-unit-nrw.github.io/) and strategic work at the intersection of AI and Earth System Sciences (ESS). It is embedded within Professor Bojchevski‘s research group in the Department of Computer Science. The successful candidate will advance robust, scalable, and reproducible ML/AI methods and help translate recent AI innovations into sustainable scientific workflows for Earth System Sciences (ESS).

YOUR TASKS

• Conduct independent research on ML/AI methods within the Key Profile Area Intelligent Methods for Earth System Science (IMfESS) https://imfess.uni-koeln.de)
• Support KPA IMfESS research groups in model design, evaluation, and deployment
• Support deployment of (scalable) ML pipelines, standardize workflows and documentation and contribute to shared code
• Contribute to training formats (e.g. summer schools) and interdisciplinary teaching at the interface of AI and ESS.
• Support the coordination of the ELLIS Unit NRW and further collaborative research initiatives

YOUR PROFILE

• Completed doctoral degree, or doctoral degree close to completion, in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computational Sciences, or a related field.
• Strong background in ML/AI.
• Prior experience in scientific ML, foundation models, and spatio-temporal modeling is desirable but not required.
• Prior experience in Earth System Sciences is desirable but not required
• Excellent programming skills and experience with modern ML frameworks, reproducible workflows, and collaborative software development.
• Experience with scalable ML workflows, high-performance computing, cloud infrastructure, or research software engineering is an advantage
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration at the interface of AI, Computer Science, and Earth System Sciences.
• Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills, and very good written and spoken English.

WE OFFER

• Scientific independence, combining ML/AI research with strategic coordination
• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
• Support in balancing work and family life
• Flexible working time models
• Extensive advanced training opportunities
• Occupational health management offers

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available from 1 October 2026 on a full-time basis (39,83 hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed term until 30 September 2029. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and has the appropriate personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications (without a photo) under https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de The reference number is Wiss2606-13. The application deadline is 20 July 2026.

For further inquiries, please contact Professor Aleksandar Bojchevski at ([email protected]) and take a look at our FAQs.