Doctoral researcher on uncertainty and causality in climate models

Descrizione

Doctoral researcher on uncertainty and causality in climate models Sintesi in italiano (traduzione automatica): Il progetto si concentra sull'incertezza e la causalità nei modelli climatici, utilizzando metodi di machine learning per migliorare la precisione predittiva. La posizione è offerta dall'Istituto di Filosofia della KU Leuven, dove il ricercatore lavorerà su quattro pacchetti di lavoro interconnessi. È richiesta una laurea magistrale in Filosofia, Scienze della Terra, Scienze Ambientali, Climatologia o campi correlati. È preferibile avere competenze in fisica, modellazione statistica e data science. Il candidato deve essere in grado di lavorare in modo indipendente, avere buone capacità organizzative e comunicative, e sarà coinvolto in attività educative in Filosofia. La posizione è a tempo pieno e prevede un contratto di borsa di studio di un anno, estendibile fino a quattro anni, con inizio previsto per il 1 ottobre 2026. The project examines the interplay between uncertainty and causality in climate science. The recent advent of machine learning (ML) methods has improved the predictive accuracy of climate models. Since they often operate as ‘black boxes’, however, they also obscure causal mechanisms and complicate the attribution of uncertainty to projections. By integrating philosophical analysis with hands-on climate modelling, we address two core questions:- How can various sources of uncertainty in model projections be classified, estimated, and reduced?- How do advanced mathematical models relate to causal mechanisms in climate phenomena? The project comprises four interconnected work packages: (1) developing a refined typology of uncertainty in climate science; (2) adapting causation-tracking methods (particularly INUS-based Coincidence Analysis) for high-dimensional climate datasets; (3) creating physics-informed and causally interpretable ML parametrisations for land–atmosphere interactions; and (4) synthesising these insights into a comprehensive epistemological framework that clarifies the interplay between uncertainty and causality in scientific models. This research has implications for climate policy and scientific modelling, also in other disciplines where ML is increasingly deployed. You have completed a Master’s Degree in Philosophy, Earth- or Environmental Science, Climatology or related field (such as Geography, Geology, Engineering, Bio-engineering, Meteorology, Oceanography, Mathematics, Physics or Informatics). • In the case of a Master’s Degree in Philosophy or similar, you also have relevant skills in physics, statistical modelling, data science and/or machine-learning.• In the case of a Master’s Degree in the Sciences or Engineering, you also have a strong interest in Philosophy of Science and are willing to follow additional courses in Philosophy as part of your doctoral programme.• In both cases, prior knowledge of Climatology, Weather and/or Climate Modelling is a strong plus. You have some experience in computational programming and strong analytical skills.You are able to work independently and have good organisational skills.You are able to communicate with other researchers in an interdisciplinary team. You can initiate and maintain collaborations with external researchers as needed.You are willing to enrol in the doctoral programme of the Institute of Philosophy at KU Leuven.You have an excellent command of written and spoken English (demonstrated by a degree awarded from an English-speaking university or by being able to provide a certificate for one of the Institute of Philosophy’s accepted tests of English proficiency). Speaking Dutch is an asset.You are willing to take up some educational tasks in Philosophy through the teaching pool.You have not yet worked in the status of doctoral grantee. A full-time position within an internationally leading multidisciplinary team with relevant experience and expertise. The supervisory team includes professors Sylvia Wenmackers (Institute of Philosophy, KU Leuven) and Nicole Van Lipzig (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven).A scholarship contract of 1 year that, after a positive evaluation, can be extended to a period of 4 years.Multiple benefits (health insurance, access to university infrastructure, and sports facilities).Research will take place at the Institute of Philosophy, KU Leuven.The start date will be determined in consultation with the candidate, at the earliest October 1, 2026. Review of the applications will start immediately and suitable candidates might be invited before the formal deadline of this application. Please submit your application as soon as possible.If selected, the final job offer will be contingent on the approval of the Institute’s doctoral committee as well as the university’s admissions office.All applicants are informed once the selection process is complete. Applicants should send through the online application syst Annuncio in inglese. Fonte: Euraxess (Commissione eu