SMHI is recruiting a Professor of Meteorology
SMHI is now opening a position for a Professor of Meteorology as part of a strategic effort to strengthen its research.
For the professorship of meteorology, SMHI is looking for a candidate who can scientifically lead and develop its meteorological research.
“We are looking for a professor who can drive research forward with scientific quality and with connections to our societal mission,” says Helén Andersson, Head of SMHI’s department for Research and Development.
The role includes initiating and leading internal, national, and international research projects, as well as applying for external funding. Key responsibilities include communicating research results clearly to various societal stakeholders, conducting research and supervising both research and projects at various levels within the field.
Open position: Professor of meteorology
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Wide range of meteorological expertise
The Meteorology Research Unit conducts research and development work across weather forecasting, climate analysis, understanding atmospheric processes, and air quality. The unit employs over 40 people working with observational data, meteorological analyses, and the development of models for regional weather forecasts in the Nordic region, as well as remote sensing, climate analysis, and air quality on scales from urban to global.
A core part of the work is the ongoing development and improvement of numerical computational systems. Research and development increase the knowledge base of the models, refine descriptions of physical processes in the atmosphere and near the land surface, improve model resolution, and integrate data from new data sources. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning have for many years been used, for example, to process and analyse data. More recently, they have become increasingly valuable tools in a wider range of processes and applications, not least in the area of weather forecasting, where AI-driven forecasts have developed rapidly.
Research directions of interest
The professorship has a broad scope, covering several research directions of interest, including the development and application of artificial intelligence and machine learning methods; data assimilation; in situ, remote sensing and third-party observations; high-resolution reanalyses; physical process modelling; high-resolution model systems; and dispersion modelling. Other relevant areas within meteorology may also be considered.
Much of the research and development conducted at SMHI is directly utilised in the agency’s products and services of vital importance to society. The research environment is multicultural, with a strong emphasis on international projects and collaborations.
“We look forward to welcoming a Professor of Meteorology. This role is important for strengthening our meteorological research and completing our set of four subject professors,” emphasizes Helén Andersson.
Appointment during the year
The Professorship of Meteorology is open for applications until 30 June 2025. The appointment process includes expert review of candidates’ qualifications as well as interviews and trial lectures.
Professors at SMHI
SMHI is an expert agency within meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, and climate. The entire agency’s work is based on a scientific foundation. SMHI’s Research and Development Department has approximately 140 employees working with applied research, method development and modelling.
In 2017, SMHI’s mandate was updated to allow the agency to appoint a professor in each subject area. So far, SMHI has appointed three professors: Erik Kjellström, Professor of Climate Science; Berit Arheimer, Professor of Hydrology; and Lars Arneborg, Professor of Oceanography.
