Machine Learning Weather Prediction

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Description

This fellowship opportunity at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) focuses on developing machine learning (ML) based weather prediction models to improve short-term forecasting of clouds and hazardous weather conditions critical to U.S. Navy operations. The ML models serve as computationally lightweight alternatives to traditional numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems and can be trained on diverse observational datasets.

The successful applicant will create an ML weather system that integrates various data inputs to generate optimal weather forecast guidance. A key research goal is to quantify how the performance of ML weather models depends on the types and combinations of observations used in training.

Keywords associated with this opportunity include machine learning, satellite data, numerical modeling, data fusion, meteorology, and nowcasting.

Due Dates

• Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)

Funding Amount

• Base stipend: $108,245 per year
• Travel allowance: $3,000 annually
• Relocation assistance available for awardees living more than 50 miles from the host laboratory
• Health insurance coverage available for awardees and qualifying dependents in the U.S.
• Typical fellowship duration is 2-3 years

Eligibility

• Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only
• Education: Applicants must have earned a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent research doctorate before beginning tenure
• Experience: Postdoctoral applicants must have held their doctorate for less than five years as of the application deadline
• Prior affiliation: Applicants with current or recent prior employment or postdoctoral fellowships at the sponsoring agency may be ineligible; research collaborations are generally acceptable unless continuing the same project or adviser
• Security: Some positions may require satisfactory completion of security clearance or National Agency Check (NAC)

Application Process

Steps to Apply

1. Review eligibility criteria on the NRC RAP website and confirm eligibility for this specific opportunity.
2. Identify this Research Opportunity (NRL code 64.16.66.B8579) and contact the Research Adviser, Jason Edward Nachamkin (jason.nachamkin.civ@us.navy.mil), to discuss your research proposal and funding availability.
3. Prepare application materials including:
   • Profile information (contact, education, transcripts)
   • Research proposal (maximum 10 pages) with sections on problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
   • Previous and current research description (max 4 pages)
   • List of publications and presentations (max 2 pages)
   • Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs)
4. Submit your application online via the NRC RAP application portal before the May 1 deadline.
5. Ensure all letters of recommendation are uploaded by letter writers by the deadline.

Important Notes

• Only one application per sponsoring federal agency is allowed per cycle.
• Letters of recommendation must be from individuals acquainted with your academic/professional background and not employed by the agency unless they have served as mentors or collaborators.
• Applications with incomplete or missing materials will not be reviewed.
• Reviewers evaluate applications on academic record, research merit, letters, and alignment with the host laboratory’s mission.

Additional Information

• Awardees must maintain health insurance coverage during tenure.
• Relocation expenses are reimbursed for those moving more than 50 miles to the host lab.
• Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance, meetings, or fieldwork.
• The fellowship provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship at NRL in Monterey, CA.
• The program fosters professional growth and career advancement in academia, industry, or government research.

External Links

• NRC Research Associateship Programs Home
• Machine Learning Weather Prediction Opportunity Details
• NRC RAP Application Portal
• Applicant Guide (PDF)
• Eligibility Criteria

Contact Information

For general questions about the NRC Research Associateship Programs, contact the Fellowships Office at rap@nas.edu or call 202-334-2760.