Talent.com
Research Lead

Research Lead

AfriclimateWorkFromHome, Eastern Cape, South Africa
30+ days ago
Job description

The Research Lead will provide scientific and operational leadership for AfriClimate AI’s applied research portfolio, guiding the development, fine-tuning, and validation of AI-driven climate and weather modelling tools. The role involves coordinating a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with African and international partners, and ensuring research outputs are high-quality, open, and impactful.

Research Leadership & Delivery

  • Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of AI-powered, localised climate and weather forecasting methodologies.
  • Support the integration of observational data, satellite products, and global reanalysis datasets with AI-based and statistical models.
  • Develop benchmarking frameworks for model performance, including bias correction and uncertainty quantification.
  • Implement and manage MLOps pipelines for training, deployment, monitoring, and updating AI models in production environments.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams on data collection, model training, and deployment.
  • Manage timelines, milestones, and deliverables in line with project objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Dissemination

  • Collaborate with meteorological agencies, academic institutions, and industry partners.
  • Present research findings at workshops, conferences, and policy forums.
  • Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at leading conferences.
  • Contribute to open-source codebases, datasets, and technical documentation.
  • Essential Qualifications & Experience

  • PhD (or equivalent experience) in Meteorology, Climate Science, Machine Learning, or related field.
  • Proven track record in AI or statistical modelling for climate or weather applications.
  • Experience working with geospatial and gridded datasets (e.g., ERA5, CHIRPS, satellite data).
  • Knowledge of numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems and data assimilation.
  • Proficiency in Python.
  • Excellent communication skills required, including the ability to convey complex ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Strong publication record and ability to communicate research to diverse audiences.
  • Desirable Skills & Experience

  • Experience working with African climate datasets and / or in data-sparse contexts.
  • Experience with MLOps tools (e.g., MLflow, Kubeflow, Airflow, Docker, Kubernetes) for model lifecycle management.
  • Proven experience in setting up project workflows and using tools such as Jira, with a strong understanding of agile methodologies, including Scrum.
  • Experience in cloud-based ML workflows (AWS, GCP, Azure) and GPU / TPU environments.
  • Expertise in bias correction, ensemble forecasting, and probabilistic skill assessment.
  • Experience in engaging with policy and decision-making communities.
  • Familiarity with open science and FAIR data principles.
  • AfriClimate AI

    AfriClimate AI is a grassroots research organisation advancing climate resilience in Africa through open, community-driven AI research. We focus on developing region-specific datasets, tools, and methodologies to bridge the gap between global models and local needs, supporting equitable and actionable climate solutions across the continent.

  • Mission-driven impact : Contribute to climate resilience and equity across Africa through open, locally grounded research.
  • Flexible, remote-first work : Collaborate with an international network while working from anywhere in Africa.
  • Leadership & visibility : Represent AfriClimate AI in high-level forums, co-author publications, and influence global conversations on AI for climate.
  • Open science ethos : Work in a fully open-source, community-driven environment that values transparency, reproducibility, and shared ownership.
  • Professional growth : Access mentorship, attend leading conferences, and shape the future of climate AI research in the Global South.
  • Collaborative culture : Join a multidisciplinary, values-aligned team working at the intersection of science, technology, and social impact.
  • Travel opportunities : Participate in key events, workshops, and field collaborations across Africa and beyond.
  • Competitive compensation : Receive a salary package that reflects your expertise, with flexibility for different levels of experience and location.
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

    Create a job alert for this search

    Research Research • WorkFromHome, Eastern Cape, South Africa

    Related jobs
    • Promoted
    Lead Generation Specialist

    Lead Generation Specialist

    Talent ShoreWorkFromHome, Eastern Cape, South Africa
    Job Title : Lead Generation Specialist (South Africa – Remote).Location : South Africa (Remote).We are a leading provider of innovative printing and technology- driven marketing solutions.We deliver ...Show moreLast updated: 15 days ago
    • Promoted
    • New!
    Senior Statistical Programmer - South Africa (Remote)

    Senior Statistical Programmer - South Africa (Remote)

    MMSWorkFromHome, Eastern Cape, South Africa
    Remote
    Senior Statistical Programmer - South Africa (Remote).MMS is an award‑winning, data‑focused clinical research organization that supports the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries a...Show moreLast updated: 15 hours ago
    • Promoted
    Senior Project Manager Market Research Remote

    Senior Project Manager Market Research Remote

    Hustle Consulting (Pty) LtdOos-Kaap, South Africa
    Remote
    Our client consists of a group of experienced industry veterans looking to revolutionize the survey data and sampling process. Their clients include the world’s top management consultancies, market ...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Freelance Peer Reviewer - Multiple myeloma

    Freelance Peer Reviewer - Multiple myeloma

    Cactus CommunicationsWorkFromHome, Eastern Cape, South Africa
    Freelance Peer Reviewer - Multiple myeloma.Freelance Peer Reviewer - Multiple myeloma.We are currently looking for researchers, retired researchers, and former researchers who can perform peer revi...Show moreLast updated: 29 days ago
    • Promoted
    Senior Project Manager - Market Research - (Remote South Africa; US Hours) R42 000 - R46 000 CT[...]

    Senior Project Manager - Market Research - (Remote South Africa; US Hours) R42 000 - R46 000 CT[...]

    Hustle Consulting (Pty) LtdOos-Kaap, South Africa
    Remote
    Our client consists of a group of experienced industry veterans looking to revolutionize the survey data and sampling process. Their clients include the world’s top management consultancies, market ...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Lead Editor

    Lead Editor

    Longdue GamesWorkFromHome, Eastern Cape, South Africa
    Hopetown is a new narrative-first RPG inspired by Disco Elysium, built by a team that worked on Disco Elysium, including Martin Luiga (founder of the ZA / UM Cultural Movement, writer of several char...Show moreLast updated: 11 days ago
    • Promoted
    SU - Senior Research Analyst

    SU - Senior Research Analyst

    SomewhereWorkFromHome, Eastern Cape, South Africa
    This is a full-time remote role for a Senior Research Analyst at a growing U.The Senior Research Analyst will be responsible for conducting qualitative and quantitative research across the universe...Show moreLast updated: 17 days ago
    • Promoted
    Freelance Peer Reviewer - Vaccine adjuvants

    Freelance Peer Reviewer - Vaccine adjuvants

    Cactus CommunicationsWorkFromHome, Eastern Cape, South Africa
    Freelance Peer Reviewer - Vaccine adjuvants.You should be able to disclose your full name and affiliations with the publishers. Doctorate (PhD / MD) or equivalent advanced degree in the subject area.A...Show moreLast updated: 29 days ago
    • Promoted
    Analyst Research Remote

    Analyst Research Remote

    Hustle Consulting (Pty) LtdOos-Kaap, South Africa
    Remote
    The Strategic Partner Analyst will play a critical role in ensuring high Supply Partner satisfaction as they adopt and scale with our clients' Supply APIs and survey demand.This is an exciting oppo...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Research Manager – GiveDirectly

    Research Manager – GiveDirectly

    JobspaddyWorkFromHome, Eastern Cape, South Africa
    Support GD Fundraising and Field Operations teams funding bids through engagement with research partners (where relevant) and project funders and supporting the development of appropriate project m...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    CRA II

    CRA II

    Syneos Health, Inc.WorkFromHome, Eastern Cape, South Africa
    Syneos Health is a leading fully integrated biopharmaceutical solutions organization built to accelerate customer success. We translate unique clinical, medical affairs and commercial insights into ...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    • New!
    SayPro Strategic Partnerships Community Leaders Fellow SayPro116-CSPR-75 A7

    SayPro Strategic Partnerships Community Leaders Fellow SayPro116-CSPR-75 A7

    SayProWorkFromHome, Eastern Cape, South Africa
    Job Advert : SayPro Strategic Partnerships Community Leaders Fellow.Be the Bridge Between Communities and Progress.Community Leaders Fellowship Programme. Strategic Partnerships Division.This fellows...Show moreLast updated: 15 hours ago
    • Promoted
    Deputy Dean : Teaching and Learning and Research

    Deputy Dean : Teaching and Learning and Research

    University of Fort HareEastern Cape, South Africa
    A Doctoral Degree in the Law Discipline.Currently at the academic rank level of Professor or Associate Professor.At least five (5) years experience in a higher education environment.At least three ...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    • New!
    Machine Learning Engineer (Model Deployment / MLOps) (CPT Hybrid / Remote)

    Machine Learning Engineer (Model Deployment / MLOps) (CPT Hybrid / Remote)

    DataFinWorkFromHome, Eastern Cape, South Africa
    Remote
    A fast‑paced FinTech company seeks a passionate Machine Learning Engineer (MLOps focus) to power instant lending decisions—no humans in the loop. Its models drive credit risk, portfolio management a...Show moreLast updated: 15 hours ago
    • Promoted
    Lead Content Marketer

    Lead Content Marketer

    Talent SamWorkFromHome, Eastern Cape, South Africa
    As our Lead Content Marketer, you will play a crucial role in shaping our brand’s voice and connecting with our audience. You will be responsible for creating compelling long-form content across var...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Principal Product Architect, 2 Hour Learning (Remote) - $400,000 / year USD

    Principal Product Architect, 2 Hour Learning (Remote) - $400,000 / year USD

    TrilogyWorkFromHome, Eastern Cape, South Africa
    Remote
    Principal Product Architect, 2 Hour Learning (Remote) - $400,000 / year USD.Be among the first 25 applicants.This range is provided by Trilogy. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experie...Show moreLast updated: 13 days ago
    • Promoted
    Ux Researcher I

    Ux Researcher I

    RELXWorkFromHome, Eastern Cape, South Africa
    Are you keen to develop your UX Research career?.Do you enjoy innovating through technology?.LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 150 countries with 11,300 employees...Show moreLast updated: 6 days ago
    • Promoted
    Readvertisement : Senior Researcher (SR) / Associate Professor (AP)

    Readvertisement : Senior Researcher (SR) / Associate Professor (AP)

    Rhodes UniversityOos-Kaap, South Africa
    Readvertisement : Senior Researcher (SR) / Associate Professor (AP) - 5 Year Contract.Institute for the Study of the English of Africa. The Institute for the Study of the Englishes of Africa invites ...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago