Aurora

Aurora is our weekly newsletter aimed at faculty, staff, and students of the department.

Volume
29

No.
13

Employment & Opportunities

Experimental Freshwater Ecologist position (tenure track) - IGB Berlin

The tenure track position is for an experimental freshwater ecologist combining experiments and field observations, with a potential focus on how planktonic or benthic primary producers and invertebrates interact with each other and respond to multiple stressors.

For more details, please see here.

Co-op Opportunity, Meteorological Assistant - Weatherlogics Inc.

Closing Date: February 8, 2026 by 11:59 pm CST.
Job Type: Temporary; Full Time (16 weeks in spring-summer 2026).
Location: Employee will work remotely. Weatherlogics is located in Winnipeg, MB.

Position Overview
Weatherlogics Inc. is seeking a meteorological assistant to assist with the preparation of weather forecasts, data collection, and data analysis. The successful applicant will undertake a combination of team and independent work within a professional environment. This position will involve assisting
professional meteorologist(s) with daily weather forecasting activities. It will also involve special meteorological projects and the collection/analysis of meteorological data using scientific programming.

Description of Position

  • Assist professional meteorologist(s) with the preparation of weather forecasts:
    o Assist in the production of weather maps.
    o Prepare written weather statements with guidance from a supervisor.
    o Enter forecast data into meteorological databases.
    o Assist in the analysis, diagnosis, and prognosis of high-impact weather conditions across Canada.
  • Assist with the collection of meteorological data related to:
    o Severe convective storms (e.g. hail, wind, tornadoes, heavy rain).
    o Agriculture (e.g. soil temperatures, soil moisture, crop reports).
    o Climates of Canadian cities/towns (e.g. long-term raw weather data).
  • Assist with special projects relating to the development of meteorological algorithms or methodologies:
    o Help to write scientific programs using Python that can be used to visualize or analyze data.
    o Use data-analysis software to identify trends in meteorological data.

Position Responsibilities

  • Exact responsibilities will be determined by the skills possessed by the successful applicant. Responsibilities that will apply to any applicant include:
    o Preparing weather maps for agriculture and fire weather forecasts.
    o Inputting severe weather data into a meteorological database.
    o Analyzing historical climate data.

Keys to Success

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to explain complex issues using simple language.
  • Willingness to continually learn new concepts and methods.
  • Meeting tight deadlines.
  • Calm under pressure or in stressful situations.

Educational and Other Requirements

The successful applicant will meet or exceed the following requirements:

  • Currently enrolled in a B.Sc. in atmospheric science/meteorology, or a science degree with courses
    in the following areas (Note: applicants are not required to have taken all these courses, but more courses will result in a stronger application):
    o Atmospheric thermodynamics and dynamics.
    o Synoptic and mesoscale meteorology.
    o Numerical weather prediction.
    o Boundary-layer meteorology.
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (especially Microsoft Excel).
  • The position may include some shift work, including evenings and weekends.
  • Note: Only applicants who are currently enrolled at a Canadian post-secondary institution are eligible for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

The following are not required for this position, but will enhance your application:

  • Knowledge of scientific programming – e.g. python.
  • Knowledge of agriculture.
  • Knowledge of UNIX environment(s).

To Apply

Please send all applications to info@weatherlogics.com or the job coordinator at your institution. Applications must be submitted prior to the closing date/time. Late applications will not be accepted.

While we appreciate all applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants that reach the interview stage may be required to:

  • Provide proof of education, including courses taken.
  • Undertake an oral test to assess proficiency in communication skills and knowledge of meteorology.

Why Weatherlogics?

Weatherlogics is committed to the highest standards of excellence in the field of meteorology. The quality, accuracy, and professionalism of our work is paramount. Our employees are challenged to always do their best work and our given opportunities to continually enhance their skills. We strive to maintain a professional, yet congenial relationship with our employees and clients.

Postdoctoral Position in Ecological Knowledge-Guided Machine Learning - Aarhus University

A 2.5-year position as Postdoctoral Researcher within the field of Freshwater Ecology is available at the Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University.  The expected start date is 1st of September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position seeks to strengthen and complement the Department’s ongoing activities in freshwater ecology, particularly aquatic ecosystem modelling and water quality modelling, with focus on Knowledge-Guided Machine Learning. The position is a rewarding opportunity to be integrated in an excellent freshwater group. The department’s research and advisory activities are project-based with a solid tradition in cross-disciplinary research and international collaboration.

The postdoctoral researcher will work with Dr. Robert Ladwig on developing hybrid models that integrate limnological knowledge into machine learning models following the paradigm of Knowledge-Guided Machine Learning (KGML). A specific aim is to further develop the methodology of modular compositional learning, which combines multiple parts, either process-based or machine learning, into one framework for better projections. To get more data for model verification, we are deploying novel monitoring buoys all over Denmark.

The project provides training and growth opportunities in AI. Candidates who have strong interest in machine learning, but minimal experience, are encouraged to apply. You will work closely within an interdisciplinary team of computational and applied scientists, and with many international partners.

The ideal candidate should have:

  • A PhD in environmental engineering, ecology, environmental science, biology, data science, computer science, or a closely related field
  • Knowledge of freshwater ecology and/or physical limnology
  • Experience with numerical modelling
  • Experience with programming languages, esp. Python, and familiarity in NumPy, SciPy and Pandas
  • Experience with scientific programming 
  • Experience with scientific writing
  • Excellent written and spoken English
  • Interest in deep learning and Knowledge-Guided Machine Learning
  • Interest in scikit-learn, PyTorch and TensorFlow

Personal qualifications required include the ability to work closely with other researchers/groups within the Department as well as with external end users, and the ability to collaborate and build relationships. Teamwork and cross-disciplinary research are key elements for the Institute.

The Department of Ecoscience offers:

  • a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment
  • Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across Ecosciences focus groups and QGG
  • Mentorship and support in developing independent research directions
  • Support for grant writing and professional development
  • a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.

You can find all information here (and also apply over the link).

PhD Student Scholarships and Research Assistant/Research Associate/Postdoc Positions - Hong Kong Polytechnic University

PhD Scholarships & Research Assistant/Research Associate/Postdoc Positions are immediately available at the Micro-Laboratory of Atmospheric Research and Geomatics Engineering (Micro-LARGE), led by Prof. George Zhizhao Liu at the Department of Land Surveying & Geo-Informatics (LSGI), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), China. Prof. Liu is concurrently serving as a Chief Scientist of the Meteorological Observation Center, China Meteorological Administration (CMA), China; Scientific Advisor to the Hong Kong Observatory, the Government of HKSAR; Adjunct Professor of the University of Calgary, Canada. He is a key member of State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities, Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), China and the Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, HKSAR, China.

The recruited applicants have the freedom to choose one of the following wide range
of topics:

  • GPS/Beidou/GNSS Precise Positioning and Smartphone-based Navigation
  • Extreme Weather Modeling and Climate Change Modeling
  • Numerical Weather Prediction, Data Assimilation, and AI-based Weather Forecast
  • Hydrological Modeling for Flood Hazard Zoning and Risk Assessment
  • GPS/Beidou/GNSS for Aircraft/Drone Navigation and Low-Altitude Economy
  • Space Weather, Ionosphere, and Troposphere Monitoring
  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing Observation
  • Other Interesting Topics

The Micro-LARGE is a research intensive Laboratory dedicated to conducting interesting research that can create new knowledge and advance the techniques/technologies in the following areas: multi-sensor atmospheric water vapor observation, ionosphere and scintillation monitoring and their impact studies, R&D for GNSS novel algorithms, GNSS data quality control, GNSS PNT applications of high precision and reliability, and beyond. Primarily supported by highly competitive funds from the Research Grant Council (RGC) of the Government of HKSAR, the Micro-LARGE has equipped a suite of state-of-the-art facilities to support the Lab’s high-caliber research work. The members at the Micro-LARGE have been consistently carrying out stimulating cross-disciplinary research in the above areas over the years. Aiming at producing high-impact outcomes of scientific significance and industrial values, the Micro-LARGE has been widely recognized by the community and has gained reputations internationally. The
Micro-LARGE maintains a close collaboration with Hong Kong local, Chinese Mainland, and international scientists in different continents.

The interesting applicants are encouraged to contact Professor George Liu: lszzliu@polyu.edu.hk. Motivated and independent researchers with a good publication record are especially welcome. The remuneration and medical insurance will be internationally competitive.

About The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

With more than 80 years of proud tradition, PolyU, located at the heart of the Asia’s gateway Hong Kong, is a world-class research university, with QS Ranking: 54th in 2026 and U.S. News Ranking: 58th in 2026. Hong Kong is one of the world’s most dynamic, culturally diversified, and highly developed metropolis with internationally unique charisma.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is a home for educating thinkers, communicators and discoverers in delivering positive impact. We are committed to training tomorrow’s leaders today, through a professionally-oriented education that delivers graduates unrivaled placements to thrive in businesses and industries.

We strive in inter-disciplinary research and impactful innovations for discoveries to solve real-world challenges. Our researchers are developing breakthrough ideas, fostering sustainability, lifting economic outcomes, and improving communities’ lives for the benefit of Hong Kong, the nation and the world.

About Prof. George Liu

Prof. George Zhizhao Liu is currently a full professor at the Department of Land Surveying & Geo-Informatics (LSGI), Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Prof. Liu is concurrently serving as Chief Scientist of the Meteorological Observation Center, China Meteorological Administration (CMA), China; Scientific Advisor to the Hong Kong Observatory, the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); Adjunct Professor of the University of Calgary, Canada. He is a key member of State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities, Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), China; and the Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, HKSAR, China. He is the Founding President of Hong Kong Chapter of Canadian Institute of Geomatics (CIG) and was the President of the International Association of
Chinese Professionals in Global Positioning Systems (CPGPS) in 2013.

The Micro-Laboratory of Atmospheric Research and Geomatics Engineering (Micro-LARGE) that he founded in 2009 has gained international recognition for its pioneering work in satellite navigation, atmospheric remote sensing, and numerical weather prediction. The Lab’s key innovations include developing fundamental and widely adopted GPS/GNSS algorithms, pioneering the concept of "non-physical models" and “GPS/GNSS big data” for calibrating all-weather satellite water vapor retrievals and reducing error by 20% to 60%. His Lab is the 2nd organization globally to successfully assimilate near-infrared satellite water vapor data into numerical weather models, after the UK Met Office. The Lab was also the first to evaluate the economic impact of space weather on aviation, earning recognition from NASA JPL and as a highlight in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment.

He has trained three doctoral students to win the prestigious “Zhu Kezhen” Best Paper Prize and three students (the 2nd highest in the faculty) to win the "FCE Awards for Outstanding PhD Theses” from the Faculty of Construction and Environment (FCE), PolyU, among many other awards/honors. Dr. Liu serves as a national program grant reviewer for a number of countries and a paper reviewer for 50+ SCI journals. He is one of only five scholars worldwide to serve on the editorial boards of the world's three leading journals in satellite navigation. He graduated with a PhD degree from the University of Calgary, Canada.

According to Google scholar citation ranking, Prof. Liu was ranked globally as (as of 1 February 2026):
3rd in the field of “troposphere”
5th in the field of “water vapor”
50th in the field of “GPS”
52nd in the field of “Numerical Weather Prediction”
55th in the field of “ionosphere”
60th in the field of “GNSS”
135th in the field of “geodesy”

Note to Applicants

Please send your full, complete CV including list of publications and awards/honors/scholarships as well as your BSc, and MSc transcripts to Prof. George Liu: lszzliu@polyu.edu.hk.

This advertisement is valid until all the positions are filled. Please note, The Micro-LARGE Laboratory routinely recruits at least one PhD student each year and every year. You can send your PhD application anytime each year and the PolyU admits PhD students multiple times a year.

News & Events

MSc Thesis Defense – Tenoch Galeana-Cornejo

Meya Kimberlite dyke: Classification and Diamond Potential

Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: ESB 5104