12807 - Early career postgraduate researcher in crop modelling and machine learning for climate-risk assessment on agricultural systems

CMCC Position cod. 12807
Early career postgraduate researcher in crop modelling and machine learning for climate-risk assessment on agricultural systems
Deadline: 23rd, 2025

What We Are Looking For
We are looking for an Early career postgraduate researcher to join our team in conducting crop modelling activities aimed at assessing the impacts of climate change on agricultural systems. The candidates will contribute to support the application of crop models and/or machine learning approaches to evaluate the effects of climate change on agriculture and to identify effective adaptation and mitigation strategies to enhance the resilience and sustainability of agricultural systems. The work will also involve integrating socio-economic indicators to assess climate-related risks in agriculture and food (in)security risk. The positions are based at the Impact on Agriculture, Forests and Ecosystem Services (IAFES) division in Sassari, where the candidates will work in close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of scientists.

About Us
CMCC Foundation is a cross-cutting scientific research center on climate change and its interactions with the environment, society, the world of business, and policymakers. Our work aims to stimulate sustainable growth, protect the environment, and develop strategies for the adaptation and mitigation of climate change. CMCC's core objective is to conduct cutting-edge science, to train the next generation of scientists at both national and international levels, and to be a beacon for climate modelling.

CMCC pursues fundamental and applied science with utmost scientific integrity, prioritizing data-driven science and providing data, information, and research results that can support informed public debate and decision-making processes. To achieve climate research objectives at the highest international standards, we invest in training all our talents, and strive to create a workplace where everyone can excel.

At CMCC you will find a strong, professional environment. Join an inclusive community that values diversity, where every voice is heard and respected. Help foster a culture of innovation and societal change, where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed.

To learn more about this opportunity and submit your application, please refer to the following:
ROLE
The Early career postgraduate researcher candidate will contribute to research activities assessing the impacts of climate change on agricultural systems and identifying adaptation and mitigation strategies. Working under the supervision of CMCC scientists, the candidate will support the implementation of process-based crop models and data-driven methods to simulate crop growth, productivity, and resilience under different climate scenarios.

Main tasks include collecting, organizing, and analyzing agronomic and climatic data, calibration and validation of crop models, and contributing to the development of machine learning tools for crop yield prediction and climate-risk assessment. The candidate will also help in integrating model outputs with socio-economic indicators to evaluate agricultural vulnerabilities and support decision-making for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

Responsibilities
The Early career postgraduate researcher will support the IAFES division with:

• Collect data and prepare input for the parameterization and validation of crop models based on measured data
• Running simulations under climate change scenarios
• Support the implementation of machine learning models to predict crop yield
• Collect data and prepare input to integrate agronomic results with socio-economic indicators for climate-risk and food security assessment
• Support the preparation of technical reports, graphs, and geospatial visualizations
• Communicate research outcomes through high-impact publications and presentations at conferences

Requirements

• Master's degree in Agricultural Science or related disciplines
• Preferably some experience (e.g., thesis or internship) in crop modelling and climate data analysis
• Preferably some expertise in machine learning frameworks
• Preferably some programming skills in Python, R, or similar languages
• Basic experience with geospatial analysis and visualization tools
• Very good knowledge of the English language, with strong communication skills for collaboration within a multidisciplinary team
• Availability to travel for limited periods
• Scientific publications and documented research experience on topics relevant to the present call will be evaluated in the evaluation of candidates

Duration, Compensation & Benefits

• Please note that this opportunity will be issued both internally and externally.
• The appointment period will be initially 12 months, renewable for 12 additional months pending a positive evaluation.
• The gross annual salary range is 17000 to 30000 Euros, depending on qualification and working experience.
• Welfare package, for minimum 12 months contract
• Flexible working time as per internal policies
• Support during the immigration process, if needed

PROTECTED CATEGORY
Belonging to legally protected categories (ex L. 68/99) will constitute a preferential condition.

Some fiscal benefits could be applied for repatriated workers or foreign researchers/professors, having the requirements defined by Dlgs 147/2015 (for repatriates) or Dl 78/2010 (for foreigners).

CMCC is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status, and other legally protected characteristics. Please omit from your CV any data you or we might consider discriminatory.

This job announcement is an invitation to express interest in the above-mentioned CMCC Position.