Senior Research Scientist/Research Scientist: Core Modelling Development Branch

National Environment Agency

Fixed Terms

Closing on 22 Oct 2025

What the role is

The Centre for Climate Research Singapore (CCRS) is a division of the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS). At CCRS, our mission is to advance scientific understanding of tropical climate variability and change and its associated weather systems affecting Singapore and the wider Southeast Asia region, so that the knowledge and expertise can benefit decision makers and the community. Our vision is to be a world leading centre in tropical climate and weather research focussing on the Southeast Asia region.

Within CCRS, the Department for Weather Research (DWR) leads the research and development (R&D) of our core tropical, convective-scale ‘SINGV’ modelling system for both weather and climate change applications. DWR also undertakes R&D and oversees the transition to operations of SINGV-based local numerical weather prediction (NWP) capabilities with lead times up to two days ahead. The DWR works closely with CCRS’s Department of Climate Research (DCR) and High Performance Computing (HPC) Branch, and MSS forecasters. Externally, CCRS is developing strategic collaborations with local universities and research institutes through the recently formed Climate and Water Research Alliance Singapore (CAWRAS). CCRS also works closely with a number of international organisations including the UK Met Office, Australian Bureau of Meteorology, and US National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Since 2022, CCRS has been a core member of the international Momentum (formerly Unified Model - UM) partnership.

The DWR Core Modelling Development (CMD) branch is responsible for developing CCRS’s core ‘SINGV’ modelling capabilities, using both physical-dynamical and data-driven/Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, with a focus on the representation of the underlying physical and dynamical processes governing weather and climate in the Southeast Asian region. The CMD branch works closely with other CCRS branches to further develop/evaluate the core SINGV system in specific weather and climate change applications, and with local agencies and institutes of higher learning to share research outcomes and further develop advanced modelling systems for the region.

This new position seeks a talented atmospheric scientist, data scientist or computer scientist to contribute to the development of next-generation atmosphere-land-ocean modelling systems, combining physical-dynamical and AI approaches. You will work closely with CCRS’s local and international partners to transition CCRS’s current UM-based “SINGV’ model into a next-generation physically based and AI-enabled modelling system that will underpin better regional numerical weather prediction and climate change projections.

What you will be working on

The job scope will include but not limited to the following:

Contribute to the development of CCRS’s next-generation of AI and physical regional atmosphere and coupled ocean-atmosphere-land-wave modelling systems
Apply AI, physical and hybrid models to explore the processes governing convective weather in deep tropics
Develop ways of combining physical models with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve and accelerate regional weather prediction and climate simulations
Work with local and international partners to expand the use of CCRS’s next generation (SINGV_NG) regional modelling capabilities in weather and climate research and applications.
Publishing research outcomes in peer-reviewed publications and presenting findings at international meetings

What we are looking for

The job might be for you if you possess the following:

BSc/Master degree/PhD in atmospheric sciences, computer science, mathematics, physics, or a related field.
Postdoctoral research experience in an area of weather/climate modelling, artificial intelligence, mathematical modelling or a related subject (desirable)
High level of proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Fortran, Python) and experience of using HPC.
Familiarity with regional modelling, for example using the regional modelling suites developed under the Momentum Partnership, or the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) (desirable).
Familiarity with the theory and application of Artificial Intelligence algorithms for solving physical problems (desirable)
Good written and verbal communication skills, with publications in peer-reviewed journals (desirable).
Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary, international scientific team
Ability to work effectively to deadlines on individual projects and as part of a diverse team.
Interest and passion to deliver relevant R&D for societal benefits.
Ability to network effectively with the local and international research community.
Ability to engage and communicate with scientists and stakeholders from diverse communities.

As part of the shortlisting process for this role, you may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.

About National Environment Agency

The National Environment Agency (NEA) is the leading public organisation responsible for ensuring a clean and sustainable environment for Singapore. Its key roles are to improve and sustain a clean environment, promote sustainability and resource efficiency, maintain high public health standards, provide timely and reliable meteorological information, and encourage a vibrant hawker culture. NEA works closely with its partners and the community to develop and spearhead environmental and public health initiatives and programmes. It is committed to motivating every individual to care for the environment as a way of life, in order to build a liveable and sustainable Singapore for present and future generations. For more information, visit www.nea.gov.sg

About your application process

This job is closing on 22 Oct 2025.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the job ad closing date, we seek your understanding that it is likely that we are not moving forward with your application for this role. We thank you for your interest and would like to assure you that this does not affect your other job applications with the Public Service. We encourage you to explore and apply for other roles within National Environment Agency or the wider Public Service.