Climate change research and innovations in weather forecasting and seismology rely more and more on data. Besides increasing data from traditional sources such as observation networks, radars and satellites, use of data from other domains such as open data, crowd sourced data and the Internet of Things is emerging. The DataLab of the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute performs research and development to deploy these sources of data optimally in services and products. Big data management and processing, data analytics including machine learning and data visualisation techniques play an important role, where your contribution is required.

You will work as a data scientist on data-driven innovations that arise from multidisciplinary themes such as climate change, energy and mobility. Challenges include exploration of data, testing of algorithms, and demonstration of concepts and minimum viable products. On request, you will also advise on (big) data techniques and data sources.

You will be a core team member of the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) DataLab, contributing relevant knowledge of data science, including a network of data science experts. Creativity and craftsmanship are needed to implement novel data analytics techniques. You actively scout for new data management and analytics methods and technologies, participate in conferences and publish scientific publications. You apply data science proactively to make knowledge available to a wider community, in the form of (e.g.) presentations, demos and tools. As a team player you contribute to a creative and inspiring working environment.

You have knowledge and experience of the different infrastructures, tools and applications that support big data management and processing, data analytics, machine learning and data visualisation. Passion for weather, climate and seismology applications is considered an advantage.

Our ideal candidate is an enthusiastic, creative and perseverant person with the following qualifications and skills:

• You have an MSc or PhD in computer science, mathematics or another relevant area.
• You have at least two to five years of applied research experience in the domain of data management and processing, visualisation and analytics.
• You show a good mix of knowledge in math and statistics, computer science, and applied analytics knowledge to have products to work.
• You have hands-on experience of data analysis techniques (e.g. clustering, statistical analysis, graph analysis, pattern recognition), including solid programming skills.
• You have hands-on experience of tools for data integration, analysis and modelling.
• You have experience of data analytics languages such as R, MATLAB, and Python, and of distributed environments (e.g. Hadoop clusters, Apache Spark), coding languages (Java, C/C++, Fortran) and various SQL and non-SQL databases (e.g. Apache Cassandra, Apache HBase, MongoDB).
• You are proficient in a Unix/Linux environment.
• You have good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong personal relationships at all levels in multiple disciplines, both internal and external to KNMI.
• You are experienced in consulting clients and customers to obtain their essential needs and be able to transform those into practical efficient working solutions.
• You are fluent in written and spoken English.
• You are a team player in multidisciplinary and international settings, you are able to adapt quickly and with a problem solving attitude.
• You are curious, proactive and a fast learner who can quickly master new areas of knowledge.

Fixed-term contract: 3 years.

Salarisniveau: schaal 11 en schaal 12
Maandsalaris: Min €2.996 – Max. €5.219 (bruto)
Dienstverband: Tijdelijke aanstelling voor de duur van project / traject / werkzaamheden
Contractduur: This is a fulltime position for 3 years
Maximaal aantal uren per week: 36

In addition to the salary and holiday pay, you can expect to receive an end-of-year payment, the so-called ‘13th month’. The national government strongly adheres to personal growth and career development and offers several opportunities to facilitate this. The terms of employment include, amongst other things, a maximum of 55% paid parental leave (conditions apply), facilities to study, an additional leave plan for older employees and reimbursement of commuting costs. Moreover, the national government also offers a range of options to shape your total employment package based on individual choice.

This is a fulltime position for three years.

Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI)

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) is the national institute for weather, climate research and seismology. It disseminates weather information to the public at large, the government, aviation and the shipping industry in the interest of safety, the economy and a sustainable environment. To gain insight into long-term developments, KNMI conducts research on climate change. An important role of KNMI is to help society to reduce risks by giving warnings to the general public and specific customers.

KNMI DataLab

Climate change research and innovations in weather forecasting and seismology rely more and more on data. Besides increasing data from traditional sources such as observation networks, radars and satellites, use of open data from open data, crowd sourced data and the Internet of Things (IoT) is emerging.
In collaboration with public and private sector partners, the KNMI DataLab performs research and development to deploy these sources of data optimally in our services and products. Big data management, data analytics including machine learning and data visualisation techniques are playing an important role, where your contribution is required!