About the opportunity
The Climate Risk Lab is seeking a Data Science and Machine Learning Fellow to support groundbreaking science, tools, and policies aimed at protecting people and nature from climate change. Working in Cape Town, the fellow will provide data science expertise across climate, environmental, health, and socioeconomic datasets. Responsibilities include analyzing big datasets, applying and developing AI tools, cleaning and optimizing spatial-temporal datasets, maintaining reproducible workflows via GitHub, and leading or co-leading a research project toward a peer-reviewed publication, toolkit, or dataset. Fellows receive dedicated mentorship from senior data scientists or postdoctoral researchers, participate in working group meetings with international collaborators, and have opportunities to attend conferences. This full-time position lasts for one year with a possible one-year renewal based on performance, and potential pathways into a PhD scholarship or postdoc funding.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive remuneration based on candidate experience and academic/market rates
- Mentorship support paired with a senior data scientist or postdoctoral researcher
- Opportunities to lead data-intensive research and co-author peer-reviewed publications, toolkits, or datasets
- Participation in working group meetings with international collaborators and attendance at conferences
- Potential for a one-year position renewal based on performance
- Potential pathway for the fellowship to transition into a PhD scholarship or postdoc funding
Who can apply?
- Hold an MSc degree or first-class Honours degree (completed or in final year) in data science, machine learning, computer science, mathematics, statistics, econometrics, engineering, physics, or related fields
- Proficiency in programming languages, preferably Python or R
- Solid grounding in statistics and/or data science principles
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Availability to travel internationally if needed
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a statement specifying whether you hold a valid South African work or study permit
- Names, positions, and email addresses of two professional referees included in the CV
- Cover letter describing why you are a good fit for the fellowship
- Academic transcript
- Optional: Links to GitHub, Jupyter notebooks, or other written code examples
- Optional: Personal website and/or LinkedIn profile
When to apply
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with a preference for the applicant to start in February 2027
- First reviews of candidates begin in October 2026
- The position remains open until filled
- Published on 17 September 2026
How to apply
- Prepare all required application documents into a single PDF file
- Submit your application through the official Google Form at https://forms.gle/bjVBrhMJzQDAjPNN7
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a technical interview
Additional information
- For inquiries, contact Puja Pande via email at puja.pande@uct.ac.za
- The lab particularly encourages applications from historically underrepresented groups, such as female-identifying people of color
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Recent graduates or master's holders in quantitative disciplines who want to apply machine learning and data science directly to pressing climate and environmental challenges
- Researchers eager to publish peer-reviewed work and gain international collaborative experience under senior mentorship
- Candidates looking for a structured stepping stone toward a PhD or postdoctoral research career in climate analytics
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires physical presence in Cape Town, meaning international applicants must factor in relocation and visa logistics
- It is a fixed-term one-year appointment with renewal contingent on performance
- Applicants must verify their own eligibility regarding South African work or study permits
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship serves as an ideal bridge for recent quantitative graduates looking to transition from academic theory into applied, high-impact climate research. By combining dedicated mentorship, collaborative international networking, and independent project leadership, it effectively builds both technical portfolio depth and academic credentials.
Our take
This opportunity is highly recommended for aspiring data scientists and researchers with strong technical foundations who want to build a career in climate solutions. Candidates who are not prepared for a fixed-term contract or relocation to South Africa may find it less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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