Wits FineCast Researcher in Machine Learning and MLOps, South Africa 2026
University of the Witwatersrand
The University of the Witwatersrand is hiring a full-time researcher for its FineCast AI weather and climate forecasting project in Johannesburg. The two-year fixed-term role calls for postgraduate machine learning expertise and hands-on ML pipelines. Apply through Wits iRecruitment by 18 October 2026; the advert does not state a salary amount.
The University of the Witwatersrand’s School of Statistics and Actuarial Science seeks a Researcher in Machine Learning and MLOps for FineCast, its AI weather and climate forecasting work. This is a full-time, two-year fixed-term appointment based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The researcher will help develop and deploy machine learning systems for weather and climate applications.
Applicants need a Master’s degree or PhD in computer science, machine learning, data science, software engineering, applied mathematics or a related discipline. Wits asks for Python and experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow or JAX; ML pipelines; large scientific or geospatial datasets; HPC, GPU or cloud computing; and Git. Experience in MLOps and weather or climate applications is advantageous. The advert does not give a salary figure.
Apply via the official Wits iRecruitment vacancy page by 18 October 2026. Its Apply Now button leads to the applicant login or registration page. Prepare a letter of motivation describing relevant climate modelling experience, research interests and future plans, a CV and details of three referees. Professor Rendani Mbuvha (rendani.mbuvha@wits.ac.za) is named for informal enquiries; use the online application system to apply.
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Check the current official call before applying
Recorded source check: October 14, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
Eligibility summary
Applicants need a Master’s degree or PhD in computer science, machine learning, data science, software engineering, applied mathematics or a related discipline. The official advert does not specify a nationality restriction; applicants should check work authorization requirements with Wits.
Requirements
Experience with Python, a major deep learning framework such as PyTorch, TensorFlow or JAX, machine learning pipelines, large scientific or geospatial data, HPC/GPU/cloud computing and Git. MLOps and climate or weather modelling experience are advantageous.
Documents required
Letter of motivation addressing relevant climate modelling experience, research interests and future research plans; CV; contact details for three referees. Submit via Wits iRecruitment.
Language/test requirements
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