Researcher in Meteorological Remote Sensing

At SMHI, we combine natural sciences and technology in most of what we do. Now you have the opportunity to contribute to a sustainable society with your expertise in satellite data and programming through our role in the European satellite collaboration EUMETSAT's application of satellite data for climate monitoring, Climate Monitoring Satellite Application Facility (CM SAF).

About the Research Unit

The Meteorology Unit at SMHI's research department conducts research and development in the areas of climate analysis, atmospheric processes, air quality, and weather forecasting. We work with remote sensing, climate analysis, development of numerical models for air quality and regional weather forecasts, as well as with observational data and meteorological analyses. Currently, we have 42 researchers in the unit, divided into two groups: environment/climate and forecasting/observation. Our activities are largely externally funded, and we attract research funding at both national and European levels.

About the Position

SMHI is now seeking a researcher to work on meteorological remote sensing focused on climate monitoring of clouds, precipitation, and radiation, with expertise in remote sensing in the visual, infrared, and/or microwave spectral range. The work is part of EUMETSAT's long-term project Climate Monitoring Satellite Application Facility (CM SAF). It primarily focuses on the development and implementation of methods for analyzing cloud parameters and precipitation from multispectral data. The work is carried out in close collaboration with colleagues in the research group, as well as with colleagues in related operations responsible for the operational processing of satellite data. Collaboration with international researchers and programmers within the project is an important part of this role.

Within the project, data from satellites focusing on global meteorological measurements with instruments such as AVHRR, VIIRS, MODIS, and SEVIRI are used. It is also important to adapt and develop methodologies for sensors on EUMETSAT's new generation of polar and geostationary satellites (with instruments such as FCI, METimage, and ICI). A specific goal is to develop a common methodology for climate analyses of datasets based on both geostationary and polar satellites.

The work largely consists of developing algorithms for cloud detection and deriving cloud properties through the application of various types of machine learning where data is compared with high-quality reference data. Calculations and development mainly take place on computer systems or clusters with high-performance computers, with a future shift towards increasing use of cloud resources.

Travel within and outside the country occurs about five times a year.

About You

You are an expert in remote sensing in the visual to infrared and/or microwave spectral range, with a strong background in the use of image data for meteorological and climatological applications. A PhD is desirable but not required. You have a university degree in meteorology/atmospheric physics, physics, engineering, or a related field. You have excellent command of English, both spoken and written. If you lack knowledge of Swedish, you should be able to acquire Swedish as a working language within two years.

Additional Requirements:

• Good programming skills and experience with testing.
• Ability to write high-standard code that is tested, easy to maintain, and efficient to execute. This applies both within SMHI's computing environment and especially within the operational environment of the CMSAF project, where large volumes of climate data are produced.
• Very good knowledge of Python and good experience with Linux environments.
• Good habits in documenting and reporting your work (technical and scientific)
• Broad knowledge of radiation theory

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in developing algorithms for cloud detection and analysis of cloud properties
• Expertise in machine learning
• Familiarity with version control of your own code.
• Experience with Pytroll/Satpy
• Broad experience with satellite products, handling large datasets, and product validation.
• Knowledge and experience in radiation transport calculations and models, e.g., RTTOV.
• Experience working in international projects.

As a person, you are goal-oriented and have good initiative as you will largely need to drive your own work. The tasks also require analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. The work is performed and coordinated with your team, making collaboration skills important, as well as the ability to communicate results internally and externally effectively.

Employment Type: Permanent, full-time.

Location: The primary location is at our office in Norrköping, but placement at our local office in Gothenburg is also possible. A majority of the working time is based at the office, but you have the option to work from home when it suits the operations.

Application Deadline: 2026-01-12

We welcome your application.

Read more about SMHI as an employer and about our offerings here.

SMHI is a Swedish expert authority with a global perspective and a vital task in forecasting changes in weather, water, and climate. Based on scientific foundations and through knowledge, research, and services, we contribute to increasing the sustainability of society as a whole. Every day, around the clock, year-round.

SMHI is a preparedness authority, and as an employee, you may be assigned to the authority in times of war.

Note that the documents and information you send to SMHI through your application become a public document. This means that all material in the application, including attachments, may need to be disclosed to anyone who requests it unless the information is covered by confidentiality under the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act. Please ensure that you primarily include what you consider relevant to the requirements of the position. Consider your privacy and avoid providing sensitive personal information, information about your or others' health, political opinions, or religious beliefs.