Apply for the Data Science and Machine Learning Fellowship 2027: Climate Risk Lab Paid Fellowship at the University of Cape Town. The opportunity offers recent graduates practical research experience in data science, AI, machine learning, and climate risk.
Background & Fellowship Description
The Climate Risk Lab at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is inviting applications for a Data Science and Machine Learning Fellowship in Cape Town, South Africa.
The fellowship is designed for early-career researchers interested in applying data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to climate, environmental, health, and socioeconomic challenges.
The fellowship is full-time for one year, with possible renewal based on performance. The preferred start date is February 2027, while applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Fellowship Benefits
Fellows can receive:
- Competitive remuneration based on academic and market rates.
- Mentorship from a senior data scientist or postdoctoral researcher.
- Opportunities to lead or co-lead research projects.
- Experience working with large climate and environmental datasets.
- Opportunities to contribute to publications, datasets and research tools.
- International collaboration and conference opportunities.
- Potential pathways toward future PhD or postdoctoral funding.
- Possible one-year renewal.
Qualifications
Applicants should have an MSc or first-class Honours degree, completed or in the final year, in a relevant quantitative field such as:
- Data Science
- Machine Learning
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Econometrics
- Engineering
- Physics
Applicants should also have proficiency in Python or R, strong statistical and data science knowledge, and good written and verbal communication skills.
Experience with tools such as pandas, NumPy, xarray, zarr, netCDF4, terra, tidyverse, Arrow, DuckDB, Linux, Bash, GitHub, and high-performance computing is advantageous but not required for every applicant.
What Will the Fellow Do?
The fellow will support Climate Risk Lab research by analysing large datasets, developing AI tools, creating reproducible workflows, contributing to collaborative coding and working with spatiotemporal datasets.
The role may also involve leading or co-leading research that contributes to a publication, dataset or research toolkit.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit a single PDF containing their CV, details of two professional referees, cover letter, and academic transcript. GitHub repositories, Jupyter notebooks, coding examples, a personal website or LinkedIn profile may also be included.
Applications are submitted through the Climate Risk Lab’s online application form.
Application deadline: Until the position is filled
First review: October 2026
Preferred start: February 2027
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Duration: One year, with possible renewal
Remuneration: Competitive
Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, candidates are encouraged to apply early.
FAQ
Who can apply for the UCT Data Science Fellowship?
Recent graduates and final-year students with an MSc or first-class Honours degree in a relevant quantitative discipline can apply.
Is the fellowship paid?
Yes. The source states that fellows receive competitive remuneration based on academic and market rates.
Where is the fellowship based?
The fellowship is based at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa.
When does the fellowship start?
The preferred start date is February 2027.
What is the deadline?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Final Thoughts
The UCT Climate Risk Lab fellowship offers early-career data scientists and researchers a chance to apply AI, machine learning, and data science to real-world climate and environmental challenges while gaining research experience and mentorship.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the University of Cape Town or Climate Risk Lab and are simply sharing this opportunity.
Keywords: Data Science Fellowship 2027, Machine Learning Fellowship 2027, UCT fellowship 2027, University of Cape Town fellowship, Climate Risk Lab, paid fellowship South Africa, AI fellowship Africa, data science jobs South Africa, machine learning opportunities
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