Data Science & AI Program Lead – Climate Tech Skilling

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Data Science & AI professional to support our innovative climate\-focused training program. This role combines teaching, curriculum development, industry engagement, and student mentorship in applying data science and AI technologies to climate challenges and disaster management.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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About the Program:<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/b><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>This role is part of <\/span><\/span>Project Mahathi<\/span><\/span>, a pioneering initiative by Climate Collective Foundation and Mahathi Degree College. The program offers a first\-of\-its\-kind <\/span><\/span>AI & Data for Climate 4th Year Honours Degree<\/span><\/span>, designed to equip students from low\-income, Tier 2 backgrounds with cutting\-edge skills in climate technology, data science, and artificial intelligence.<\/span><\/span> <\/span>
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Learn more: <\/span><\/span>https://startupearthcenter.com/mahathi<\/span><\/span><\/a>
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<\/span><\/span><\/span>Key Responsibilities<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/span><\/span>
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Design and deliver a 4th Year Honours curriculum focused on the application of data science and artificial intelligence to climate risk and disaster resilience.<\/span> <\/span><\/span>
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Develop and lead hands\-on, case\-based modules using Python, including topics such as:<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>
Geospatial analysis for climate infrastructure screening<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>
Natural language processing for disaster communication<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>
Generative AI for early warning and climate risk solutions<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>
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Provide high\-quality instruction and mentorship to a cohort of 50+ students from low\-income, Tier 2 backgrounds, with a strong focus on applied learning and career readiness.<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>
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Supervise and support student projects that apply machine learning and AI to real\-world climate problems using open datasets.<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>
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Manage the setup, maintenance, and use of the AI/Climate Tech Lab and ensure effective use of available tools and hardware (<\/span>e.g.<\/span> high\-end GPU machines, GIS software, Tableau).<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>
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Coordinate expert guest lectures, technical tool sessions, and industry immersion experiences to expose students to real applications and career pathways.<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>
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Provide guidance on professional development including CV building, communication skills, presentation design (<\/span>e.g.<\/span> Canva), and job interview readiness.<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>
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Support training of faculty members in delivering AI and data science modules as part of a \u201ctrain\-the\-trainer\u201d initiative.<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>
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Requirements<\/h3>
Qualifications<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/b><\/span>
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Education:<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/b><\/span>
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Minimum: <\/span>Master\u2019s degree in Computer Science<\/span>, Data Science, Statistics, Environmental Science, or a related field<\/span><\/span> <\/span>
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Relevant certifications in AI/ML, cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), or data science tools are an advantage<\/span><\/span> <\/span>
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Technical Expertise:<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/b><\/span>
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Strong programming skills in Python (pandas, scikit\-learn, <\/span>geopandas<\/span>, matplotlib); working knowledge of R is a plus<\/span><\/span> <\/span>
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Practical experience with machine learning, deep learning (TensorFlow, <\/span>PyTorch<\/span>, <\/span>Keras<\/span>), and model deployment workflows<\/span><\/span> <\/span>
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Proficiency<\/span> in data visualization and analytics tools such as Tableau (preferred), Power BI, and SQL<\/span><\/span> <\/span>
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Experience with geospatial tools and data (QGIS, ArcGIS), and working with satellite or environmental datasets<\/span><\/span> <\/span>
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Familiarity with cloud platforms and version control (Git)<\/span><\/span> <\/span>
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Experience:<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/b><\/span>
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Minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience in data science, analytics, or AI<\/span><\/span> <\/span>
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At least 2 years of teaching, training, or mentoring in academic or professional settings<\/span><\/span> <\/span>
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Prior experience in the climate sector, ESG analytics, or environmental consulting is highly desirable<\/span><\/span> <\/span>
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Proven ability to lead projects, manage teams, and mentor learners from diverse backgrounds<\/span><\/span> <\/span>
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Soft Skills:<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/b><\/span>
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially in explaining complex topics to non\-technical learners<\/span><\/span> <\/span>
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Passion for inclusive education and <\/span>capacity<\/span> building in under\-resourced communities<\/span><\/span> <\/span>
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Collaborative mindset with an ability to work across domains (academia, government, startups)<\/span><\/span> <\/span>
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