Early-career computer scientist – AI tools for data extraction

Become part of Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), an international non-profit research institute tackling global environment and sustainable development challenges. SEI empowers partners through cutting-edge research, knowledge, tools and capacity building. You will join a world-leading organization with around 140 employees at its activity-based HQ in Stockholm and 200 more across seven global centres. Together, we engage with policy, practice and development action for a sustainable, prosperous future for all.

We are recruiting an early-career computer scientist to support development of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for data extraction and scientific research in the field of sustainable development. The position presents an opportunity to work in multiple projects and contribute to data extraction and classification (e.g. for eligibility screening in literature reviews), while applying and further developing existing new AI-driven tools, methodologies and validation procedures to support research.

The role involves supporting design and maintaining data extraction and classification pipelines for unstructured and semi-structured data sources. It also includes contributing to fine-tuning, training and evaluation of local Large Language Models and supporting software architecture, using frameworks such as PyTorch, Transformers, VLLM or similar. The position requires excellent
problem-solving abilities
and close
collaboration with researchers
across multiple academic fields.

Key Tasks And Responsibilities

• Maintain and further develop AI-based tools for literature review and document analysis.
• Design methods for data extraction, classification and processing pipelines for AI-driven research.
• Work with AI development platforms including Hugging Face and GitHub for collaboration and model management, user interfaces such as Chainlit and Streamlit, and platforms for local LLM deployment, such as vLLM and LM Studios.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary research teams across social and environmental domains.
• Support the integration of AI tools into ongoing evidence synthesis and policy-relevant research.

Who You Are
We are looking for a skilled and motivated early career computer scientist with strong interest in supporting development and maintaining LLM-based tools and/or transforming unstructured information into high-quality, structured and easily retrievable data for analysis. You have a passion for developing AI tools that drive social and environmental impact. The ideal candidate combines technical skills with curiosity and creativity and enjoys working collaboratively with researchers across disciplines to turn data into actionable insights for policy or practice.

We are looking for candidates with experience in:

• AI, machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) — support for developing, fine-tuning, and deployment of models using frameworks such as PyTorch and platforms such as vLLM.
• Working with AI model repositories and collaboration platforms (e.g. Hugging Face, GitHub).
• Supporting data extraction and information processing from unstructured or semi-structured sources, including cleaning, transformation, metadata handling, and harmonisation. Retrieval methods such as semantic search, vector search, hybrid retrieval, or similar approaches for accessing and structuring information.
• Knowledge-graph or graph-based techniques, including entity linking, schema/ontology modelling, or graph querying. Programming for data science in R and/or Python.
• Performance optimization and troubleshooting of AI tools or software systems.

Formal Qualifications And Knowledge

• Master's degree in data or computer science or related field.
• A background that bridges technical AI expertise with application in environmental or social science research contexts.
• Entry-level experience in academic or applied research settings involving AI or data-driven analysis.

Desired Experience And Knowledge

• Entry-level experience working in international multidisciplinary research teams.
• Interest in or tangible experience of research or analysis in the areas of climate change, energy transitions or sustainability broadly.
• Experience with AI applications to evidence synthesis methods, including eligibility screening and data extraction.
• Knowledge of AI ethics, responsible AI, or data governance in applied research.

Personal Skills Required

• Collaborative mindset – enjoys working in interdisciplinary teams and engaging with researchers from diverse academic backgrounds.
• Analytical and critical thinking – able to interpret complex datasets, question assumptions, and contribute to research design.
• Clear communicator – skilled at explaining technical concepts and results to non-technical colleagues and stakeholders.
• Problem-solving orientation – approaches challenges creatively and systematically, balancing innovation with scientific rigour.
• Commitment to ethical and responsible AI – aware of socio-environmental implications and research ethics in the field.

Our offer
At SEI HQ, we offer a stimulating position in an international environment. You will be part of a leading multinational, multidisciplinary and multilingual team of experts in an organization where the wellbeing and development of our employees are a top priority.

Employment with SEI HQ includes:

• Collective agreement, including occupational pension and many other collectively agreed benefits.
• Annual healthcare contribution and additional benefits aimed at promoting employee wellbeing, such as annual health check-ups.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Flexible work hours, 37.5-hour workweek and a generous number of vacation days.
• The opportunity to be part of tackling environmental and development challenges and developing solutions for a sustainable future for all.

Additional Information
This is a full-time, temporary position for 1 year. The start date is as soon as possible or by arrangement.

The position is open to applicants who possess legal rights to live and work in the EU/EEA.

SEI is an equal opportunity employer, and we consider all applicants based on their qualifications and competencies. We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organization and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

How To Apply
We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis, so please submit your application as soon as possible, however no later than the 8 January 2026, 23:59 Stockholm local time.

Applications should be written in English and consist of a short CV (max 3 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 1 page). As we only accept applications through our recruitment system, please apply online using the button below and include:

• Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
• Curriculum vitae

Inquiries concerning the content of the position can be directed to Adis Dzebo ( ) or Biljana Macura ( ) . Inquiries concerning the recruitment process can be directed to My Persson, Recruitment and Competence Specialist; .

About SEI
Stockholm Environment Institute is an international non-profit research institute that tackles environment and sustainable development challenges.

We empower partners to meet these challenges through cutting-edge research, knowledge, tools and capacity building. Scientific quality and integrity are foundations of our work. Partnership is at the heart of our approach, leading to change that lasts.

Our work connects science to policy and practice, aiming to drive tangible impacts. It spans climate change, natural resources, water, air, and health, and addresses questions of governance, innovation, finance, poverty, gender equality and social equity.

We are committed to transparency and full disclosure of our funding. The Government of Sweden is our largest funder, and we also receive funds from a range of public research funders, philanthropic foundations, bilateral and multilateral development agencies, governments, NGOs and other partners.

Through SEI's HQ and seven centres around the world, we engage with policy, practice and development action for a sustainable, prosperous future for all.