Earth Systems Data Manager / Earth Systems Data Manageress

Job Opportunity: Earth Systems Data Manager

The Center for Climate Systems Modeling (C2SM) at ETH Zurich is an interdisciplinary hub that connects ETH Zurich with partner institutions. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive technology and networking platform that facilitates the development and application of Earth system, weather, and climate modeling, data infrastructure, and impact research. The selected candidate will collaborate closely with the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS).

As the volume and diversity of Earth observations grow from satellites, airborne instruments, and in-situ measurement networks, effectively harnessing these data becomes crucial for enhancing our understanding of the Earth system. To address this, we are developing a robust data management framework designed to make rapidly evolving Earth-system datasets accessible and functional for the scientific community. The Earth Systems Data Manager will play a pivotal role in this initiative.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate Earth system observations relevant to interdisciplinary research needs.
• Curate data collections by assessing quality, completeness, and scientific value.
• Create comprehensive metadata and documentation to support data discovery and use.
• Develop a web-based platform to provide users with an overview of the available data.
• Coordinate with researchers in climate science, environmental monitoring, data science, and related fields.
• Collaborate with a dynamic and international team of researchers and developers to operate and advance the research platform.
• Support interdisciplinary research projects that require multiple data sources.
• Utilize high-performance computing platforms for data storage and analysis.

Qualifications

• Degree in Earth sciences, data science, computer science, or a related field.
• Knowledge of satellite data formats and remote sensing.
• Experience with large datasets (petabyte-scale), data management, and data quality control.
• Proficient in programming languages such as Python, R, or Julia, and familiar with scientific data libraries (e.g., xarray, netCDF4, HDF5, Zarr) and workflow automation on HPC systems.
• Strong communication skills for effective collaboration across diverse scientific disciplines.

Beneficial Experience

• Experience working in an interdisciplinary environment.
• PhD in remote sensing or a related field.
• Experience leading projects across multiple domains.
• Familiarity with user support, data documentation, and FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).

In this role, you will engage at the forefront of Earth system modeling, high-performance computing, and data-driven science. By joining C2SM, you will become part of a vibrant and interdisciplinary community that connects experts in weather and climate research, computational sciences, and data management. You will have the chance to shape a modern data infrastructure for the Swiss climate and weather research community, contribute to significant scientific projects, and assist researchers in managing rapidly expanding environmental datasets. Our facility provides excellent technical resources, access to state-of-the-art HPC systems, strong mentorship, and ample opportunities for professional development within a collaborative and innovative research ecosystem.

The position is initially limited to two years, with the potential for extension.

To apply, please submit your application online using the form below.

For further information about C2SM, visit our website. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Christina Schnadt Poberaj at +41 44 633 8458 or via email at christina.schnadt@c2sm.ethz.ch, or Prof. Andreas Prein at +41 44 632 3029 or via email at andreas.prein@env.ethz.ch. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.