Earth Systems Data Manager / Earth Systems Data Manageress

Earth Systems Data Manager

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Center for Climate Systems Modeling (C2SM) at ETH Zurich is a collaborative, interdisciplinary hub that connects ETH Zurich with partner institutions. Its mission is to provide a robust technology and networking platform that supports the development and application of Earth system, weather, and climate modeling, data infrastructure, and impact research. The position involves close collaboration with the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS).

Project Background

The sheer volume and variety of Earth observations obtained from satellites, airborne instruments, and in-situ measurement networks continue to grow. Effectively harnessing this data is crucial for enhancing our understanding of the Earth system.

To tackle this challenge, a vigorous data management framework is being developed to ensure that rapidly expanding Earth-system datasets are accessible and valuable for the scientific community. The Earth Systems Data Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping this framework, focusing on:

• Identifying and evaluating satellite and observational datasets relevant to interdisciplinary research.
• Curation and documentation of data collections to ensure quality and scientific rigor.
• Establishing metadata and access standards to facilitate data discovery and reproducibility.

Working closely with researchers and developers from C2SM, ETH, and CSCS, the successful candidate will contribute to operating and advancing the research platform, support interdisciplinary projects that integrate multiple data sources, and utilize high-performance computing resources for managing, processing, and analyzing large environmental datasets.

Job Description

• 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.
• Begin developing a web-based platform to provide users 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 further advance the research platform.
• Support interdisciplinary research projects that require multiple data sources.
• Work with high-performance computing platforms for data storage and analysis.

Profile

• 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.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Julia; experience with scientific data libraries (e.g., xarray, netCDF4, HDF5, Zarr); and workflow automation on HPC systems.
• Excellent communication skills for multidisciplinary collaboration.

Beneficial:

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

Workplace

You will work at the forefront of Earth system modeling, high-performance computing, and data-driven science. Join the Center for Climate Systems Modeling (C2SM), a vibrant and interdisciplinary community linking weather and climate researchers, computational scientists, and data experts across ETH Zurich and its partner institutions. This role offers an intellectually stimulating environment, where you will closely collaborate with leading groups in Earth system science and the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS). You will have the chance to shape modern data infrastructure for the Swiss climate and weather research community, contribute to impactful scientific projects, and support researchers working with expanding environmental datasets.

The position is initially limited to two years, with the possibility of extension.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

Aligned with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment where everyone can thrive. Sustainability is also a core value for us as we strive toward a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further information about C2SM, please visit our website. For specific inquiries, contact Dr. Christina Schnadt Poberaj at +41 44 633 84 58 or via email at christina.schnadt@c2sm.ethz.ch, or Prof. Andreas Prein at +41 44 632 30 29 or andreas.prein@env.ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for its outstanding education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct application of new knowledge to societal challenges. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university is a place that encourages independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we work collaboratively to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.