Earth Systems Data Manager

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Center for Climate Systems Modeling (C2SM) at ETH Zurich is a collaborative interdisciplinary center that links ETH Zurich with partner institutions. It serves as a technology and networking platform to support the development and application of Earth system, weather, and climate modeling, as well as data infrastructure and impact research. This position entails close collaboration with the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS).

Project Background

With the ever-increasing amount and diversity of Earth observations collected from satellites, airborne instruments, and in-situ measurement networks, effectively harnessing this data is essential for advancing our understanding of the Earth system.

To address this challenge, a robust data management framework is being developed to make the rapidly growing Earth-system datasets accessible and usable for the scientific community. The Earth Systems Data Manager will be instrumental in shaping this framework. This role involves:

• Identifying and evaluating satellite and observational datasets relevant to interdisciplinary research.
• Curation of data collections to ensure quality and scientific value.
• Establishing metadata and access standards to support data discovery and reproducibility.
• Collaborating with researchers and developers from C2SM, ETH, and CSCS to advance the research platform.
• Supporting interdisciplinary projects that integrate multiple data sources and utilizing 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 facilitate data discovery and usage.
• 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 further advance the research platform.
• Support interdisciplinary research projects that require integration of multiple data sources.
• Work with high-performance computing platforms for data storage and analysis.

Profile

• A 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, along with experience using 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 Qualifications

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

Workplace

In this role, you will work at the cutting-edge intersection of Earth system modeling, high-performance computing, and data-driven science. You will join the Center for Climate Systems Modeling (C2SM), a vibrant interdisciplinary community that connects weather and climate researchers, computational scientists, and data experts across ETH Zurich and its partner institutions.

This position allows you to shape a modern data infrastructure for the Swiss climate and weather research community, contribute to impactful scientific projects, and support researchers working with rapidly expanding environmental datasets. You will have access to excellent technical resources, state-of-the-art HPC systems, strong mentorship, and opportunities for professional development within a collaborative and forward-looking research ecosystem. The position is initially limited to two years, with the possibility of extension.

Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture that encourages equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. We are also committed to sustainability, consistently working towards 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, you can visit our website. For any inquiries, please 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 via email at andreas.prein@env.ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. More than 30,000 individuals from over 120 countries find our university a place that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located at the heart of Europe and forging connections worldwide, we work collaboratively to develop solutions for today and tomorrow's global challenges.