Earth Systems Data Manager / Earth Systems Data Manageress

Join the Center for Climate Systems Modeling (C2SM)

The Center for Climate Systems Modeling (C2SM) at ETH Zurich is an interdisciplinary hub that connects ETH Zurich with partner institutions. Our focus lies in developing and applying Earth system, weather, and climate modeling, along with data infrastructure and impact research. This role will involve close collaboration with the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS).

With an ever-growing variety and volume of Earth observations collected from satellites, airborne instruments, and in-situ measurement networks, effectively harnessing this data is crucial for improving our understanding of the Earth system.

To tackle this challenge, we are developing a robust data management framework aimed at making extensive Earth-system datasets accessible and usable for the scientific community. The Earth Systems Data Manager will be instrumental in shaping this framework.

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 usability.
• Begin developing a web-based platform to offer users an overview of available data.
• Coordinate efforts with researchers in climate science, environmental monitoring, data science, and related fields.
• Collaborate with a dynamic and international team to operate and enhance the research platform.
• Support interdisciplinary research projects that require integration of multiple data sources.
• Utilize high-performance computing platforms for data storage and analysis.

Qualifications

• A degree in Earth sciences, data science, computer science, or a related field.
• Knowledge of satellite data formats and remote sensing techniques.
• Experience with large datasets (petabyte-scale), data management, and quality control.
• Proficiency 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 collaboration across diverse scientific disciplines.

Desirable Additional Experience

• Experience working in an interdisciplinary environment.
• A PhD in remote sensing or a related field.
• Project leadership experience, ideally spanning multiple domains.
• Familiarity with user support, data documentation, and FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).

In this role, you will operate at the forefront of Earth system modelling, high-performance computing, and data-driven science. Joining C2SM means becoming part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary community of weather and climate researchers, computational scientists, and data experts across ETH Zurich and its partner institutions. You will have access to leading groups in Earth system science and the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), providing an intellectually stimulating environment and opportunities to make a significant impact.

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

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

For further information about C2SM, please visit our website. You can also reach out to Dr. Christina Schnadt Poberaj at +41 44 633 8458 or christina.schnadt@c2sm.ethz.ch, or Prof. Andreas Prein at +41 44 632 3029 or andreas.prein@env.ethz.ch.

Please note that the pre-selection is conducted by responsible recruiters, ensuring a human touch in the evaluation process.