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 a joint, interdisciplinary center that connects 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, data infrastructure, and impact research. This position will involve close collaboration with the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS).

As the amount and diversity of Earth observations from satellites, airborne instruments, and in-situ measurement networks continue to grow, effectively harnessing these data becomes essential for advancing our understanding of the Earth system.

To tackle this challenge, a robust data management framework is being developed to ensure that rapidly growing Earth-system datasets are accessible and usable for the scientific community. The Earth Systems Data Manager will play a vital role in shaping this framework by:

• Identifying and evaluating satellite and observational datasets relevant to interdisciplinary research needs
• Curating data collections by assessing quality, completeness, and scientific value
• Creating comprehensive metadata and documentation to support data discovery and use
• Beginning the development of a web-based platform to provide users an overview of available data
• Coordinating with researchers in climate science, environmental monitoring, data science, and related fields
• Collaborating with a dynamic and international team of researchers and developers to operate and further advance the research platform
• Supporting interdisciplinary research projects that require multiple data sources
• Working with high-performance computing platforms for data storage and analysis

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:

• 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
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Julia, including use of scientific data libraries (e.g., xarray, netCDF4, HDF5, Zarr), and workflow automation on HPC systems
• Strong communication skills for collaboration across various scientific disciplines

Beneficial attributes include:

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

In this role, you will be at the forefront of Earth system modeling, high-performance computing, and data-driven science. You will join a vibrant and interdisciplinary community at C2SM, connecting weather and climate researchers, computational scientists, and data experts across ETH Zurich and partner institutions. This position offers an intellectually stimulating environment where you will engage closely with leading groups in Earth system science and the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS). It provides an opportunity to shape a modern data infrastructure for the Swiss climate and weather research community, contribute to impactful scientific projects, and support researchers using 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.

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Further information about C2SM can be found on 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 63 23029 or via email at andreas.prein@env.ethz.ch. (No applications will be accepted via email.)

We would like to emphasize that the pre-selection process is conducted by our responsible recruiters and not through artificial intelligence.