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 an interdisciplinary center that connects ETH Zurich with partner institutions. It serves as a technology and networking platform to facilitate the development and application of Earth system, weather, and climate modeling, data infrastructure, and impact research. This role involves close collaboration with the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS).

Project Background

With the increasing volume and diversity of Earth observations gathered from satellites, airborne instruments, and in-situ measurement networks, harnessing these data effectively is crucial for advancing our understanding of the Earth system.

To address these challenges, we are developing a robust data management framework to make the rapidly growing Earth-system datasets accessible and usable 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.
• Curating and documenting data collections to ensure quality and scientific value.
• Establishing metadata and access standards to aid in data discovery and reproducibility.
• Collaborating with researchers and developers from C2SM, ETH, and CSCS to enhance research operations.
• Supporting interdisciplinary projects that integrate multiple data sources.
• Utilizing high-performance computing resources to manage, process, and analyze 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.
• 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, international team of researchers and developers to advance the research platform.
• Support interdisciplinary research projects requiring 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.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Julia, along with scientific data libraries (e.g., xarray, netCDF4, HDF5, Zarr), and workflow automation on HPC systems.
• Strong communication skills to facilitate collaboration across different scientific disciplines.

Beneficial Skills

• 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 the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).

Workplace

In this role, you will be positioned at the forefront of Earth system modeling, high-performance computing, and data-driven science. You will join a vibrant and interdisciplinary community at C2SM, interacting with weather and climate researchers, computational scientists, and data specialists across ETH Zürich and its partner institutions.

This role offers an intellectually stimulating environment where you will have the opportunity to shape modern data infrastructure for the Swiss climate and weather research community, contribute to impactful scientific projects, and support researchers handling rapidly growing environmental datasets. You will benefit from excellent technical resources, access to state-of-the-art HPC systems, strong mentorship, and opportunities for professional development in a collaborative research ecosystem.

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

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity. We strive to create a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is also a core value; we actively pursue initiatives aimed at achieving a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• CV
• Letter of motivation

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

For more information about C2SM, please visit our website. For inquiries, contact Dr. Christina Schnadt Poberaj at +41 44 633 84 58, or via email at christina.schnadt@c2sm.ethz.ch, or reach out to Prof. Andreas Prein at +41 44 632 30 29, or email andreas.prein@env.ethz.ch.

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 direct knowledge transfer into society, over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries call our university a place that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe and forging connections around the globe, we collaborate to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.