Earth Systems Data Manager / Earth Systems Data Manageress

Earth Systems Data Manager

Location: 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. We provide a technology and networking platform to support the development and application of Earth system, weather, and climate modeling, data infrastructure, and impact research. The selected candidate will work closely with the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS).

Project Background

The volume and diversity of Earth observations gathered from satellites, airborne instruments, and in-situ measurement networks are continuously increasing. Effectively harnessing these data is crucial for enhancing our understanding of the Earth system.

To tackle this challenge, we are developing a robust data management framework designed to make 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 focuses on identifying and evaluating satellite and observational datasets relevant to interdisciplinary research, curating and documenting data collections to ensure quality and scientific value, and establishing metadata and access standards to support data discovery and reproducibility. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with researchers and developers from C2SM, ETH, and CSCS, promoting interdisciplinary projects that integrate multiple data sources and 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.
• Begin developing 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 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.
• Proficient in programming languages such as Python/R/Julia, and familiar with scientific data libraries (e.g., xarray, netCDF4, HDF5, Zarr) and workflow automation on HPC systems.
• Strong communication skills for collaboration across diverse scientific disciplines.

Beneficial Qualifications

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

Workplace

The position allows you to work at the intersection of Earth system modeling, high-performance computing, and data-driven science within the Center for Climate Systems Modeling (C2SM). As part of a vibrant and interdisciplinary community, you will engage with leading researchers in Earth system science and collaborate with the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS). This role provides an opportunity to shape modern data infrastructure for the Swiss climate and weather research community, contribute to impactful scientific projects, and support researchers utilizing rapidly growing environmental datasets. You will have access to state-of-the-art HPC systems, excellent technical resources, strong mentorship, and opportunities for professional development in a collaborative research environment.

Apply

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to promoting an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. We encourage equality of opportunity and nurture a working and learning environment where everyone can thrive. Additionally, sustainability is a core value for us, and we are continuously striving towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

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

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is among the world's leading universities focused on science and technology. Renowned for its excellent education, groundbreaking research, and the direct application of new knowledge in society, ETH Zurich serves over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries. Our university is a place that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence while developing solutions to the global challenges that we face today and in the future.