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.

With the increasing volume and diversity of Earth observations collected from satellites, airborne instruments, in-situ measurement networks, and high-resolution climate modeling data produced at C2SM, it is essential to harness these data effectively to enhance our understanding of the Earth system. In collaboration with the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), C2SM is expanding its data services and building a petabyte-scale data lake comprising diverse observational and model data.

Role Overview

We are seeking an Earth Systems Data Manager to play a key role in developing a robust data management framework that ensures accessibility and usability of growing Earth-system datasets for the scientific community. This technical position emphasizes the following key responsibilities:

• Identify 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 use.
• Begin developing a 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 developers and researchers to operate and further advance the data platform.
• Support interdisciplinary research projects that integrate multiple data sources.
• Utilize high-performance computing platforms for data storage and provide analysis tools for researchers.

Qualifications

• Degree in data science, computer science, Earth or atmospheric sciences, or a related field.
• Knowledge of satellite data and remote sensing.
• Experience with very large datasets (petabyte-scale), data management, and data quality control.
• Proficient in programming languages such as Python, R, or Julia, along with usage of scientific data libraries (e.g., xarray, netCDF4, HDF5, Zarr) and workflow automation on HPC systems.
• At least 3 years of interdisciplinary work experience (PhD not included).
• Strong communication skills for collaboration across different scientific disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

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

What We Offer

In this role, you'll work at the forefront of Earth system modeling, high-performance computing, and data-driven science. You will join C2SM, a vibrant and interdisciplinary community of researchers and data experts across ETH Zürich and its partner institutions. This technical position offers the chance to shape a modern data infrastructure for the Swiss climate and weather research community, supporting impactful projects that leverage rapidly growing 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.

Application Process

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

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

Please note that the pre-selection process is conducted by responsible recruiters, not artificial intelligence. For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich applies.