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 collaborative, interdisciplinary institution that connects ETH Zurich with partner organizations. We provide a technology and networking platform designed to support the development and application of Earth system, weather, and climate modeling, as well as data infrastructure and impact research.

As the volume and diversity of Earth observations continue to grow, it is essential to harness this data effectively to enhance our understanding of the Earth system. In partnership with the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), C2SM is expanding its data services by constructing a petabyte-scale data lake that includes a wide variety of observational and model data.

To tackle this challenge, we are developing a robust data management framework aimed at making rapidly growing Earth-system datasets accessible and usable for the scientific community. We are looking for an Earth Systems Data Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping this framework. This technical position will involve:

• Identifying Earth system observations relevant to interdisciplinary research needs.
• Curation of data collections by assessing quality, completeness, and scientific value.
• Creation of comprehensive metadata and documentation to support data discovery and use.
• Development of a platform that provides users with 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 developers and researchers to operate and further advance the data platform.
• Supporting interdisciplinary research projects that utilize multiple data sources.
• Working with high-performance computing platforms for data storage and providing analysis tools for researchers.

Qualifications

• A 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.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Julia, and experience with scientific data libraries (e.g., xarray, netCDF4, HDF5, Zarr).
• At least 3 years of interdisciplinary work experience (excluding PhD experience).
• Strong communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Beneficial Qualifications

• Experience working in an interdisciplinary environment.
• A PhD in remote sensing or a related field.
• Experience with very large atmospheric observational or model data.
• Project leadership experience across various domains.
• Experience in user support, data documentation, and adherence to FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).

In this role, you will work at the forefront of Earth system modeling, high-performance computing, and data-driven science. By joining C2SM, you will be part of a vibrant interdisciplinary community that connects weather and climate researchers, computational scientists, and data experts across ETH Zurich and its partner institutions. Our environment is intellectually stimulating, providing opportunities to collaborate with leading groups in Earth system science and the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS). This technical position offers the chance to shape modern data infrastructure for the Swiss climate and weather research community and support impactful scientific projects involving rapidly growing environmental datasets.

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

Position Duration

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

For further information about C2SM, please visit our website. For specific queries, you may contact:

• Dr. Christina Schnadt Poberaj, Phone: +41 44 633 84 58, Email: christina.schnadt@c2sm.ethz.ch
• Prof. Andreas Prein, Phone: +41 44 632 30 29, Email: andreas.prein@env.ethz.ch

Please note that applications submitted via email or postal services will not be considered.

The pre-selection process will be handled by recruiters, not artificial intelligence.

For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.