Earth Systems Data Manager / Earth Systems Data Manageress

Earth Systems Data Manager (Petabyte-Scale Infrastructure)

Location: 80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Center for Climate Systems Modeling (C2SM) at ETH Zurich is a collaborative, interdisciplinary center that connects ETH Zurich with partner institutions. It provides a technology and networking platform to support the development and application of Earth system, weather, and climate modeling, data infrastructure, and impact research.

Project Background

With the increasing volume and variety of Earth observations being collected from satellites, airborne instruments, in-situ measurement networks, and high-resolution climate modeling data produced at C2SM, effectively harnessing this data is essential for enhancing 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 varied observational and model data.

To tackle this challenge, a robust data management framework is being developed to make rapidly growing Earth-system datasets accessible and usable for the scientific community. We are looking for an Earth Systems Data Manager to play a key role in shaping this framework. This technical position focuses on identifying relevant observational datasets for Earth science research, curating and documenting data collections to ensure quality and scientific value, and establishing metadata and access standards to facilitate data discovery and reproducibility. The successful candidate will work closely with researchers and developers from C2SM, ETH, CSCS, as well as national and international institutions, supporting the operation and advancement of the data platform, and assisting in interdisciplinary projects that integrate multiple data sources.

Job Description

• 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 usage.
• 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 international team of developers and researchers to operate and advance the data platform.
• Support interdisciplinary research projects that require multiple data sources.
• Utilize high-performance computing platforms for data storage and analysis tools for researchers.

Profile

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

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, ideally across various domains.
• Experience with user support, data documentation, and FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).

Workplace

In this role, you will be at the forefront of Earth system modeling, high-performance computing, and data-driven science. You will join the Center for Climate Systems Modeling (C2SM), an innovative and interdisciplinary community that connects weather and climate researchers, computational scientists, and data experts across ETH Zurich and its partner institutions. This technical position offers the opportunity to shape modern data infrastructure for the Swiss climate and weather research community, while supporting impactful scientific projects utilizing 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, forward-looking research ecosystem.

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

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we continuously work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

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

For further information, please contact Dr. Christina Schnadt Poberaj at phone no. +41 44 633 84 58 or via email at christina.schnadt@c2sm.ethz.ch, or Prof. Andreas Prein at phone no. +41 44 632 30 29 or via email at andreas.prein@env.ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is a leading university specializing in science and technology, renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and the direct transfer of knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters an environment that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to devise solutions to the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.