Earth Systems Data Manager / Earth Systems Data Manageress

ETH Zurich - April 6, 2026

Earth Systems Data Manager (Petabyte-Scale Infrastructure)

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Center for Climate Systems Modeling (C2SM) at ETH Zurich is a joint, interdisciplinary center linking 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

As the volume and variety of Earth observations gathered from satellites, airborne instruments, in-situ measurement networks, and high-resolution climate modeling data expand, effectively harnessing this data becomes essential for advancing our understanding of the Earth system. C2SM, in collaboration with the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), is extending its data services and constructing a petabyte-scale data lake filled with diverse observational and model data.

To meet this challenge, a robust data management framework is being developed to make the rapidly growing Earth-system datasets accessible and usable by the scientific community. We are seeking a motivated Earth Systems Data Manager who will play a critical role in shaping this framework. This technical position will focus on identifying relevant observational datasets for Earth science research across various disciplines, curating and documenting data collections to ensure quality and scientific significance, and establishing metadata and access standards to facilitate data discovery and reproducibility. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with researchers and developers from C2SM, ETH, CSCS, as well as national and international institutions, to support the operation and advancement of the data platform, assist interdisciplinary projects that integrate multiple data sources, and leverage high-performance computing resources to manage and process large environmental datasets for research readiness.

Job Description

  • Identify Earth system observations that are 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 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 require multiple data sources.
  • Work with high-performance computing platforms for data storage and provide analysis tools for researchers.

Profile

  • 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.
  • Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python/R/Julia, utilization 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).
  • Exceptional communication skills for collaboration across different scientific disciplines.

Beneficial

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

Workplace

In this role, you will be at the forefront of the intersection of Earth system modeling, high-performance computing, and data-driven science. You will join the Center for Climate Systems Modeling (C2SM), becoming part of a vibrant and interdisciplinary community that connects weather and climate researchers, computational scientists, and data experts across ETH Zurich and its partner institutions. We provide an intellectually stimulating environment where you will work closely with leading groups in Earth system science and the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS). This technical position allows you to shape a modern data infrastructure for the Swiss climate and weather research community, supporting impactful scientific projects and researchers working with 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 within a collaborative, forward-thinking research ecosystem.

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

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us—we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please include the following documents:

  • CV
  • Letter of motivation

Further information about C2SM can be found on our website. For additional inquiries, please 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. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

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