Scientific software developer and statistician for climate model emulation

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Scientific software developer and statistician for climate model emulation

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

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The Land-Climate Dynamics group is looking for a scientific software developer to advance the technical and theoretical development of the Modular Earth System Model Emulator with spatially Resolved output (MESMER).

Project background

The Land-Climate Dynamics group ( LCD ), led by Prof. Sonia I. Seneviratne at the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science ( IAC ) focuses on land-climate interactions and feedback as well as changes in climate extremes with research streams emphasizing climate modelling, observational assessments, and process analysis. As part of these research activities, the group is actively developing MESMER, which is designed to approximate Earth System Models using statistical and data-driven methods (e.g. Beusch et al. 2020 , Beusch et al. 2022 , Quilcaille et al. 2022 , Quilcaille et al. preprint , GitHub ). MESMER generates global time series fields of climate variables, including indicators of climate extremes and impacts, at yearly to monthly resolution with low computational cost. Currently, MEMSER is at the backbone of several national and international (EU) projects including SPEED2ZERO , PROVIDE , and SPARCCLE . Over the last years, MESMER has grown organically with inputs from a wide community and is now undergoing a re-structuring and harmonization process to ensure a stable and user-friendly scientific software.

Job description

We are looking for a colleague who is eager to develop and advance MESMER on a technical and theoretical level. Tasks will include the integration of recent developments into the main repository, improvement of MESMER’s data handling capabilities, and the advancement beyond the current restructuring to version 1.0. The successful candidate will therefore work closely with and support the scientific and technical MESMER developers in the LCD group and external stakeholders. In addition, there will be ample opportunity to shape and develop the statistical framework used in MESMER.

Your profile

• You hold an MSc or PhD degree in computer science, climate/environmental science, statistics, physics, applied math, or in a related field
• You have a strong interest in weather and climate research
• You have excellent knowledge in the Python programming language as well as Git and, optimally, a track record of open-source software development
• You are passionate about using quantitative methods with a focus on probabilistic spatio-temporal statistics or deep generative methods
• You are a creative personality and enjoy solving technical and scientific challenges independently as well as in team efforts
• You are eager to create and document high-quality scientific software and to support users in the application thereof
• You have a good command of spoken and written English

We offer

• Stimulating research environment within the group for Land-Climate Dynamics led by Prof. Sonia I. Seneviratne at the Institute of Atmospheric and Climate Science
• ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with competitive working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity, and attractive offers and benefits
• The position is planned for two years with an option of up to three years of extension

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We value diversity

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 find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Application letter in which you outline your motivation and background (max. 1 page)
• Indication of past software development experience (e.g. GitHub and/or GitLab profile)
• Curriculum Vitae including an overview of relevant professional output and a list of publications (if any)
• Names and contact details of two professional referees

Screening of applications will start on 1st October 2023.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Mathias Hauser mathias.hauserenv.ethz.ch (no applications), or Dr. Lukas Gudmundsson, lukas.gudmundssonenv.ethz.ch (no applications). Administrative requests should be directed to Rahel Buri, rahel.burienv.ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising 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 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that 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.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Application letter in which you outline your motivation and background (max. 1 page)
• Indication of past software development experience (e.g. GitHub and/or GitLab profile)
• Curriculum Vitae including an overview of relevant professional output and a list of publications (if any)
• Names and contact details of two professional referees

Screening of applications will start on 1st October 2023.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Mathias Hauser mathias.hauserenv.ethz.ch (no applications), or Dr. Lukas Gudmundsson, lukas.gudmundssonenv.ethz.ch (no applications). Administrative requests should be directed to Rahel Buri, rahel.burienv.ethz.ch (no applications).

Apply online now

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising 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 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that 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.