Meteorology-oriented Data Scientist at the Center for Climate Systems Modeling

80%-100%, Locarno, fixed-term

The Center for Climate System Modeling (C2SM) at ETH Zurich in cooperation with the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss is looking for a:

Meteorology-oriented Data Scientist.

As a weather data scientist, you will develop and improve wind forecasts together with other members of the Postprocessing and Verification team of MeteoSwiss. These forecasts will act as a data basis for the mobile app of MeteoSwiss and the official warnings. Further, they will feed into impact modelling systems of our partners. This work will be an important scientific contribution to the renewal of the warning system of MeteoSwiss (project OWARNA2)

The position is available as of February 1, 2023 (or as soon as possible thereafter). The appointment is limited to 2 years. Your workplace at MeteoSwiss is negotiable, Locations are Locarno, Zurich or Geneva. The position will remain open until filled.

Job description

• Development, training and validation of machine learning or statistical algorithms to create probabilistic surface wind forecasts on a grid using the latest observations available and fusing different numerical weather prediction model sources.
• Design, implementation, operation and documentation of ICT tools for the quasi-operational production of weather forecasts and evaluation of the forecasts with key stakeholders (such as operational weather forecasters or emergency organizations).
• Close cooperation and scientific exchange with MeteoSwiss experts from the various regional centers, with key stakeholders of other Federal Offices, with universities and with other national and international partners, in particular with national weather services and academia.

The Postprocessing and Verification team is based in the Forecasting Development department. This department is responsible for the development and technical operation of new methods for automated forecasts and decision support systems for meteorologists as well as for their training.

Your profile

• University degree (min. ISCED7) in the field of Data Science, Computational Science, Atmospheric/Climate Science, or a comparable field of study, ideally with a doctoral degree
• Very good knowledge of data science and/or meteorology and climatology and weather forecasting in general and ideally on meteorological aspects of the Alpine region
• Very good knowledge of Python and Linux, ideally also in the development of applications in cloud-native architecture (container, service-oriented, event-driven) and in the use of DevOps tools or willingness to familiarize yourself with these topics
• Business fluent English, good knowledge of German

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

This is an engaging position, which provides the opportunity to work on the development of a new generation of weather forecasts.
ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.
The Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss) is the national weather service of Switzerland. We record and forecast the weather and climate in Switzerland and thus make a sustainable contribution to the well-being of the population and to the benefit of the economy, science and the environment.

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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:

• a letter of interest,
• a CV,
• work references / names and contact information of 2-3 references.

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 C2SM can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Mr Matteo Buzzi, [email protected]  (no applications).

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

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.