Scientific Programmer in Atmospheric Chemistry

Applications are invited for a Scientific Programmer position in the Atmospheric Chemistry group at ETH Zurich, supervised by Prof. Colette Heald.

The Atmospheric Chemistry group at ETH conducts research exploring the processes controlling tropospheric composition (gases and particles) and their intersection with global change. Research makes extensive use of global modeling tools (GEOS-Chem and CESM) and analysis of large observational datasets. Computational work is performed on the ETH Euler cluster.

The Atmospheric Chemistry group is seeking to appoint a Scientific Programmer who can help support the research efforts of the group. The candidate will provide a variety of support functions, including:

• Support the use of modeling tools in the group. Set up new model versions to run on the local system. Assist with technical problems in the group with running, compiling, and debugging model code.
• Undertake specific longer term model development projects
• Develop and assist with the implementation of visualization and data analysis methods and codes

Depending on background and interest, the programmer may also pursue or collaborate on scientific projects and/or contribute to student supervision and teaching.

Applicants should hold an MSc or PhD degree in atmospheric science, computer science,  or a related discipline. The candidate must have experience in atmospheric chemistry modeling, ideally with one of the primary modeling tools used in the Atmospheric Chemistry group at ETH (CESM or GEOS-Chem). The candidate will have outstanding programming skills in Fortran in a Unix environment, as well as Python or similar. Experience in high performance computing will be considered an advantage. Finally, the candidate is a team- oriented and goal-driven individual who enjoys working in a diverse working environment and is interested in providing support to students and scientists within a group. Excellent communication skills in English (both spoken and written) are required. Employment will be according to standard regulations at ETH.

With the social and leadership competencies, ETH Zurich has developed a common understanding for a shared work culture. 

Our group is composed of researchers from around the world and offers a friendly and supportive environment, with English as our working language. Researchers in the group work on a wide range of topics and are exposed to each others’ work through biweekly group meetings. The group is part of the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science which hosts a seminar series and maintains educational programs at the BSc and MSc levels. We are also part of the larger CESM and GEOS-Chem modeling communities. The group is located at ETH’s central campus and the position is expected to be in-person with some flexibility in working hours and up to one day a week work from home. We also support technical training opportunities, as appropriate.

The position has an anticipated start date of summer 2025, but timing is negotiable. The initial appointment is for 3 years, but can be extended.