Student Research Assistant for Cloudlab Data Management and Preparation
20%-30%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Atmospheric Physics group at the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science (IAC), ETH Zurich, is offering a position for a Student Research Assistant. This role is centered on the Cloudlab project, a series of innovative cloud seeding experiments. You will preparing a unique and comprehensive atmospheric dataset for publication and wider scientific use. Our research group studies the crucial role of clouds and aerosols in the climate system, aiming to better understand cloud microphysical processes.
Project background
The primary goal of this student position is to clean up, organize, and prepare the diverse datasets collected during the Cloudlab seeding experiments. This involves working with data from a suite of in-situ and remote sensing instruments. The impact of your work will be significant: the curated dataset will be published, making it accessible to the international research community for further analysis and for model intercomparison studies, advancing our understanding of cloud processes.
Job description
Your main responsibilities will involve:
- Working with data from various in-situ instruments (e.g., Aerosol Spectrometer, holographic cloud-particle imager, radiosondes, sonic anemometers, flight logbooks of drones and the tethered balloon system) and remote sensing platforms (e.g., cloud radars, ceilometer, microwave radiometer).
- Organizing and preparing these datasets, primarily into netCDF format, for scientific publication and use.
- Performing data quality checks to ensure data integrity and reliability.
- Creating comprehensive metadata to accompany the datasets, adhering to established standards.
- Interacting with researchers to understand data requirements and address specific needs.
- Developing and applying basic scripts (e.g., in Python) for data handling, conversion, and merging of files.
- Workload: Approximately 15 hours per week on average during the semester, with the possibility of increased working hours (up to 40 hours/week) during semester breaks.
- Duration: The position offers flexible duration, ideally suited for a commitment that aligns with your studies.
Profile
- Currently enrolled as a student at ETH Zurich or another Swiss university.
- Experience working with scientific data, demonstrating a methodical approach.
- Basic Python programming/scripting skills for data manipulation and automation.
- Meticulous attention to detail – crucial for ensuring data quality and accurate metadata.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage diverse data sources.
- Excellent ability to work and communicate effectively within a research team.
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
- A unique opportunity to work with a rich, real-world dataset from cutting-edge atmospheric seeding experiments.
- Hands-on experience in scientific data management, quality control, and preparation for publication.
- The chance to participate in future field campaign measurements, gaining practical experience with data collection.
- A collaborative work environment with flexible working hours designed to accommodate your academic schedule, including study periods for exams.
- Membership in an interdisciplinary team offering good support and a friendly learning environment.
- Standard ETH student research assistant salary.
We value diversity
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application, including the following documents:
- A short motivation letter (max. 1 page) highlighting your relevant experience and interest in the position.
- Your current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. The preferred start date is as soon as possible. For any questions related to the project or this position, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Jan Henneberger (Jan.Henneberger@env.ethz.ch).
About ETH Zürich
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application, including the following documents:
- A short motivation letter (max. 1 page) highlighting your relevant experience and interest in the position.
- Your current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. The preferred start date is as soon as possible. For any questions related to the project or this position, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Jan Henneberger (Jan.Henneberger@env.ethz.ch).