Research Software Engineer

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. It is renowned for its excellent education, its cutting-edge fundamental research and its efforts to put new knowledge and innovations directly into practice.  Scientific Software and Data Management (SSDM), part of Scientific IT Services (SIS) within central IT, develops software and data management solutions for research projects across the ETH domain, and provides a stimulating, flexible and family-friendly working environment. It is located in Zurich and Basel.

Scientific Software and Data Management (SSDM) is part of ETH's central IT department.  It comprises software engineers from diverse backgrounds who develop software to support research projects across a broad spectrum of ETH's academic departments, including biology, physics, engineering, economics, architecture and more.  Due to a growing portfolio of projects. we are looking for a versatile software engineer to work to lead or contribute to a number of projects

Your main task, occupying half your time, will be to work on a project at ETH's Cosmology Group.  The required skills are Python and an understanding of computational programming and solving numerical systems.

The remainder of your time work be spent on our projects in our portfolio.  We have projects that are written in Java, Python, C++ and web technologies so the projects you work on would depend on your additional skills.

Most importantly, we are looking for a person who is flexible and interested in and able to aquire new skills and our project portfolio is constantly evolving.

Required Skills

• A Masters degree or PhD in computer science, mathematics, science or engineering
• Mathematics in your university education
• A minimum of 5 years working in software development
• A minimum of 3 years working with Python
• Experience writing computational code in Python (Numpy, etc)
• Experience developing in Linux
• Familiarity with CI tools such as Docker and Git
• Good communication skills in English
• A team player who interacts well with other developers as well as customers
• A strong desire to learn new skills

Strongly Desirable Skills (at least some of the following)

• Java
• Rust
• Javascript/Typescript with React or Svelte
• Python web backend development (Django, FastAPI)
• C++
• Relational database experience

Nice Skills to Have

• Matlab
• NextJS or Sveltekit

We offer a stimulating, multicultural working environment with colleagues from a variety of disciplines.  We do not have rigid job roles, nor much bureaucracy.  You will have the opportunity to design and architect solutions and work with some of the best scientists in their fields. 

SIS operates in a hybrid home-office mode, with up to 3 days per week working from home. Hours are flexible, subject to customer, team and project needs.

The position is initially for a duration of 1 year with the possibilty of renewal.

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

• A motivation letter
• Your CV
• Job references and diplomas

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 SIS can be found on our website sis.id.ethz.ch. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr Matthew Baker at Write an email (no applications).

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.