Software Research and Development Engineer

The Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC) is a joint venture between EPFL and ETH Zurich.

Its mission is to accelerate the adoption of data science and machine learning techniques within the ETH Domain academic disciplines, the Swiss academic community at large, and the industrial sector. In particular, it addresses the gap between those who create data, those who develop data analytics and systems, and those who could potentially extract value from it.

The centre comprises a multi-disciplinary team of data and computer scientists, and experts in select domains with offices in Zürich, Lausanne, and Villigen.

We are looking for a dynamic and proactive individual to join the Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC) in Zürich as a Software Research and Development Engineer. You will make an impact on the Swiss data ecosystem by joining collaborative SDSC projects to develop software solutions that make it easier and more efficient for researchers to share, manage, and analyze data, with an emphasis on sensitive data.

This role sits within the Open Research Data Engagement and Services team, with scope across the organization in academic, industry, or governmental projects. As a Software Research and Development Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the capabilities of SDSC data services. You will design, develop, and maintain crucial software components that span the full spectrum of the data lifecycle — from data ingestion to model deployment, through access management and visualization.

Working closely with engineers, scientists, and security experts, you will introduce innovative features and refine existing ones, while upholding stringent security protocols. You will work with modern programming languages such as Rust and Go to develop cloud native microservices and system components that support strategic SDSC services. In particular, you will support the Swiss Data Custodian (gitlab.com/data-custodian), a solution for data governance policy management. Throughout the software development lifecycle, you will manage tasks from conceptualization and coding to debugging, testing, and deployment. Documentation and maintenance of the codebase will be essential for ensuring clarity and continuity in development processes. SDSC supports and encourages you to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and methodologies, and you will continuously enhance the functionality and performance of the SDSC's research tools and platforms. Finally, you will work closely with cross-functional teams and external entities to ensure the seamless integration of software systems and alignment with technical standards.

We encourage applications from a broad range of backgrounds, blending academic achievement with practical expertise. You bring solid experience in developing and delivering complex software solutions, acquired through a Ph.D. or M.Sc. degree in Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Proficiency in Go is essential, knowledge of Rust or other system programming languages is a plus. Your adeptness with cloud technologies pairs with your experience in distributed systems, microservices, and tools such as Docker and Kubernetes. A strong grasp of CI/CD principles, version control with Git, and API development complements your foundation in data structures, algorithms, and software design principles.

Your code is clean, testable, and efficient. With an innovative mindset, excellent problem-solving, and analytical skills, you're poised to thrive in this role. Comfortable in both independent and collaborative project navigation, you articulate complex technical concepts with ease to peers and non-technical stakeholders (English written and oral, with bonus points for French or German). You are committed to staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies, applying this evolving knowledge to drive innovation within the SDSC.

With the social and leadership competencies, ETH Zurich has developed a common understanding for a shared work culture. Kindly try to incorporate these six competencies into your recruitment.

• A stimulating, collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment in a world-class research institution
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote working, flexible time, condensed week, and the opportunity to work part-time
• Exciting challenges, varied projects, and plenty of room to learn and grow
• An opportunity to follow your passion and use your skills to make an impact on research communities and society
• A possibility to spark your creativity by experimenting and learning new technologies
• As part of the ETH Zürich, you'll enjoy all the benefits associated with being an ETH Zürich employee, including a supportive work environment and access to various resources. Detailed information about employment conditions and benefits can be found here.