Software Engineer (public health software)

60%-100%, Basel, fixed-term

The Computational Evolution Group, led by Prof. Dr. Tanja Stadler, in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) at ETH Zurich works at the interface of mathematics, computer science, and evolutionary biology. We develop methods to understand evolutionary, ecological, epidemiological, and developmental processes on different scales based on genetic data.

In our GenSpectrum project, we transfer cutting-edge science to production-ready software. Specifically, we develop web applications and APIs to facilitate real-time monitoring of pathogen variants and answer epidemiological questions. Hereby, we collaborate closely with public health agencies and scientists around the globe.

We are recruiting a Software Engineer to join our interdisciplinary team. The position is initially fixed-term for 2 years with the possibility of extension.

Project background

GenSpectrum has its roots in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In response to the rapidly growing number of available genome sequences and the urgent need to track emerging variants of concern, we developed the CoV-Spectrum dashboard to facilitate the detection and tracking of new variants. Going forward, we plan to extend it to other pathogens and include the latest scientific models.

We work closely with other research groups in Basel and further afield countries as well as with public health agencies, including the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) of Switzerland and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States.

Our software is completely open source (code). Currently, the web application consists of a frontend application developed in React, and backend applications in Kotlin/Spring. Further, to handle the unprecedentedly large size of genomic data, we developed an in-memory, analytics database engine in C++.

We value good software engineering practices. We perform code reviews, have automated testing pipelines, and do our best to write modern, clean, and maintainable code. We also work in an agile fashion and are always open to suggestions to improve teamwork.

Job description

  • You will work alongside other software engineers and research scientists from our group and collaborators.
  • You will design and implement features as well as develop your own ideas and present them to our team and other stakeholders.
  • You will interact with our users to identify and refine needs and requirements.
  • The (initial) focus of the position is on the development of the GenSpectrum web application’s front- and backend. Depending on interest and background, there is also the possibility to be involved in developing the database engine.

Your profile

We are looking for a motivated colleague with an interest in learning and contributing to public health and genomic epidemiology. The position requires:

  • Experience with programming (ideally web development). We don't expect proficiency with any particular framework, but expect a good understanding of software development and the web and a willingness to learn new technologies.
  • Interest in working with an interdisciplinary and international team. We value an open and inclusive group culture and you will be expected to help us maintain a positive team dynamic and a welcoming work environment.
  • A university degree in a technical subject/natural sciences (computer science, physics, mathematics, etc.).
  • The working language in our group is English and no knowledge of German is required.

We are open to candidates from all experience level. In line with our commitment to an open and inclusive group culture, we welcome applications from individuals of all demographic groups and personal backgrounds.

Your workplace

Your workplace




We offer

  • We offer a dynamic and supportive working environment with flexible working hours. ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions and offers highly competitive salaries.
  • We offer (as we believe) a very exciting project with direct contributions to public health.
  • We value personal growth and career development opportunities and will support you with funding to attend courses, workshops, and other relevant events.
  • Switzerland offers a top quality of life – including beautiful natural scenery and fantastic infrastructure. We look forward to showing you why Basel, a very international small city ranked the tenth most livable city in the world by Mercer, is a great place to live and work!
Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

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:

  • Letter of motivation: Please let us know why you are interested in the position and why you would be a good candidate!
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Links to code samples/open-source projects are appreciated.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information about our group, please visit our website. If you have any questions (no applications), feel free to contact Chaoran Chen (chaoran.chen@bsse.ethz.ch).

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.

Curious? So are we.

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

  • Letter of motivation: Please let us know why you are interested in the position and why you would be a good candidate!
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Links to code samples/open-source projects are appreciated.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information about our group, please visit our website. If you have any questions (no applications), feel free to contact Chaoran Chen (chaoran.chen@bsse.ethz.ch).

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.