work at the swiss data science center

Join the SDSC

Find your next job in Data Science with us!

Available positions

Please note you should apply through the EPFL, ETHZ or PSI links below.
Any application sent by email will not be considered.

Software / Systems Engineer

Location:
Zurich, Lausanne

80%-100%, Zurich or Lausanne, fixed-term

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 academic disciplines of the ETH Domain, 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 center is composed of a multi-disciplinary team of data and computer scientists, and experts in select domains with offices in Zürich, Lausanne, and Villingen.

Job description

We are looking for creative developers to join our ranks. As a member of our team, you will be asked to develop independently or in a team the various services and infrastructure for our data science platform, Renku .

Currently our development efforts are focused on user-centric feature development and scaling up our Software as a Service offering.

Profile

  • You are an experienced developer with a minimum of a BSc in Computer Science or related disciplines.
  • You enjoy crafting elegant software solutions and are no stranger to building backend services with various types of APIs.
  • You have excellent skills in Python; Scala, Go or Rust are a plus. Good, hands-on systems knowledge of Linux is required; practical experience with Kubernetes, infrastructure-as-a-service, cloud services, and other container-based technologies is a strong plus.
  • Beyond specific skills, we are interested in individuals who are excited to learn, are self-motivated and have a great team-oriented attitude.
  • We encourage and expect independence and critical thinking but value highly the ability to work in a team, express ideas, and engage in constructive discussions that move the project forward.

Workplaces


We offer

We offer you a stimulating, collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment in a world-class research institution.

Our team of 15 hails from 13 countries and we are committed to upholding the team’s diversity in the future.

We deeply value work-life balance and will readily consider part-time employment options as well as home-office work.

In this dynamic position, you will make full use of your engineering skills to develop backend services, contribute to feature design, investigate available technology options and ensure reliable service delivery for thousands of users across Switzerland and beyond.

Experimentation and creativity are actively promoted and learning of new technologies and approaches is an integral part of the job. We are dedicated to open source software and we strongly encourage our team members to seek out opportunities to engage with and contribute to open source communities as a part of their development process.

Your work at the SDSC will contribute to improving the process of collaborative data science by providing a path toward reproducibility and reusability, with potential for significant impact in scientific fields as varied as astronomy, ecology, and personalized medicine as well as the public and private sectors.

> 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:

  • Motivation letter
  • cv
  • References

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 the Swiss Data Science Center can be found on our website.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to rok.roskar@sdsc.ethz.ch (no applications).

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

Front-end Research Engineer

Location:
Zurich

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC) is becoming a National Research Infrastructure with a mandate to support the access and development of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in research, the industry and the public sector in Switzerland. As of 2025, the SDSC will provide expertise and services towards the design and implementation of ambitious data science projects, including support for the development of research data infrastructures and data science platforms.

Project background

Are you a front-end engineer with a research mindset? Are you passionate about applying your skills to create innovative interfaces that empower researchers to share, manage, and analyze data more efficiently? The Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC) invites you to join the Open Research Data Engagement and Services (ORDES) team and make a meaningful impact on the future of data-driven research.

Start of position: August 1, 2024 (negotiable)

Job description

Within the ORDES team, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the tools researchers use throughout the entire data lifecycle. By developing intuitive, cutting-edge web interfaces that leverage semantic technologies, you'll streamline processes from data collection and analysis to sharing and preservation, impacting a wide range of projects across academia, industry, and government.

As our Front-End Research Engineer, you'll leverage your expertise in modern front-end technologies to build user-friendly components for strategic services, such as Imaging Plaza and Swiss Data Custodian. This includes creating initial mockups and prototypes to gather feedback and refine the user experience. Collaborating closely with project teams, you'll translate research goals into intuitive interfaces that meet the unique needs of each project, ensuring that the underlying semantic structure of the data is effectively represented and utilized. Your commitment to clear documentation and code maintenance will enable smooth collaboration and the long-term success of our platforms.

At SDSC, we value continuous learning and encourage you to stay at the forefront of front-end technologies and methodologies, including advancements in semantic web development. By applying your evolving knowledge, you'll continuously enhance the functionality, usability, and performance of SDSC's research tools and platforms, ensuring they remain cutting-edge, interoperable, and accessible to the research community.

Profile

We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and value a blend of academic achievement and practical expertise. You bring a solid foundation in front-end development honed through a Master's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent professional experience. You're a team player who enjoys the collaborative process of building intuitive and visually compelling web UIs using modern front-end technologies like React, TypeScript, Next.js, or Vue.js.

Your ability to integrate data through REST, JSON, and APIs is crucial for ensuring smooth communication between our research tools and platforms. While not required, experience with semantic web technologies (e.g. RDF, SHACL, SPARQL) and knowledge of DevOps CI/CD pipelines would be a valuable asset to our team. We are committed to investing in your professional development and providing comprehensive training opportunities to help you acquire or strengthen these skills.

You are comfortable working effectively within a diverse team, openly sharing ideas, and communicating technical concepts clearly (English written and oral, with bonus points for French or German).

Your commitment to staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies will be key to driving innovation within the SDSC.

Workplace

We offer

  • 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

chevron_rightWorking, 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 application with the following documents:

  • Motivation letter
  • CV
  • Diplomas

We only accept applications submitted through our online application portal and will not consider applications via email or postal services.

If you have questions regarding this position, please email hrdatascience@datascience.ch (no applications).

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

Working at the Swiss Data Science Center

At the SDSC, we are dedicated to promoting a good and inclusive work environment that fosters happiness, health, and well-being among its employees. We believe in assembling an inclusive team of people who share our values and beliefs, and we recognize that a diverse workforce with people from all backgrounds, experiences, and opinions is critical to our success. We live in an international context where gender equality is valued, ensuring everyone has similar chances and is equally appreciated for their efforts.

Our recruitment policy is based on the following principles:

1. Fair practices: SDSC upholds transparent and fair hiring practices, treating all candidates with dignity, respect, and equality. We have clear and comprehensible guidelines that guide our recruitment methods and ensure every employee understands and follows them.

2. Positive culture: SDSC is committed to creating a work environment prioritizing its workers' well-being, satisfaction, and productivity.  We support flexible working arrangements, including remote work possibilities, and provide a safe and healthy work environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and supported.

3. Gender equality: We value gender equality and give equal opportunity and respect to all employees. We think everyone has unique talents and skills and encourage all our employees, regardless of gender, to attain their full potential. We establish an environment where gender stereotypes (and all other biases) are challenged, resulting in an inclusive and empowering workplace.

4. Cultural diversity: We believe in the potential of inclusion and diversity. We seek to assemble a group of enthusiastic individuals who share our beliefs and ideals regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, sexual identity, religion, or handicap. We actively recruit people with varied origins, nationalities, and experiences because we believe that a diverse workforce promotes innovation, creativity, and effective problem-solving.

5. Continuous growth: SDSC is committed to promoting our workers' ongoing education and development. We provide opportunities for professional development, allowing individuals to improve their skills, knowledge, and talents. We encourage our employees to realize their professional goals by offering resources and support.

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