Research Data Expert

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

To support teaching, research and knowledge transfer, the IT Services (ITS) of ETH Zurich are working as a service organization in a large and complex IT environment.

Job description

Within the ITS section Scientific IT Services the group Computational & Data Science Support (CDSS) aims at bridging the gap between computational research and IT services and infrastructure provisioning. We are working closely together with ETH researchers to provide support in the wide area of scientific computing from data management and analysis, development of scientific software, to porting and optimizing such software to high-performance computing infrastructures. In your role as Research Data Expert you work mainly in the following two areas of expertise:

1. Support ETH researchers with scientific IT expertise in and around the wide spectrum of data science and analytics. This includes:

• interacting closely with researchers to understand their data and their scientific goals and actively contributing and finding solutions to their data science problems;
• developing data analytics pipelines, scaling up, and improving both algorithms and implementations of data science software;
• providing training and consulting on established and novel data science tools and solution paths.

2. Train and consult ETH researchers in the area of research data management (RDM) and reproducible research. This includes:

• developing and presenting training materials that enable scientists to adopt FAIR data principles in their daily research;
• transforming training materials into innovative new formats such as online modules in learning management systems;
• helping researchers in adopting FAIR principles by providing suitable computational / IT solutions.

The contract is initially limited to 1 year with possibility of renewal depending on funding.

Your profile

This position requires

• a PhD degree in data / computational science or related field such as physics, bioinformatics / computational biology, computer science, etc.;
• experience with Python and its scientific libraries (e.g. Numpy, Pandas);
• good knowledge of machine / deep learning techniques and corresponding software libraries (e.g. TensorFlow, PyTorch or JAX);
• hands-on experience with working in the Unix/Linux programming environment and best practices for code management (e.g. Git);
• familiarity with the FAIR data principles and the research data life cycle;
• experience with research data management according to the FAIR principles and corresponding software systems;
• teaching experience and a passion for presenting abstract concepts in an engaging way.

Advantageous are

• hands-on experience with the usage of high performance computing clusters, optimization and parallelization or GPU computing;
• experience with applying best practices in scientific programming (e.g. automated testing and version control) and computational solutions for reproducible research (e.g. Conda, Docker);
• experience with creating online course materials using learning management systems (e.g. Moodle).

In addition to the above abilities, this position demands excellent communication skills (in English), a commitment to continuous learning as well as the interest in and ability to effectively collaborate with domain scientists and IT specialists alike.

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

Scientific IT Services provide a stimulating work environment for knowledge sharing and exchange and possibilities for engagement around a vast spectrum of areas in scientific IT as well as for further education. IT Services are committed to flexible and family-friendly working models and a healthy work-life balance. ETH Zurich supports a policy of diversity as well as inclusion and we particularly encourage qualified female candidates to apply.

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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
• contact information of at least two references
• diplomas and further certificates

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 Scientific IT Services can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Thomas Wüst, Tel +41 44 633 84 16 or email [email protected] (no applications).

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

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.