Scientific Assistant in Data Science

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Global Health Engineering (GHE) group is based within the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zurich. Our group does not have any mechanical engineers but is composed of environmental engineers, economists and social scientists. Our work is transdisciplinary and all research focuses on resource-constrained countries.

The Global Health Engineering group of Prof. Elizabeth Tilley is seeking a Scientific Assistant in Data Science.

Job description

As part of our Open Science team, you will support us in developing efficient data cleaning processes, comprehensible visualisations, and online teaching events that provide an inclusive and safe learning environment. Your efforts will primarily focus on our openwashdata project funded by the ETH ORD Scheme by the ETH Board. Details of the call and the funded proposal can be found on openwashdata.org .

Your profile

This job is for you, if

• you care about data and code being easily reusable
• you know how to use common data science tools (Git, GitHub, R, RStudio IDE) 
• you know your way around the collection of R Tidyverse packages and you are a competent practitioner in solving problems as outlined in the book R for Data Science
• you question existing processes and bring in new ideas
• you enjoy communicating online and building an online community
• you are interested in teaching at self-organised hackathons and online workshops
• you are at an early stage in your career and are looking for a project experience at an academic institution

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

We are a small, committed team of fewer than ten people with a collegial culture. We value transparency and openness over scientific publications. We like to share our knowledge with others and allow for creativity and new technologies in our work processes. We reflect on our work and constantly improve it. We believe that the world can be improved with open data.

For this position, the salary is fixed according to the federal ordinance you can find here .

Everyone is welcome here, just as they are. Our collegial and respectful interaction creates a pleasant working atmosphere and room for new ideas. In addition to a central work location in Zurich with plenty of room and sun in your office, you have the opportunity to work occasionally from home. The employment conditions are based on the university guidelines.

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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:

A link to an online portfolio of previous work that shows the code for a data analysis project (if no public portfolio exist, a script can be submitted with the application package)

An updated CV in your current format

A 1-page cover letter that addresses the following statement: “We struggle to get our monitoring & evaluation team to become familiar with spreadsheet based software for data analytics and expecting them to develop coding for their own data is unrealistic. Why would anyone be interested in this if solutions like Akvo or mWater exist?” 

The application and selection process will follow these dates:

• 2023-01-27: due date for submission of application
• 2023-02-01: notification about passing first selection round (three selected candidates)
• 2023-02-13: a week reserved for a personal and a technical interview
• 2023-02-20: final notification about selection

More information about the Interview process:

• The interview will be remotely unless it is feasible for you to come to our offices in Zurich
• The personal interview will be 45 minutes long and attended by Lars Schöbitz and Prof. Elizabeth Tilley
• The technical interview will be 60 minutes long and tests your proficiency in the R programming language with a focus on the collection of R Tidyverse packages. You will share your screen while solving a set of programming tasks. Lars Schöbitz will be available for questions and support. 
• We will setup an informal call with our PhD students where you can ask any questions that you may have about how it is to work in our group

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 Global Health Engineering can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Lars Schöbitz, email (no applications).

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.