Scientific Computing 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. 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 and cloud computing infrastructures.

Job description

CDSS is currently seeking to appoint a Scientific Computing Expert to strengthen our team of experts to support researchers in finding, setting up and using the right tools and compute resources for their scientific work. This includes exploring novel solutions, bridging knowledge gaps or scaling up, e.g. by porting or integrating software to adequate computing environments (e.g. high performance computing clusters, cloud services), developing data analysis pipelines and (co-)analyzing scientific data, improving and refactoring source code for computational and data science applications both on the methodological and implementation side and applying those tools to the respective scientific data, or providing computational solutions for reproducible research.

You will work closely with researchers to understand their data and their needs in working with the data, finds solutions to address them, and provides training and consulting on tools and solution paths. In this role, you need to coordinate between our customers (i.e. researchers), members of SIS, other ITS experts, or external collaborators (e.g. from CSCS or SDSC). Furthermore you will investigate new tools and technologies relevant for scientific computing, particularly in the area of computational and data science.

Your profile

This position requires

• PhD in computational science or related field such as physics, bioinformatics, computer science, etc.;
• good understanding of the fundamentals of natural sciences and statistical and numerical methods;
• strong background in scientific programming, data processing and analysis in the Unix/Linux programming environment;
• mastery of Python and 2-3 other relevant programming languages in scientific computing (e.g. C/C++, R, Matlab) and knowledge of object-oriented programming and software design;
• experience in applying best practices in scientific programming (e.g. automated testing and version control) and container technology (e.g. Docker).

Advantageous are

• hands-on experience with HPC clusters (e.g. Slurm), optimization and parallelization or GPU computing (e.g. Dask, ipyparallel, OpenMP, MPI) and with the usage of workflow managers (e.g. Snakemake, Nextflow, etc.);
• advanced Python skills and knowledge of libraries and concepts such as e.g. Numba, PyPy, Cython or JAX;
• experience with computational solutions for reproducible research;
• understanding of how to use cloud technologies.

In addition to the above analytical and technical abilities, this position demands a particular interest in and flexibility to learn or adopt new technologies in the broad area of scientific computing. Moreover, excellent communication skills in English (German is an asset), solid project management skills and a service-oriented attitude are necessary to effectively and successfully enable research and scientific collaboration with ETH researchers and their partners.

The position is located in Zurich, though occasional travel to other Swiss cities will be required.

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.

The initial contract will be for a period of one (1) year, with possibility of renewal.

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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;
• Diplomas and work certificates;
• Contact information of at least two 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 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 twuest@ethz.ch (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.