Applied Research Software Engineer / Applied Research Software Engineeress

ETH Zurich - July 15, 2025

Applied Research Software Engineer - GenAI R&D for Future-Proof Teaching

80%-100%, Zurich, permanent

The GenAI-R&D for Future-Proof Teaching group at the ETH AI Center (Zürich-Oerlikon) builds fully open-source systems that reimagine how students learn and how instructors teach.

Project Background

After successfully supporting 2,000 students per semester with the first-generation Ethel ecosystem, we are now scaling EthelFlow (agent-based core) and EthelApp (front-end for desktop & mobile) to serve 20,000 students across a broad spectrum of STEM courses. The platform integrates large language and vision models with symbolic math and statistical tools to facilitate:

  • Course-specific chatbots
  • Automatic practice-problem generation
  • Feedback on handwritten and code exercises
  • Assistance in grading handwritten exams

You will collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and master's students at ETH, transforming applied research ideas into production-quality code. Our processes are lightweight and agile, focusing on short goals, rapid iterations, direct engagement with instructors and stakeholders, and ample pair-coding with students. We prioritize user impact and code quality while maintaining a pragmatic and can-do attitude, avoiding cumbersome Scrum rituals.

Job Description

Your responsibilities will encompass hands-on product development, where you will deliver new features in a React and TypeScript front-end designed for both desktop and mobile users. You will also extend Python-based agent pipelines (e.g., LangGraph) and integrate various large language models (LLMs) and multimodal vision models. Additionally, you will build and maintain data flows for recognizing handwritten mathematics, diagrams, and code while managing systems that provide timely feedback or rubric-based scoring.

In your role focusing on open-source engineering, you will design clean, modular APIs and publish all contributions under permissive licenses. You will actively review pull requests, enhance documentation, and contribute to growing a vibrant, engaged contributor community.

Regarding infrastructure and operations, you will take ownership of Linux servers operating within Docker Swarm, automating builds and deployments with GitHub Actions. Enhancing the robustness of monitoring and logging systems to ensure reproducibility is also crucial, with Kubernetes experience being an advantageous skill.

For R&D prototyping, you will evaluate emerging models and tools, swiftly develop proofs of concept, and strategically transition promising ideas into production-ready solutions.

Finally, you will foster collaboration and mentorship through pair-programming with master's students, sharing best practices, and working closely with course instructors to iteratively refine projects.

Profile

Required Skills & Experience

  • Expertise in modern React (Hooks, responsive design) and strong TypeScript skills
  • Solid Python proficiency and familiarity with Node.js for implementing services and agent logic
  • Confidence in Linux and fluency with Docker Swarm (compose-to-swarm workflows, secrets, volumes, overlay networking)
  • Comfortable with LaTeX for math-heavy content
  • Experience connecting LLMs and multimodal models (prompting, RAG, structured output)
  • Experience with Git and GitHub Actions (or similar) alongside a *test-as-you-go* mindset
  • Able to be on site at ETH Zurich (primarily in Oerlikon) at least three days per week, with flexibility to work remotely the remaining days
  • Master's degree in computer science, applied information, data science, or another STEM degree with relevant experience
  • Excellent spoken and written English skills
  • Strong curiosity

Nice to Have

  • Conversational German for campus interactions
  • Kubernetes or other container orchestration experience
  • Experience with R and Maxima
  • Familiarity with interactive homework or learning-content management systems
  • Background in handwriting recognition, exam workflows, or computer vision
  • Significant open-source contributions, especially in ed-tech
  • Understanding of Swiss or European university teaching contexts

Workplace

Modern office in the ETH AI Center, conveniently located a few minutes from Zürich-Oerlikon station.

We Offer

  • Impact - Shape how thousands of ETH students learn and how faculty teach.
  • Publication Opportunities - Contribute to open-access papers in leading journals.
  • Cutting-Edge Stack - Access to the latest open-source and commercial models (Azure AI), GPUs, and academic collaborations.
  • Learning Budget - Conference travel and paid time for exploration.
  • Flexible Schedule - Core collaboration days on site; remote-friendly otherwise.

We Value Diversity

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn about how we cultivate a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive.

Curious? So Are We!

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below.

Please include the following documents:

  • Resume/CV
  • Degree certificates
  • A brief document (maximum one page) sharing your initial ideas, impressions, and constructive feedback about the early-stage codebase at EthelFlow and EthelApp

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Further information about the ETH AI Center can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Gerd Kortemeyer at kgerd@ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe and forging connections worldwide, we work together to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.

Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

Please enter your information in the following form and attach your resume (CV)

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