Bioinformatics Software Engineer / Bioinformatics Software Engineeress

Bioinformatics Software Engineer for Microbiome Research

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The position is located at the Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health at ETH Zurich, within the Laboratory of Food Systems Biotechnology (Prof. Dr. Nicholas Bokulich). The Bokulich laboratory develops bioinformatics methods and software for microbiome research, including QIIME 2, and applies these tools to study microbiomes at the interfaces of foods and human health.

Job Description

The successful applicant will develop bioinformatics software for the analysis and integration of microbiome and other omics datasets to study microbial communities involved in foods and human health. The candidate should have experience in Python programming for bioinformatics software development and collaborative development on GitHub. Additionally, the individual will coordinate with an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to develop and apply open-source software across a diverse range of research topics.

Profile

We are seeking an experienced bioinformatics software engineer to engage in the development of the microbiome bioinformatics platform QIIME 2 and related bioinformatics tools.

Key Qualifications

• Master's degree or bachelor's degree plus equivalent experience in computer science, data science, electrical engineering, computational biology, or relevant fields.
• Proficient programming skills (Python) and software development/engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing open-source bioinformatics software.
• Experience with collaborative software development using Git and GitHub.
• Familiarity with developing and implementing GitHub Actions workflows.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written) for effective communication with colleagues and collaborators.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience developing with QIIME 2.
• Knowledge of biological data structures and formats.
• Experience working with microbiome (marker gene, metagenome) or other omics data.
• Experience with the conda and conda-build ecosystem.
• Experience with software containerization (Docker, Singularity).
• Experience working with high-performance computing environments.

Workplace

ETH Zurich offers a vibrant and innovative research environment, situated in one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology.

We Offer

• Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which actively supports your professional development while contributing positively to society.
• Commitment to sustainability and a climate-neutral university.
• Numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

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 using the form below. Please ensure to include the following documents:

• An updated curriculum vitae including a list of publications, education, and any relevant software design experience.
• Names and contact information of 2-3 professional references.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Further information about The Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Michal Ziemski at michal.ziemski@hest.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. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Location in the heart of Europe allows us to forge connections worldwide as we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.