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, led by 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 food 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 food and human health. The ideal candidate will be experienced in Python programming for bioinformatics software development and comfortable coordinating with a collaborative team of interdisciplinary scientists and engineers to create and enhance open-source software across a variety 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 other relevant fields
• Proficient programming skills in Python and prior software development/engineering experience
• Demonstrated experience in developing open-source bioinformatics software
• Experience in collaborative software development using Git and GitHub
• Experience in 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 in 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
• Familiarity with software containerization (Docker, Singularity)
• Experience working with high-performance computing environments

Workplace

ETH Zurich provides a dynamic and collaborative workplace environment, supporting cutting-edge research and professional development.

We Offer

• Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, an institution that actively contributes to positive change in society while supporting your professional growth.
• Commitment to sustainability: We are dedicated to maintaining a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• Attractive benefits: Expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets, car sharing options, a variety of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare, and appealing pension plans.

We Value Diversity

In line with our core values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a working and learning environment respecting the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn more about how we create a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So Are We.

Apply online using the form below. Please ensure that your application includes:

• An updated curriculum vitae detailing your publications, education, and relevant software design experience
• Names and contact information for 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. For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Dr. Michal Ziemski via email 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. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society, we attract over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries. Our university promotes independent thinking and provides an environment that inspires excellence. While located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections globally to develop solutions for the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.