Research Assistant in Digital Health Technologies / Research Assistantess in Digital Health Technologies

Research Assistant in Digital Health Technologies

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Biomedical Data Science (BMDS) Lab investigates data-driven solutions for healthcare applications, focusing on neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury (SCI), lower back pain, neuro-degenerative disorders, and neurological tumors. Our research thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together experts in medicine, biology, computer science, and data analytics. We are looking for a talented research assistant to join our growing team and contribute to current research studies. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026.

Project Background

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, and its effective treatment remains a challenge. Lumbar steroid injections are a common therapy for LBP, regardless of the underlying cause, yet their effectiveness varies significantly among patients. This highlights the need for a more personalized approach to LBP treatment, particularly regarding injection therapy. Personalized strategies require comprehensive insights into patients' health statuses that extend beyond static information obtained during clinical consultations.

In recent years, mobile health and wearable technologies have provided frameworks for continuously assessing both objective and subjective measures in patients' natural environments. In this research project, we aim to develop a patient-centered smartphone application for remote monitoring of individuals with LBP, ultimately helping to predict their treatment outcomes following injection therapy. We are currently conducting usability and feasibility studies to test the application in real-world scenarios while ensuring its functionality. Following this, an observational study will be undertaken to collect data that predicts injection treatment outcomes using machine learning methods, aiming to incorporate these models as personalized prediction tools within the app.

Job Description

• Data Collection: Conduct data acquisition for ongoing research studies on low back pain.
• Data Management: Enter, organize, and clean datasets to ensure accuracy and high data quality.
• Participant Recruitment: Assist the project lead in recruiting and enrolling study participants.
• Administrative Coordination: Schedule study appointments and help coordinate team activities and responsibilities.
• Research Collaboration: Work closely with the PhD researcher to support all aspects of the project.

Profile

• You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Health Sciences, or a related field.
• You have prior experience working in research settings and are familiar with standard study procedures.
• You are highly organized, dependable, and capable of managing multiple tasks efficiently.
• You are motivated to contribute to a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment and are dedicated to scientific excellence.
• You are fluent in German (written and spoken) and confident in communicating in English.

We Offer

We provide a 1-year project-based contract at the BMDS Lab (80% - 100% workload).

• A stimulating, collaborative environment within a multidisciplinary team at ETH Zurich and Schulthess Klinik, merging academic and clinical perspectives.
• Opportunities to support ongoing studies on low back pain, directly relevant to patient care and clinical practice.
• Hands-on experience in various research processes, including data collection, management, and study coordination.
• Insights into how research is conducted in close collaboration with a leading specialized clinic.
• Become part of a motivated, supportive, and collaborative team.
• Learn from experienced researchers and clinicians while contributing to an active research project.

Applying

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is among the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for its excellent education and cutting-edge fundamental research, we focus on transferring new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe and forging connections globally, we work collectively to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture, promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us as we consistently strive towards a climate-neutral future.