Scientific Assistant in Biomedical Machine Learning and Data Science / Scientific Assistantess in Biomedical Machine Learning and Data Science

Scientific Assistant in Biomedical Machine Learning and Data Science

80%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Biomedical Data Science (BMDS) Lab investigates data-driven solutions for healthcare applications with a focus on neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury (SCI), lower back pain, neurodegenerative disorders, and neurological tumors. Our research is rooted in collaborative efforts across disciplines, integrating expertise from medicine, biology, computer science, and data science. We are seeking a scientific assistant to join our expanding team and contribute to interdisciplinary research partnerships. The anticipated start date is March 1, 2026.

Project Background

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) has profound and lifelong consequences for affected individuals and their families. A significant challenge in predicting long-term recovery is the substantial variability in patient outcomes, which traditional clinical assessments may not fully capture. Standard neurological evaluations often fail to reflect the underlying biological and functional diversity, limiting both prediction accuracy and the effectiveness of treatment strategies. This project aims to bridge this gap by integrating neurological assessments with neurophysiological measurements and routine blood biomarkers, utilizing advanced machine learning to harmonize these diverse data sources. By identifying the most informative clinical features, this approach seeks to deliver more precise and interpretable recovery predictions, thereby supporting better patient stratification, prognosis, and personalized treatment strategies.

Job Description

• Explore and manage SCI datasets: Work with international databases of SCI patient data, ensuring accurate handling, preprocessing, and integration of heterogeneous clinical, neurophysiological, and biomarker information. These datasets will be readily available at the start of the project.
• Develop advanced deep learning models: Design and implement a multi-branch neural network capable of integrating multiple data modalities into a unified representation.
• Implement a multi-task learning framework: Build and evaluate models that predict multiple, related recovery outcomes simultaneously, leveraging shared information between tasks to enhance predictive performance, interpretability, and generalization.

Profile

• You hold a Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• You possess strong Python programming skills and a proven record in developing and training machine and deep learning models using Keras/TensorFlow and/or PyTorch, bolstered by experience in statistical data analysis.
• You have experience with collaborative coding practices, version control (e.g., Git), and working on computing clusters.
• Experience with SCI data or related research topics is advantageous.
• A background in biomedical projects and interdisciplinary collaboration is a plus.
• You are motivated to work as part of a diverse team and are committed to scientific excellence in your field.
• You are proficient in both written and spoken English.

Workplace

The position is based at the BMDS Lab, located at ETH Zurich.

We Offer

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

• A stimulating and collaborative environment within ETH Zurich, one of the world’s leading universities for science and technology.
• The opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge biomedical data science with direct clinical relevance.
• Advance your skills in data science, machine learning, and neuroinformatics applied to critical health conditions, particularly spinal cord injury.
• Be part of a highly motivated, multidisciplinary, and collaborative team.
• Learn from experts in the field and contribute to an active research lab.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich fosters 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 discover how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

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

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for our excellent education, groundbreaking research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society, we are home to over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. Our university promotes independent thinking and creates an inspiring environment that encourages excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections worldwide, working together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.