Scientific Assistant / Scientific Assistantess

Scientific Assistant for Biomedical Data Science

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. At the heart of our research is collaboration across disciplines, merging expertise in medicine, biology, computer science, and data science. We are seeking a scientific assistant to join this dynamic team and contribute to interdisciplinary research partnerships. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2025.

Project Background

Traumatic SCI has profound and lifelong implications for affected patients and their families. A major challenge in drug development for traumatic SCI is the high failure rate of clinical trials, despite promising preclinical evidence. One of the key obstacles is the assumption that SCI can be treated without accounting for significant variability in individual biological, clinical, health, and injury-related characteristics. Traditionally, a uniform physiological recovery capacity and consistent benefits from experimental treatments are assumed, which contradicts the established understanding of natural recovery variability. The proposed project aims to bridge this critical gap by distinguishing between patients' baseline natural recovery and treatment-induced improvements. By isolating the true treatment effect, the project seeks to provide a clearer and more accurate assessment of how interventions influence recovery trajectories.

Job Description

The scientific assistant will:

• Familiarize themselves with various international databases collecting data on SCI patients, readily available at the start of this project.
• Implement, train, and benchmark state-of-the-art data science pipelines to characterize SCI recovery trajectories and injury patterns. Integrate personalized physiological measurements into a recovery prediction model, while adapting Bayesian Neural Networks for SCI data and analyzing the impact on model uncertainty.
• Develop and implement methods to utilize predicted natural recovery to effectively isolate, analyze, and quantify treatment-induced improvements in SCI patients.
• Develop an exploratory web platform for traumatic SCI recovery. Collaborate with clinical experts to gather and define requirements, ensuring the platform aligns with the needs of both patients and healthcare professionals.

Profile

• You hold a Master's degree in a relevant field such as data science, computer science, physics, computational biology, or biomedical research.
• You are proficient in Python programming, with experience in statistical analysis and implementing machine and deep learning models using Keras/TensorFlow and/or PyTorch.
• You have experience in collaborative coding, version control, and utilizing computer clusters.
• Ideally, you have a background in biomedical projects and experience in interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Experience in SCI-related research 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, which promotes a collaborative and innovative research environment.

We Offer

We provide a 1-year project-based contract at the BMDS Lab (80-100% workload), with the potential for a second-year extension. This position includes:

• Opportunities to engage with diverse communities bridging data science and SCI research, leading to high-impact publications.
• Enhancement of your data science skills while gaining insights into the biomedical aspects of critical health conditions, particularly SCI.
• Integration into a highly motivated, multidisciplinary, and collaborative team.
• Learning from experts in the field and contributing to an active research lab.
• Support for your scientific career development and application for doctoral fellowships, if desired.

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 learn 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.

Required Documents:

• CV indicating your educational background, previous positions, and optional publications.
• A 1-page letter outlining your motivation to join the BMDS lab and the particular project.

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society, our institution brings together over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries in an environment that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections worldwide to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.