Scientific Assistant / Scientific Assistantess

Scientific Assistant in Biomedical Machine Learning and Data Science

80%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Biomedical Data Science (BMDS) Lab is dedicated to investigating data-driven solutions for healthcare applications, particularly 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, uniting expertise from medicine, biology, computer and data science. We are seeking a scientific assistant to join our dynamic team and contribute to innovative interdisciplinary research partnerships. The anticipated start date is March 1, 2026.

Project Background

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) profoundly affects individuals and their families, presenting lifelong challenges. A significant obstacle in predicting long-term recovery lies in the substantial variability of patient outcomes, often inadequately captured by traditional clinical assessments. Standard neurological evaluations fail to reflect the underlying biological and functional diversity, thereby limiting prediction accuracy and the effectiveness of treatment strategies. This project aims to address this gap by integrating neurological assessments with neurophysiological measurements and routine blood biomarkers, leveraging advanced machine learning techniques to synthesize these diverse data sources. By identifying the most informative clinical features, our approach strives to enhance recovery predictions, supporting better patient stratification, prognosis, and personalized treatment strategies.

Job Description

• Explore and manage SCI datasets: Engage 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 from the project's start.
• 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, utilizing 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 track record in developing and training machine and deep learning models using Keras/TensorFlow and/or PyTorch, complemented 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 experience in 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, where you will find a stimulating and collaborative environment.

We Offer

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

• A stimulating, 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 through biomedical applications to critical health conditions, with a focus on SCI.
• Become 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 promotes an inclusive culture, fostering equality of opportunity, valuing diversity, and nurturing a work and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Sustainability is a core principle for us — we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

To apply, please apply online using the form below. 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. We are renowned for our exceptional education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct application of new knowledge to benefit society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and provides an inspiring environment for excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections worldwide to address today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.