Scientific Assistant / Scientific Assistantess

Introduction

The Biomedical Data Science Lab investigates data-driven solutions for healthcare applications, particularly focusing on neurological conditions and systemic infections such as sepsis. Our research thrives on collaboration across disciplines, embracing expertise in medicine, biology, computer science, and data science. We are seeking a motivated scientific assistant to join our growing team and contribute to our interdisciplinary research partnerships.

Project Background

The Biomedical Data Science Lab at ETH Zurich invites applications for a Scientific Assistant to support our data-intensive projects in biomedical imaging and clinical research. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to engage at the forefront of biomedical data science, contributing to key projects including data curation, image segmentation, and tool development for clinical research applications. The scientific assistant will aid the Biomedical Data Science Team across various projects, with a particular emphasis on our work in pediatric sepsis, lower back pain, and pediatric neuro-oncology.

Job Description

We are looking for a Scientific Assistant with a robust background in statistics, machine learning, and biomedical data science to assist in our research utilizing the European Multicenter Study about Spinal Cord Injury (EMSCI) and related SCI databases.

This position integrates hands-on data analysis and scientific project support with the coordination of research activities within our network. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with researchers, clinicians, and international partners to analyze large-scale longitudinal SCI datasets and contribute to scientific publications and meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct statistical and machine-learning analyses using EMSCI and related SCI datasets.
• Develop and validate predictive models of neurological recovery and functional outcomes after SCI.
• Perform data preprocessing, quality control, harmonization, feature engineering, and exploratory data analysis.
• Apply appropriate statistical methods, including regression, longitudinal data analysis, survival analysis, and machine-learning approaches.
• Develop reproducible analytical workflows in R and/or Python.
• Contribute to scientific publications, reports, presentations, and grant applications.
• Collaborate with clinicians, neuroscientists, statisticians, and data scientists across participating SCI centers.
• Support the organization and coordination of scientific meetings, workshops, consortium meetings, and other research activities, including scheduling, preparation of agendas and materials, communication with participants, and follow-up.
• Assist with the coordination of ongoing collaborative projects and the follow-up of scientific activities and deliverables.

Your Profile

• MSc or equivalent degree in statistics, biostatistics, data science, biomedical engineering, computer science, epidemiology, neuroscience, or a related discipline.
• Strong background in statistics and/or machine learning.
• Experience working with longitudinal and/or clinical datasets.
• Strong programming skills in R and/or Python.
• Experience with statistical modeling, data visualization, and reproducible research.
• Familiarity with machine-learning methods such as random forests, gradient boosting, neural networks, or related approaches.
• Previous experience with EMSCI data or large SCI databases is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of SCI-specific clinical and neurological outcome measures (e.g., ISNCSCI/ASIA, SCIM) is an advantage.
• Experience with multicenter clinical datasets is an advantage.
• Fluency in English and proficiency in German, both written and spoken.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and reliably while collaborating effectively in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.
• Interest in SCI research and the application of data science to clinical research.

We Offer

• An 80–100% position within the Biomedical Data Science Lab at ETH Zurich.
• The opportunity to work with EMSCI, one of the major longitudinal SCI research databases, and related international datasets.
• A highly interdisciplinary environment at the interface of clinical neuroscience, statistics, machine learning, and biomedical data science.
• Close interaction with leading SCI researchers and clinical centers in Switzerland and internationally.
• The chance to contribute to high-quality scientific publications and international collaborative projects.
• A dynamic role combining hands-on quantitative research with scientific coordination and project management.
• A stimulating research environment at ETH Zurich, with the lab located in Schlieren.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Start Date: October 1st, 2026

Employment: 80–100%

Location: ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Duration: Temporary, 1 year (with the possibility of extension by 1 year)

Further information about the BMDS lab can be found on our website.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. [Professor's Name].