Senior Software Engineer / Senior Software Engineeress and Technical Lead / Technical Leadess

ETH Zurich - June 8, 2025

Senior Software Engineer and Technical Lead

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Geothermal Energy and Geofluids (GEG) Group is a renowned research unit within the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zurich. We investigate a wide range of subsurface mass and energy transfer processes, as well as related power plant operations. Our work encompasses both fundamental and applied research, addressing societal concerns related to geothermal energy exploration, extraction, utilization, geologic carbon dioxide sequestration, groundwater management, and more. For further details, please visit our website.

Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Scientific Software Engineer to lead our software development initiatives at GEG. Our team specializes in creating state-of-the-art scientific and engineering software for diverse applications such as geoscience, energy systems, and mathematical modeling. This role is perfect for an experienced software developer with a robust background in scientific computing who aspires to lead a development team, drive innovation, and explore commercial opportunities arising from our research.

Please note that this position is linked to a project, and we are initially looking for candidates open to a temporary contract, with the potential for a permanent role based on successful project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the software development team, championing best practices and technical excellence.
  • Oversee the development and enhancement of our scientific and engineering software tools, focusing on applications in geoscience, optimization, and techno-economic modeling.
  • Guide the team in modern software development practices, including version control, documentation, testing, and continuous integration.
  • Adapt software for parallel computing, optimization workflows, and high-performance computing environments.
  • Contribute to software deployment, testing, and benchmarking across multiple platforms.
  • Assist with software development, data analysis, and visualization tasks as needed across various projects.
  • Help develop machine learning and AI components within GEG software, such as physics-informed ML/AI models, proxy models, and knowledge-informed prompt generation for model input assistance.
  • Explore opportunities for commercializing software innovations within the group, especially regarding SaaS applications.

Profile

You possess a strong technical background in scientific and engineering software development along with leadership qualities and an entrepreneurial mindset. You are seeking to lead and potentially spin off technologies into new ventures rather than pursue an academic career track.

Required Skills & Experience

  • Proven leadership experience in software development teams.
  • Expertise in scientific/engineering software development for geoscience, engineering, or related fields.
  • Proficiency in Python (5+ years) along with experience in C++ or Rust.
  • Familiarity with modern software development tools such as version control, CI/CD, testing, and documentation.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • A business-oriented mindset with an interest in commercializing software innovations.

Desired Skills

  • Experience in numerical modeling of geologic reservoirs and subsurface fluid and energy transport.
  • Experience with machine learning and AI applications.
  • Basic understanding of physical and thermodynamic processes involved in subsurface fluid flow, heat transfer, and geochemical reactions.
  • Development and deployment of graphical user interfaces (web apps, desktop apps).
  • Parallel computing (GPU & CPU).
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP), Docker, and Kubernetes.
  • Experience with Flask or Django for web applications.
  • Previous experience or interest in startups and technology commercialization, particularly with SaaS.

Workplace

This is a unique opportunity to lead a software development team within a research group at ETH Zurich, focusing on renewable geothermal energy and climate change (CCS) mitigation solutions. The team plays a critical role in advancing scientific and engineering computing while exploring commercial pathways for software innovations. If you are looking for a role that combines technical excellence, leadership, and business strategy, we invite you to apply online using the form below.

We offer a dynamic and exciting work environment equipped with cutting-edge computational infrastructure. The GEG Group values an open and inclusive culture. This position entails contributing to the technical development of scientific and engineering software, collaborating with national and international research groups and companies, and joining a motivated team. The position is initially designed as a long-term role, beginning with a one-year appointment, renewable annually based on performance.

We Value Diversity

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We are committed to equality of opportunity, valuing diversity, and nurturing a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected.

Curious? So Are We!

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

If you have any questions, please contact Dieter Werthmüller (GEG Project Manager) at . 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. We are celebrated for our excellent education, cutting-edge research, and the effective transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, we create an environment that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence.

Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

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