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

Job Opportunity: Senior Scientific Software Engineer at the Geothermal Energy and Geofluids Group

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 array of subsurface mass and energy transfer processes, as well as related power plant processes. Our mission involves both fundamental and applied research aimed at addressing societal concerns relating to geothermal energy exploration, extraction, and utilization, alongside areas such as geologic carbon dioxide sequestration, groundwater utilization, contaminant mitigation, and subsurface energy storage.

Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Scientific Software Engineer to lead our software development initiatives at GEG. Our team is dedicated to creating state-of-the-art scientific and engineering software for diverse applications, including geoscience, energy systems, and mathematical modeling. This role is ideal for an experienced software developer with a robust background in scientific computing who is enthusiastic about leading a development team, fostering innovation, and exploring commercial opportunities stemming from our research.

This position is initially linked to a project; we are looking for a candidate who is open to starting with a temporary contract, with the potential for a permanent assignment should the project successfully advance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the software development team by advocating for best practices and technical excellence.
• Oversee the enhancement and development of our scientific and engineering software.
• Guide the team in modern software development methodologies (e.g., version control).
• Adapt software for parallel computing, optimization workflows, and high-performance computing environments.
• Contribute to software deployment, testing, and benchmarking across various platforms.
• Assist with additional software development, data analysis, and visualization tasks as required across different projects.
• Support the development of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) components within GEG software, including physics-informed models, proxy models, input-output pattern recognition, and data gap detection.
• Explore opportunities for commercializing software innovations within the group, particularly regarding SaaS applications.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in scientific and engineering software development, accompanied by effective leadership abilities and an entrepreneurial mindset. You are not seeking an academic career path; rather, you are motivated to lead and potentially turn technologies into new business ventures.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven leadership experience in software development teams.
• Expertise in scientific/engineering software development related to geoscience or mathematical modeling.
• Proficiency in Python (5+ years) with some experience in C++ or Rust.
• Familiarity with modern software development tools (e.g., version control, CI/CD, testing, documentation).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Business-oriented mindset with an interest in commercializing software innovations.

Desired Skills

• Experience in numerical modeling of geological reservoirs and subsurface fluid and energy transport.
• Experience with ML and AI applications.
• Basic understanding of physical and thermodynamic processes related to subsurface fluid flow, heat transfer, and geochemical reactions.
• Development and deployment of graphical user interfaces for web and desktop applications.
• Experience with parallel computing (GPU & CPU).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP), Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Experience using Flask or Django for web applications.
• Interest or experience in startups and technology commercialization, particularly SaaS.

What We Offer

This is a unique opportunity to lead a software development team within an esteemed research group at ETH Zurich, focusing on renewable geothermal energy and climate change mitigation solutions. Our team contributes to state-of-the-art scientific and engineering computing, while exploring commercial pathways for software innovations. If you are interested in a role that combines technical excellence, leadership, and business strategy, we encourage you to apply online using the form below.

We provide a dynamic and stimulating work environment with cutting-edge computational infrastructure. The GEG Group values an open and inclusive culture, creating a workplace where all team members respect one another's rights and dignity. This position is designed as a long-term role, with an initial one-year appointment, renewable annually based on performance.

Diversity at ETH Zurich

In line with our principles, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture and equal opportunity. We celebrate diversity and strive to maintain a working and learning environment where everyone can flourish. To learn more about our commitment to diversity, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your application. Please ensure you include:

• A cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for the position
• Your curriculum vitae
• Copies of your diplomas

If you have any questions, please reach out to Dieter Werthmüller (GEG Project Manager) at Show e-mail. Please note that we will only consider applications that match the job profile.

Apply online using the form below.