Software Engineer / Software Engineeress

Software Engineer - LISA Space Mission

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

ETH Zurich | Space and the Gravitational Physics Research group, led by Prof. Michele Vallisneri in the Dept. of Physics at ETH Zurich, invites applications for a Software Engineer position (for one year, with a prospect of becoming indefinite) focused on the development of the data-analysis suite and pipeline infrastructure for the upcoming gravitational-wave space observatory LISA.

Project Background

In 2015, the LIGO-Virgo collaboration achieved the first detection of high-frequency gravitational radiation, confirming Einstein's 1916 results and establishing the existence of binaries of stellar-mass black holes. In the mid-2030s, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will begin to observe thousands of low-frequency gravitational-wave sources, including ultracompact stellar-remnant binaries in the Milky Way, and the mergers of massive black hole binaries across cosmic time. Identifying these sources is a central part of the LISA data analysis challenge.

The ESA-funded LISA will rely on an extensive ground segment for data processing and analysis. The LISA ground segment is a distributed facility, the LISA Distributed Data Processing Center, where LISA member states contribute national centers with specific commitments and deliverables. In this international context, the newly formed Gravitational Physics Research Group at ETH Zurich leads the implementation of the Swiss LISA Data Center in collaboration with Profs. Giardini and Robertsson's research groups in the Dept. of Earth and Planetary Science.

This Software Engineer position is embedded within the ETH Zurich | Space "Project Hub," a centralized pool of systems engineers, software developers, and project managers that supports ETH-led space initiatives. The Project Hub enables research groups across departments to benefit from high-level engineering and project expertise, resulting in ETH Zurich being a formidable partner in international space missions.

Job Description

As part of the Gravitational Physics group at ETH Zurich and ETH Zurich | Space, you will contribute to the Swiss LISA Data Center, managed by Dr. Arianna Renzini. The Swiss LISA Data Center and Gravitational Physics group are committed to delivering state-of-the-art approaches to tackle the upcoming LISA data analysis challenges, exploring deep learning applications alongside traditional methods.

Your responsibilities will include a combination of the following:

• Designing, developing, and maintaining data-analysis tools and pipelines for the Swiss LISA Data Center, ensuring their integration and inter-operation within the LISA Distributed Data Processing Center.
• Prototyping and implementing data-science approaches and applications for LISA data.
• Planning and deploying HPC infrastructure for large-scale gravitational-wave data analysis for LISA.
• Supporting additional ETH Zurich | Space projects where software engineering and data expertise are required.

Your primary goal will be to contribute software and technical support to the Swiss LISA Data Center and the international LISA Distributed Data Processing Center, facilitating the scientific success of the LISA mission. You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary, diverse team focused on providing innovative solutions, technical development, strategic planning, and attention to the long-term cultural impact of our field.

Profile

We are considering different profiles for this position. An ideal candidate is:

• A: A research scientist holding a PhD in physics or astronomy, with a strong background in software development and machine-learning applications, demonstrated through contributions to open-source projects and production software for scientific data analysis.
• B: A computer scientist or software engineer specialized in algorithmic optimization and data structures, with demonstrated accomplishments in the context of astrophysical and/or space-science data processing.

The successful candidate will hold an MSc or greater degree in computer science or engineering, or a PhD in applied mathematics, physics, or related fields, with extensive computational experience. Excellent English communication skills are also required, along with strong interpersonal skills, openness to feedback, and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Furthermore, the candidate will have a strong background in the following areas, as evidenced through publications, open-source software projects, or proven contributions to existing data-analysis systems and infrastructures:

• Software development for scientific data analysis, with a focus on signal processing and/or survey datasets.
• ML & AI techniques and applications.
• HPC and orchestration of scientific data processing workflows.
• Parallel computing (GPU & CPU).
• Good software engineering practices for scientific software (version control, testing, continuous integration, documentation).

Desirable skills include:

• Experience with space science/astrophysical datasets.
• Scientific data management, curation, and documentation.
• Data-visualization strategies and applications.
• Development and deployment of graphical user interfaces.

A knowledge of gravitational-wave science will be valued but is not initially required for this technical role.

Workplace

ETH Zurich offers a dynamic, challenging role within an inspiring environment at a world-renowned university. As part of a cross-disciplinary hub that supports flagship missions such as LISA, LIFE, LunarLeaper, and Solar-C, you will ensure continuity and excellence across ETH's space portfolio. Career development is central to our culture, and we are committed to supporting your professional growth. Zurich itself is one of the most livable and attractive cities worldwide.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

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. Sustainability is a core value for us; we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we!

We look forward to receiving your application, which should include:

• A cover letter (max. 1 page).
• A short video of yourself explaining your motivation (max. 1.5 minutes. A smartphone video will suffice. Upload it on a platform of your choice and include the URL link in your letter).
• A short statement about your software development experience and philosophy (max. 1 page).
• Your curriculum vitae, including relevant projects and publications (max. 3 pages).
• Potential job references who may be contacted with your stated permission (for our short-list candidates only).

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Questions regarding the position (but no applications) should be directed to Dr. Arianna Renzini, e-mail: arenzini@ethz.ch.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.