Software Engineer / Software Engineeress

Join the Computational Evolution Group at ETH Zürich

The Computational Evolution Group, led by Prof. Dr. Tanja Stadler, operates at the dynamic intersection of mathematics, computer science, and evolutionary biology within the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) at ETH Zürich. Our mission involves developing sophisticated methods to understand evolutionary, ecological, epidemiological, and developmental processes informed by genetic data.

Our team is dedicated to transforming cutting-edge science into production-ready software. We create genomic databases, web applications, and APIs designed to facilitate the real-time monitoring of pathogen variants and address vital epidemiological questions. To achieve these objectives, we collaborate closely with public health agencies and scientists around the globe.

Position: Junior Software Engineer

We are seeking a motivated Junior Software Engineer to join our interdisciplinary team on a fixed-term basis for one year, starting in June 2026. The projects you will work on are primarily rooted in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In light of the rapidly expanding genome sequence data and the critical need to track emerging variants, we have developed software that enables the detection and tracking of these variants, as well as supports the management and sharing of pathogen sequencing data.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Extending an existing database system for viral sequencing data.
• Designing, implementing, and testing a new scalable database system for bacterial pangenome data, based on an existing research prototype.
• Interacting with users and scientists to identify and refine needs and requirements.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, we require:

• Experience in bacterial bioinformatics, particularly with pangenome data (relevant publications are beneficial).
• Strong proficiency in Python, with familiarity in tools such as mypy, black, and ruff considered an advantage.
• Experience in web development, especially with TypeScript and React.
• Knowledge and experience in developing database engines and core database properties implementation; C++ experience is highly beneficial.
• Experience in phylogenetics and (Bayesian) phylodynamics.
• A Master's degree in computer science, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• An eagerness to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary and international team, fostering an open and inclusive culture.

We value personal development and career growth opportunities, supporting attendance at courses, workshops, and relevant events. The working language in our group is English; no knowledge of German is required. We encourage applications from candidates of all experience levels and backgrounds.

What We Offer

• A dynamic and supportive working environment with flexible hours.
• An engaging project with direct contributions to public health.
• A great quality of life in Switzerland, renowned for its beautiful scenery and exceptional infrastructure.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. We look forward to receiving your application, which should include:

• A letter of motivation outlining your interest in the position and qualifications.
• A Curriculum Vitae that includes your publication record and the programming languages/frameworks you are familiar with.
• Links to code samples or open-source projects are appreciated.

For more information about our group, please visit our website. If you have any questions (no applications), feel free to contact Chaoran Chen at chaoran.chen@bsse.ethz.ch.