Software Engineer / Software Engineeress

Join the Computational Evolution Group at ETH Zürich

The Computational Evolution Group, led by Prof. Dr. Tanja Stadler at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) at ETH Zürich, operates at the intersection of mathematics, computer science, and evolutionary biology. We develop innovative methods to better understand evolutionary, ecological, epidemiological, and developmental processes across various scales using genetic data.

Our projects emphasize translating cutting-edge scientific research into production-ready software. We create genomic databases, web applications, and APIs to enable real-time monitoring of pathogen variants and address pressing epidemiological questions. This involves close collaboration with public health agencies and scientists globally.

Position: Junior Software Engineer

We are seeking a Junior Software Engineer to join our interdisciplinary team on a fixed-term basis for one year, starting in June 2026. This role will focus on projects inspired by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, where we have developed software for the detection and tracking of emerging variants of concern, as well as facilitating the management and sharing of pathogen sequencing data.

The position entails:

• Extending an existing database system for viral sequencing data, which utilizes TypeScript, React, Kotlin, and Python.
• Designing, implementing, and testing a new scalable database system for bacterial pangenome data based on a research prototype. This prototype's backend is written in Python (with some C++ bindings), while the frontend employs TypeScript and React.
• Collaborating with users and scientists to identify and refine system needs and requirements.

What We Value

We emphasize strong software engineering practices, including code reviews, automated testing pipelines, and the creation of modern, clean, and maintainable code. Our agile work environment encourages open dialogue and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

We are looking for a motivated candidate who is eager to learn and contribute to public health and genomic epidemiology. The ideal applicant will possess:

• Experience in bacterial bioinformatics, particularly with pangenome data (relevant publications are advantageous).
• Strong proficiency in Python, with familiarity in tools such as mypy, black, and ruff being beneficial.
• Experience in web development, ideally with TypeScript and React.
• Understanding of database engine development and core database properties, with C++ experience highly beneficial.
• Knowledge of phylogenetics and (Bayesian) phylodynamics.
• A Master's degree in computer science, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Interest in working within an interdisciplinary and international team, contributing to a positive and inclusive group culture.

The working language in our group is English; no knowledge of German is required. We welcome candidates from all experience levels and are committed to an open and inclusive group culture.

What We Offer

• A dynamic, supportive work environment with flexible working hours.
• An exciting project that contributes directly to public health.
• Opportunities for personal growth and career development, including funding to attend courses, workshops, and other relevant events.

Switzerland boasts an exceptional quality of life, featuring stunning natural scenery and excellent infrastructure. We look forward to showcasing why Basel, a vibrant, international city ranked the tenth most livable city in the world by Mercer, is a fantastic place to live and work!

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

Contact Us

For further information about our group, please visit our website. If you have any questions (excluding applications), feel free to contact Chaoran Chen at chaoran.chen@bsse.ethz.ch.