Front-end Research Engineer

Front-end Research Engineer

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC) is becoming a National Research Infrastructure with a mandate to support the access and development of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in research, the industry and the public sector in Switzerland. As of 2025, the SDSC will provide expertise and services towards the design and implementation of ambitious data science projects, including support for the development of research data infrastructures and data science platforms.

Project background

Are you a front-end engineer with a research mindset? Are you passionate about applying your skills to create innovative interfaces that empower researchers to share, manage, and analyze data more efficiently? The Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC) invites you to join the Open Research Data Engagement and Services (ORDES) team and make a meaningful impact on the future of data-driven research.

Start of position: August 1, 2024 (negotiable)

Job description

Within the ORDES team, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the tools researchers use throughout the entire data lifecycle. By developing intuitive, cutting-edge web interfaces that leverage semantic technologies, you'll streamline processes from data collection and analysis to sharing and preservation, impacting a wide range of projects across academia, industry, and government.

As our Front-End Research Engineer, you'll leverage your expertise in modern front-end technologies to build user-friendly components for strategic services, such as Imaging Plaza and Swiss Data Custodian. This includes creating initial mockups and prototypes to gather feedback and refine the user experience. Collaborating closely with project teams, you'll translate research goals into intuitive interfaces that meet the unique needs of each project, ensuring that the underlying semantic structure of the data is effectively represented and utilized. Your commitment to clear documentation and code maintenance will enable smooth collaboration and the long-term success of our platforms.

At SDSC, we value continuous learning and encourage you to stay at the forefront of front-end technologies and methodologies, including advancements in semantic web development. By applying your evolving knowledge, you'll continuously enhance the functionality, usability, and performance of SDSC's research tools and platforms, ensuring they remain cutting-edge, interoperable, and accessible to the research community.

Profile

We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and value a blend of academic achievement and practical expertise. You bring a solid foundation in front-end development honed through a Master's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent professional experience. You're a team player who enjoys the collaborative process of building intuitive and visually compelling web UIs using modern front-end technologies like React, TypeScript, Next.js, or Vue.js.

Your ability to integrate data through REST, JSON, and APIs is crucial for ensuring smooth communication between our research tools and platforms. While not required, experience with semantic web technologies (e.g. RDF, SHACL, SPARQL) and knowledge of DevOps CI/CD pipelines would be a valuable asset to our team. We are committed to investing in your professional development and providing comprehensive training opportunities to help you acquire or strengthen these skills.

You are comfortable working effectively within a diverse team, openly sharing ideas, and communicating technical concepts clearly (English written and oral, with bonus points for French or German).

Your commitment to staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies will be key to driving innovation within the SDSC.

Workplace

Workplace

We offer

• A stimulating, collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment in a world-class research institution
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote working, flexible time, condensed week, and the opportunity to work part-time
• Exciting challenges, varied projects, and plenty of room to learn and grow
• An opportunity to follow your passion and use your skills to make an impact on research communities and society
• A possibility to spark your creativity by experimenting and learning new technologies
• As part of the ETH Zürich, you'll enjoy all the benefits associated with being an ETH Zürich employee, including a supportive work environment and access to various resources. Detailed information about employment conditions and benefits can be found here

We value diversity

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your application with the following documents:

• Motivation letter
• CV
• Diplomas

We only accept applications submitted through our online application portal and will not consider applications via email or postal services.

If you have questions regarding this position, please email Write an email (no applications).

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

About ETH Zürich

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your application with the following documents:

• Motivation letter
• CV
• Diplomas

We only accept applications submitted through our online application portal and will not consider applications via email or postal services.

If you have questions regarding this position, please email Write an email (no applications).

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.