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

ETH Zurich - June 1, 2025

Senior Software Engineer and Technical Lead

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Geothermal Energy and Geofluids (GEG) Group is a renowned research unit in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zurich. We investigate a wide range of subsurface mass and energy transfer processes, as well as related power plant processes. Our work encompasses both fundamental and applied research aimed at addressing societal concerns related to geothermal energy exploration, extraction, utilization, geological carbon dioxide sequestration, groundwater utilization, contaminant mitigation, subsurface mass and energy storage, and more. For further details, please visit our website.

Job Description

We are currently seeking a Senior Scientific Software Engineer to lead our software development efforts at GEG. Our team is dedicated to developing state-of-the-art scientific and engineering software for various applications, including geoscience, energy systems, and mathematical modeling. This role is perfect for an experienced software developer with a strong background in scientific computing who is eager to lead a development team, drive innovation, and explore commercial opportunities arising from our research.

This position is project-linked; thus, we are looking for someone willing to join on a temporary contract first, with potential opportunities for permanent placement dependent on successful project acquisition.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the software development team, promoting best practices and technical excellence.
  • Oversee the development and enhancement of scientific and engineering software tools, particularly in geoscience, optimization, and techno-economic modeling.
  • Guide the team in modern software development practices (e.g., version control, documentation, testing, continuous integration).
  • Adapt software for parallel computing, optimization workflows, and high-performance computing environments.
  • Contribute to software deployment, testing, and benchmarking across multiple platforms.
  • Assist with software development, data analysis, and visualization tasks as needed across different projects.
  • Contribute to the development of ML and AI components within GEG software, including physics-informed ML models, proxy models, data gap detection, and input-output pattern recognition.
  • Explore opportunities for commercializing software innovations within the group, especially concerning SaaS applications.

Profile

You possess a strong technical background in scientific and engineering software development, complemented by leadership skills and an entrepreneurial mindset. You are not pursuing an academic career track but are instead eager to lead and potentially develop technologies into new ventures.

Required Skills & Experience

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

Desired Skills

  • Experience in numerical modeling of geologic reservoirs and subsurface fluid and energy transport.
  • Experience with ML & AI applications.
  • Basic understanding of physical and thermodynamic processes involved in subsurface fluid flow, heat transfer, and geochemical reactions.
  • Experience with developing graphical user interfaces (web apps, desktop apps).
  • Parallel computing (GPU & CPU).
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP), Docker, Kubernetes.
  • Experience with Flask or Django for web applications.
  • Previous experience or interest in startups and technology commercialization, particularly with SaaS.

Workplace

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

We provide a dynamic and exciting work environment, supported by cutting-edge computational infrastructure. The GEG Group values an open and inclusive culture, offering an opportunity to collaborate with national and international research groups and companies as a member of a motivated team. The position is structured as a long-term role, with an initial one-year appointment, renewable annually based on performance.

We Value Diversity

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. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and thrive.

Curious? So Are We.

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

  • Cover letter (detailing your interest and qualifications for the position)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Diplomas

For any questions, please reach out to Dieter Werthmüller (GEG Project Manager) at . Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

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, pioneering 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 forming connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

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