Data Engineer Lab Digitalisation (50–80%)

Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW; Muttenz; Hybrid; CHF 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

FHNW School of Life Sciences seeks a Data Platform Engineer to design and build scalable data infrastructure for laboratory and research data. You will connect instruments and databases via interfaces and OPC UA, and develop automated ETL/ELT pipelines with strong data quality controls.

You will ensure security and access control, document workflows, and train users in collaboration with research, lab and IT teams. Involvement in applied research with industry partners is expected.

Qualifications

• Degree in computer science, data science, bioinformatics or comparable field.
• Several years of data engineering experience with Python and SQL, workflow tools and containers.

Responsibilities

• Design and build a scalable data platform for laboratory and research data.
• Connect lab instruments and databases via interfaces and standards such as OPC UA.
• Develop and operate automated data pipelines (ETL/ELT) with data quality, metadata management and versioning.
• Make data available for analytics, dashboards and ML in line with FAIR principles.
• Ensure data security, access control and data integrity, and document and train users in collaboration with research, lab and IT teams.
• Be involved in applied research projects with industrial partners.

Skills

Python

SQL

Workflow tools

Docker

Education

Bachelor/Master in computer science, data science, bioinformatics

Tools

Relational databases

NoSQL databases

Cloud platforms

API development

Job description

Flexibility, self-determination, creativity, interdisciplinarity - our mission

Your tasks

• Design and build a scalable data platform for laboratory and research data
• Connect lab instruments (e.g. anayltic instruments, spectrometers, bioreactors), existing databases and LIMS/ELN via interfaces and standards such as OPC UA.
• Develop and operate automated data pipelines (ETL/ELT), including data quality, metadata management and versioning
• Make data available for analytics, dashboards and machine learning in line with the FAIR principles
• Ensure data security, access control and data integrity, and document and train users in close collaboration with research, lab and IT teams
• In addition, you will be actively involved in applied research projects with several industrial partners

Your profile

• Degree (Bachelor/Master) in computer science, data science, bioinformatics or a comparable field
• Several years of data engineering experience with Python and SQL, workflow tools and containers (Docker)
• Knowledge of relational and NoSQL databases, cloud or on-premise data platforms and API development
• Experience with laboratory data, instrument integration, LIMS/ELN or regulated (GxP) environments is a plus
• Independent, structured way of working, enjoyment of interdisciplinary collaboration, and good German and good English skills

Your prospects:

The FHNW School of Life Sciences offers state-of-the-art technical, laboratory and office facilities. Contributing to the school’s highly motivating working environment – which is second to none – are its collaboration with a large number of companies and institutions in Switzerland and abroad, a widely varied programme of scientific events, and daily contact with young students in research and teaching. The FHNW is also committed to equal opportunities and the compatibility of private and professional life.

Your benefits:

Wide range of university sports

Cultural programme of lectures, concerts, theatre and films

Established implementation of equal pay

Targeted promotion of doctoral projects

Annual working time (42 hours/week) with the option of part-time and teleworking

Mentoring programme for career development

Start Date: by agreement, ending on 2027 12 31.

Your workplace

Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW

Hofackerstrasse 30

4132

Muttenz

Any questions?

About the position:

Prof. Dr. Thomas K. Villiger, , Contact: [e-mail]

About the recruiting process:

Cristina Kabas, HR Manager, Contact: [e-mail]