Research Engineer for Visual Programming

ETH Zurich; Schweiz; On-site; CHF 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ETH Zürich's AST Lab invites applications for a Research Engineer to develop the Belvue language within the visual programming project. You will implement language features and developer tooling, and collaborate closely with the language designer.

Role focuses on implementing or improving features in the editor, maintaining the language backend in C++, and contributing to UI and language design within a small, innovative team at ETH Zurich.

Qualifications

• Strong programming skills, ideally in C++.
• Experience with building user interfaces, designing reusable software components and working with large software projects.
• Deep understanding and curiosity about different programming paradigms and languages (ideally familiarity with several programming languages including a functional language).
• Good software engineering practices.
• Structured, reliable, and able to work independently within a small team.
• BSc or MSc in Computer Science or a related field (or equivalent experience); recent graduates are welcome to apply.
• Experience with web technologies is a plus.
• Strong communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Implement or improve features in the visual language program editor (which is bootstrapped in Belvue).
• Add new features or maintain the language implementation in C++.
• Contribute to the user interface and language design.

Job description

Organisation/Company ETH Zürich Research Field Computer science » Informatics Computer science » Programming Computer science » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 5 Jan 2027 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Research Engineer for Visual Programming

In the AST Lab, led by Prof. Zhendong Su, at ETH Zurich's Department of Computer Science (D-INFK) we advance and reimagine the science of software construction, working towards systems that help people turn their creative ideas into working software.

• Duration: 3 to 6 months (depending on workload)
• Salary: according to ETH guidelines for scientific staff

Project background

Programming remains dominated by textual syntax, imposing cognitive load on novices and widening the gulf between code and behavior. Existing visual systems help with syntax but often mirror abstract syntax trees, offer weak modularity, and rarely scale to real-world software. The Belvue project developed in the AST Labaims to advance visual programming through a new visual programming paradigm that centers on direct manipulation of program state, live feedback, and example-centric workflows.

We are looking for a research engineer to help us develop the Belvue language. You will implement language features and developer tooling and work closely with the language designer.

Job Description

• Implement or improve features in the visual language program editor (which is bootstrapped in Belvue)
• Add new features or maintain the language implementation in C++
• Contribute to the user interface and language design

Profile

• Strong programming skills, ideally in C++
• Experience with building user interfaces, designing reusable software components and working with large software projects
• Deep understanding and curiosity about different programming paradigms and languages (ideally familiarity with several programming languages including a functional language)
• Good software engineering practices
• Structured, reliable, and able to work independently within a small team
• BSc or MSc in Computer Science or a related field (or equivalent experience); recent graduates are welcome to apply
• Experience with web technologies is a plus
• Strong communication skills in English

We offer

You will work in a small, innovative research team at ETH Zurich, exploring novel programming paradigms and testing out new ideas.We offer flexible, self-managed working hours and a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere where your ideas directly influence the project's direction. You will also be part of the vibrant research community of the Department of Computer Science.

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversity and sustainabilityIn 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 find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .Curious? So are we.

Further information about the AST Lab can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Theo Weidmann, [e-mail] (no applications).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

About ETH ZürichETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental 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 forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.