Research Engineer for Visual Programming

Immigration Policy Lab; Zürich; On-site; CHF 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Research community access

Collaborative atmosphere

Job summary

ETH Zurich’s AST Lab seeks a Research Engineer to advance the Belvue visual programming language. You will implement language features, contribute to the editor, and collaborate closely with the language designer. A strong C++ background and UI experience are required, with excellent English communication.

You will join a small, innovative team at ETH Zurich, enjoying flexible hours and a collaborative atmosphere while contributing to cutting-edge visual programming research and tooling.

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in Computer Science or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strong programming skills, ideally in C++.
• Experience building user interfaces and large software projects.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

C++

UI design

Large software

Functional languages

Independent worker

English communication

Education

BSc/MSc Computer Science

Tools

Web technologies

Job description

Research Engineer for Visual Programming

50%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

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)
• Workload: 50-100%
• 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 Lab aims to advance visual programming through a new visual programming paradigm that centers on direct manipulation of program state, live feedback, and example-centric workflows.

Job description

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.

We value diversity and sustainability

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 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 are 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).

About ETH Zürich

ETH 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.