Research Engineer for Visual Programming

1000scholars; Zürich; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 130,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Collaborative atmosphere

Research environment

Job summary

ETH Zurich's AST Lab, within the Department of Computer Science, seeks a Research Engineer for Visual Programming to work on the Belvue project. The role focuses on implementing or improving features in the visual language editor bootstrapped in Belvue and contributing to language design and UI.

You will work on C++ language implementations, build reusable software components, and collaborate in a small team with flexible hours and a collaborative atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Strong programming skills in C++ and experience with UI development.
• Experience building reusable software components for large projects.
• Good understanding of software engineering practices and languages.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

C++

UI development

Software architecture

English communication

Education

BSc or MSc in Computer Science

Tools

Git

CMake

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.

Further information about the AST Lab can be found on our website.

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.

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

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.