Research Software Engineer in Educational Technologies (100 %)

Fernuni; Brig-Glis; Hybrid; CHF 110.000 - 150.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

UniDistance Suisse seeks a Research Software Engineer in Educational Technologies to prototype and build digital learning tools within the LIFT research center. You will work inside the IT team in Brig, with partial remote options across Switzerland, starting early 2027 and a 2-year renewable contract.

Responsibilities include implementing prototypes, scaling products, and co-authoring publications. A Master’s in CS and hands-on web and game engine experience are required, with English fluency

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree in Computer Science.
• Experience building websites with front-end and back-end.
• Experience with GenAI APIs and trends like Agentic AI.
• Experience with CI and testing methodologies.
• Experience with at least one game engine (Unreal/Unity/Godot) including AR/VR development.
• Experience reviewing and improving code written by others.
• Interest in human learning and interaction design.
• Collaborative personality and ability to work in a diverse team.
• English proficiency; French and/or German a plus.

Aufgaben

• Implement prototypes aligned with project partners’ specifications.
• Further develop prototypes into scalable products.
• Take ownership of project development.
• Scout and benchmark technology and compare specifications.
• Conduct user evaluation of prototypes.
• Co-author research publications upon agreement.

Kenntnisse

Web development (front-end & back-end)

GenAI APIs

CI/testing

AGI/AI education tech

Code review

Team collaboration

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in Computer Science

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Godot

CI tools (GitHub Actions, Jenkins)

Git

Jobbeschreibung

Research Software Engineer in Educational Technologies (100 %)

• 23/10/2026
• Recherche ·Emploi

Place of work: Brig, partial remote working possible (within Switzerland) | Start date: 1January 2027, or upon agreement | Contract duration: 2 years (renewable)

UniDistance Suisse offers fully online university degree programmes and is accredited under the Swiss Higher Education Act ( HEdA ). It combines flexible, location-independent part-time distance learning with an active, interdisciplinary research culture on its campus in Brig. Across five faculties – Law, Psychology, Business & Economics, History, and Mathematics & Computer Science – we have been shaping modern teaching, learning and research for more than 30 years. Today, UniDistance Suisse counts over 2,700 students and around 550 staff members.

To strengthen and/or further develop its research competencies in educational technologies in distance learning settings, the research center for Learning and Instruction with Future Technologies (LIFT) is looking for a:

Research Software Engineer in Educational Technologies (100 %)

Place of work: Brig, partial remote working possible (within Switzerland)
Start date: 1January 2027, or upon agreement
Contract duration: 2 years (renewable)

The research center for Learning and Instruction with Future Technologies (LIFT) is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to research on learning and instruction in education. It bundles expertise on how students learn, how interest develops, how learners regulate their study behavior, and how digital and distance teaching can be designed based on evidence. The center investigates current and future challenges in high-quality education through theory-driven research that is applicable in everyday distance teaching. Its ambition is to advance rigorous, useful, and innovative research that helps evidence-based teaching practices become normal practice .

To support researchers and implementation partners in prototyping or building educational technologies (including learning-management systems, Generative AI, AR/VR/XR and more), the LIFT is looking for a versatile software engineer. If you love trying out new technologies and building prototypes and tools at the forefront of what is possible, this opportunity is a good match!

The position is based within the IT team and reports to the Head of IT for personnel and organizational matters. You will primarily support research at LIFT, working closely with its researchers and following the university’s IT standards.

Implement prototypes in alignment with project partners’ specifications and inputs

Further develop prototypes into scalable products

Take ownership of project development

Scout and benchmark technology, including specification comparison

Conduct user evaluation of prototypes

Upon agreement, co-author research publications.

Note: This position is strongly focused on the development of said prototypes and products. It does not, however, include system maintenance or helpdesk tasks.

Master’s degree in Computer Science

Experience in building websites including both front end and back end

Experience in working with GenAI APIs, as well as recent trends such as Agentic AI

Experience in working with continuous integration (CI) and testing methodologies

Experience with at least one game engine, e.g. Unreal, Unity, or Godot, including AR or VR development

Experience reviewing and improving code written by others

Interest in human learning and interaction design

Collaborative personality and ability to interact comfortably with others and working in a diverse team

Enjoy learning new things and figuring things out

Excellent command of English, knowledge of French and/or German is a plus

Academic visibility: You will be named as a co-author on work you contribute to, and you are encouraged to publish the tools and methods you develop as contributions in their own right .

A research-intensive academic environment: You will be part of a dynamic university setting characterised by strong scientific expertise and a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Attractive employment conditions: modern working conditions, generous social benefits and a wide range of continuing education opportunities.

A committed team: you will join a highly skilled and engaged team that embodies innovation, excellence, and a strong culture of collaboration.

An inspiring working environment: our campus in Brig is located in immediate proximity to the historic old town, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) station and attractive natural and mountain regions. It offers a high quality of life and a vibrant academic exchange.