Software Scientist / Research Software Engineer

Karlstad University; Villigen; Vor Ort; CHF 110.000 - 150.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland seeks a Software Scientist / Research Software Engineer to develop and maintain high‑level software for experiments at the Swiss Light Source. You will support time‑critical measurements, extend existing systems and collaborate with scientists across disciplines.

The role requires a PhD or equivalent experience, strong Python skills, EPICS knowledge and good communication within a diverse team. Occasional travel to workshops may be required.

Qualifikationen

• PhD or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
• Proven expertise in developing high‑quality scientific software in Python with best practices.

Aufgaben

• Develop, maintain and support high‑level measurement orchestration software for experiments at the Swiss Light Source SLS: BEC, Beamline Experiment Control.
• Assist scientists before, during and after measurements by extending and integrating new functionalities.
• Bridge conversations between scientists and specialists across disciplines to support code development.
• Contribute expertise to projects by improving GUIs, tools and libraries, including upstream open‑source projects.
• Collaborate with scientists and colleagues across PSI and other research institutions.

Kenntnisse

Python programming

CI/CD

Testing

Documentation

EPICS

Hardware integration

Communication

Teamwork

Ausbildung

PhD in natural sciences, computer science, engineering or mathematics

Tools

Python

EPICS

CI/CD

Jobbeschreibung

Software Scientist / Research Software Engineer

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is Switzerland's largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences. We perform cutting‑edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post‑docs, post‑graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.

Responsibilities

• Development, maintenance and support of the high‑level measurement orchestration software for experiments at the Swiss Light Source SLS: BEC, Beamline Experiment Control
• Support of time‑critical experiments by assisting scientists before, during and after measurements in using, extending and integrating new functionalities into the existing system
• Acting as translator and facilitator between scientists and specialists across a wide range of disciplines, bridging gaps in collaborative discussions and code development
• Contribution of expertise to ongoing and future projects by improving GUIs, tools and libraries, including upstream open‑source projects
• Close collaboration with scientists and expert groups across PSI as well as with colleagues from national and international institutions

Your profile

• PhD in natural sciences, computer science, engineering or mathematics, or equivalent professional experience
• Proven expertise in developing high‑quality scientific software solutions in Python, following best practices such as version control, CI/CD, testing and documentation
• Experience with large‑scale control systems, especially EPICS, and hardware integration
• Willingness to occasionally travel to workshops and conferences as well as flexibility in working hours, if required by project deadlines or incident response
• Strong communication skills and team‑oriented mindset
• Fluency in written and spoken English; German language skills or willingness to learn German are an advantage

What we offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on‑site infrastructure.

This position will initially be limited to 2 years.