Software Scientist / Research Software Engineer 100%

Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI); Würenlingen; Vor Ort; CHF 120.000 - 180.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) is seeking a Software Scientist / Research Software Engineer to develop, maintain and support high-level measurement orchestration software for experiments at the Swiss Light Source (SLS). You will assist scientists before, during and after measurements, extending functionalities and integrating new capabilities in collaboration with a broad range of disciplines.

The role requires a PhD or equivalent experience, strong Python software skills, and hands-on experience

Qualifikationen

• 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.

Aufgaben

• 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.

Kenntnisse

Python

CI/CD

Testing

Documentation

Software integration

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Ausbildung

PhD in natural sciences, computer science, engineering or mathematics

Tools

EPICS

Hardware integration

Version control

Jobbeschreibung

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. 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.

Software Scientist / Research Software Engineer

Your tasks

• 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

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.

For further information, please contact Sven Augustin, [e-mail].

Please submit your application online by 13 September 2026 for the position as a Software Scientist / Research Software Engineer (Index-Nr. 7901-29294).

Paul Scherrer Institute, People & Culture, Mikela Szolansky, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland www.psi.ch