Software Engineer - LISA Space Mission

Software Engineer - LISA Space Mission

ETH Zurich | Space and the Gravitational Physics Research group led by Prof. Michele Vallisneri in the Dept. of Physics at ETH Zurich invite applications for a Software Engineer position (for one year, with a prospect of becoming indefinite) on the development of the data-analysis suite and pipeline infrastructure for the upcoming gravitational-wave space observatory LISA.

Project background

In 2015, the LIGO–Virgo collaboration achieved the first detection of high-frequency gravitational radiation, confirming Einstein’s 1916 results, and establishing the existence of binaries of stellar-mass black holes. In the mid-2030s, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will begin to observe thousands of low-frequency gravitational-wave sources, including ultracompact stellar-remnant binaries in the Milky Way, and the mergers of massive-black-hole binaries across cosmic time. Identifying these sources is a central part of the LISA data analysis challenge.

The ESA-funded LISA will rely on an extensive ground segment for data processing and analysis. The LISA ground segment is a distributed facility (the LISA Distributed Data Processing Center), for which LISA member states contribute national centers with specific commitments and deliverables. In this international context, the newly formed Gravitational Physics Research Group at ETH Zurich leads the implementation of the Swiss LISA Data Center, in collaboration with Profs. Giardini and Robertsson’s research groups in the Dept. of Earth and Planetary Science.

This Software Engineer position is embedded within the ETH Zurich | Space “Project Hub”, a centralized pool of systems engineers, software developers, and project managers that supports ETH-led space efforts. The Project Hub enables research groups across departments to benefit from high-level engineering and project expertise, positioning ETH Zurich as a strong partner in international space missions.

Job description

As part of the Gravitational Physics group at ETH Zurich and ETH Zurich | Space, you will contribute to the Swiss LISA Data Center, managed by Dr. Arianna Renzini. The Swiss LISA Data Center and Gravitational Physics group are committed to delivering state-of-the-art approaches to tackle the upcoming LISA data analysis challenges, exploring deep learning applications alongside traditional methods.

Your responsibilities will include a combination of the following :

• Designing, developing, and maintaining data-analysis tools and pipelines for the Swiss LISA Data Center, ensuring their integration and inter-operation within the LISA Distributed Data Processing Center.
• Prototyping and implementing data-science approaches and applications for LISA data.
• Planning and deploying HPC infrastructure for large-scale gravitational-wave data analysis for LISA.
• Supporting additional ETH Zurich | Space projects where software engineering and data expertise are required.

Your primary goal will be to contribute software and technical support to the Swiss LISA Data Center and the international LISA Distributed Data Processing Center, facilitating the scientific success of the LISA mission. You will engage with an interdisciplinary, diverse team working on the future of gravitational-wave science, focused on providing innovative solutions, technical development, strategic planning, and attention to the long-term cultural impact of our field.

Profile

We are considering different profiles for this position. An ideal candidate is

The successful candidate will hold an MSc or greater degree in computer science or engineering, or a PhD in applied mathematics, physics, or related fields, with extensive computational experience. Excellent English communication skills are also required, as well as strong interpersonal skills, openness to feedback, and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Furthermore, the candidate will have a strong background in the following, as evidenced through publications, open-source software projects, or proven contributions to existing data-analysis systems and infrastructures :

Desirable skills include :

A knowledge of gravitational-wave science will be valued but is not initially required for this technical role.

We offer

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 look forward to receiving your application until 30th of November 2025, including :

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

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.