Data Scientist

The Swiss Ornithological Institute is a non-profit foundation dedicated to ornithology and the protection of birds. It monitors native birds, researches their way of life and advocates for threatened species. It looks after injured and orphaned birds, provides information and advice to the public, and runs a visitor center in Sempach. The Swiss Ornithological Institute currently has over 200 employees in all parts of the country.

The position is based in the Scientific IT department, which is responsible for providing and operating information technology at the Ornithological Institute. Research-based bird conservation requires excellent support from data-intensive computing. The main focus of the work will be in collaboration with the Ringing Centre and the Bird Migration department, in particular for population monitoring and radar surveillance of migratory birds.

We are looking, as of immediately or by agreement, for a

Data Scientist (80-100 %)

Your tasks

• Development and maintenance of tools for online data transmission and its organisation in da-tabases in support of bird monitoring projects.
• Development and maintenance of highly user-friendly front-end software for working with col-lected data and databases.
  Development and maintenance of analysis and visualisation tools.
• A leading role in the set-up, operation and maintenance of technical recording systems (e.g. radar) and the associated software, in collaboration with internal and external partners, includ-ing in the field.
• Infrastructure management, maintenance and archiving of databases.

Your profile

• Training in the IT field, preferably an MSc in computer science, data science or a related subject.
• Very good programming skills in Python/Javascript.
• Linux administration, bash, GIT, CD/CI, ansible.
• Experience in full-stack programming, including SQL databases.
• A team player who is also able to work independently and in a structured manner.
• Able to explain complex IT matters to people from a non-IT background (biologists).
• Experience with artificial intelligence, including RAG systems.
• Familiarity with time series and spatial data, including GIS environment.

Useful skills

• Very good command of at least one of German, French or English and good communication skills in another of these languages.
• Experience with high-performance computing.
• Knowledge of a higher-level, compiled programming language such as Go, Rust, C++.
• Interest in learning the analysis language R and/or QGIS.
• Interest in solving environmental science problems with the help of new technologies.

We offer

We offer a varied and responsible position in a stimulating environment. You can also expect family-friendly and flexible working hours, good opportunities for further training and exemplary social benefits. The place of work is Sempach. The position is initially limited to 2 years.

Are you interested?

The Swiss Ornithological Institute is committed to promoting diversity and welcomes all qualified applications. For further information, please contact Mr Stefan Hofstetter, Head of Scientific IT. We look forward to receiving your online application (letter of motivation, CV, certificates, details of two referees) as a single PDF file by 29. October 2026.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on the 10./11. November 2026.