R and Python Scientific support (60-80%)

The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) is a world-leading institute in global health with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries. Associated with the University of Basel, Swiss TPH combines research, education and services at local, national and international levels. 950 people from 95 nations work at Swiss TPH focusing on infectious and non-communicable diseases, environment, society and health as well as health systems and interventions.

Research-IT (R-IT) is an interdisciplinary team within the Swiss TPH that provides operational guidance, expertise, and support to facilitate effective data management, analysis, and visualization for researchers. By acting as an interface between the two domains Research and Informatics, R-IT helps ensure seamless communication and collaboration among scientists, IT professionals, and other stakeholders involved in the research process.

To achieve its goals, the R-IT group invites applications for a R/Python scientific support role to facilitate the daily activities of the Swiss TPH researchers and students.

Your position

• Provide technical assistance and maintenance for scientific software tools, or systems relying on Python and R programming languages, and troubleshoot issues, enhance functionality and implement fixes
• Guide researchers on selecting optimal software packages and configurations for specific research needs
• Build and enhance interactive web applications using R Shiny or similar applications and design and integrate new features into existing workflows
• Write clean and maintainable code with proper documentation and implement automated testing and CI/CD pipelines
• Collaborate cross-functionally with researchers and team members to understand requirements and deliver technical solutions
• Maintain relationships and coordinate with external partners, including the Centre for Scientific Computing (sciCORE) and IT teams at Swiss TPH and University of Basel

Your profile

• MSc in Computer Science or related fields with professional experience and background in scientific computing or research software development
• Enhanced skills in R and Python, with desirable experience in open-source package development.
• Familiarity with Quarto technical publishing system, in building dashboard frameworks (R Shiny, Dash, Flask, Qt), and API integration to external data sources
• Experience with version control systems (Git), testing frameworks, and CI/CD principles
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in teams, with clear and effective communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and enthusiasm for working in an international, multi-disciplinary environment

We offer you

• Meaningful work in an international environment and interesting encounters with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Deep insights into an institute that conducts teaching and research as well as providing services
• Exciting tasks in the field of consulting, awareness/training and at the same time collaboration in digital transformation project
• A state-of-the-art workplace within one of the most advanced innovation district worldwide
• Being part of a committed and motivated team with short information and decision paths

Job conditions

• Start Date: Immediately or upon agreement
• Duration: Contract of 2 years with a possibility of extension
• Percentage: 60 or 80%
• Location: Allschwil, Switzerland
• Travel required: no
• Internal job title: Scientific Collaborator