Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.
Eawag is currently launching openBIS as our institutional platform for digital laboratory documentation and research data management (RDM). To drive this transition and ensure successful adoption across our research laboratories, we are looking for a dedicated
At Scientific-IT, we build and maintain the digital foundations of research at Eawag. As a specialized unit within the IT department, we bridge the gap between technology and science, providing secure, scalable infrastructure tailored to our researchers' needs.
Your roleAs the OpenBIS Implementation Lead, you will spearhead the institutional rollout by collaborating with research groups, Central IT, and ETH Zurich’s Scientific IT Services. You will play a pivotal role in translating complex laboratory workflows into efficient digital structures within the openBIS framework, guiding laboratories in the shift toward structured, reproducible, and sustainable data practices, and act as the primary technical and strategic consultant for researchers during the onboarding process. This position is initially offered on a 2-year fixed-term basis.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the rollout of openBIS across Eawag laboratories
- Work with researchers to understand laboratory workflows and translate them into openBIS structures
- Design and configure project structures, metadata models, and experiment templates
- Develop user interfaces and workflows that support efficient digital laboratory documentation
- Coordinate onboarding, training, and early user support
- Identify opportunities for harmonised workflows and shared configurations across laboratories
- Serve as the main interface between laboratories, Scientific-IT, Central IT, and ETH SIS
Required Qualifications- Degree in natural sciences, chemistry, engineering, computer science, or a related field; or equivalent relevant experience
- Experience with laboratory workflows, scientific data management, or research infrastructure
- Software development and scripting or integration experience (e.g. APIs, data pipelines)
- Experience with databases, metadata design, or scientific data systems
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate user needs into practical system configurations
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse research groups
- Experience with openBIS would be advantageous
- Experience with LIMS, ELNs would be advantageous
At Eawag, we have a working environment in which people with different experiences, strengths, and perspectives can fully contribute and further develop. Here, you can help us advance! We promote genuine participation, exchange, and mutual understanding. We create structures that enable the compatibility of work and other areas of life, such as care work, and continuously make efforts to reduce barriers.
Do you have specific requirements regarding the application process or the position, or do you need additional information? Talk to us about it - we will be happy to support you with possible flexible workplace, working hours, and job design solutions. For further information please visit our website about
Eawag as well as our
conditions of employment.
Deadline for applications is 30 May 2026 or until the position is filled. However, screening of applicants will begin immediately. Your application should include a cover letter giving a description of the motivation to apply and highlighting the relevant experience, curriculum vitae, and the names (with email addresses and phone numbers) of at least two potential references.
For further information, please contact
Stuart Dennis.
We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.
Applications from employment agencies/personnel consultants are not welcome and will not be considered.