Research Engineer for Visual Programming

About the role

The AST Lab at ETH Zurich's Department of Computer Science (D-INFK), led by Prof. Zhendong Su, is looking for a research engineer to help develop the Belvue visual programming language. The project aims to move beyond textual syntax toward a paradigm centred on direct manipulation of program state, live feedback and example-centric workflows. The position is fixed-term, 3 to 6 months depending on workload, at 50-100% in Zurich, with salary according to ETH guidelines for scientific staff.

Key responsibilities

• Implement or improve features in the visual language program editor, which is bootstrapped in Belvue
• Add new features or maintain the language implementation in C++
• Contribute to the user interface and language design

Required profile

• BSc or MSc in Computer Science or a related field (or equivalent experience); recent graduates are welcome
• Structured, reliable and able to work independently within a small team
• Strong communication skills in English

Required skills

• Strong programming skills, ideally in C++
• Experience building user interfaces, designing reusable software components and working on large software projects
• Deep understanding of programming paradigms and languages, ideally familiarity with several languages including a functional one
• Experience with web technologies is a plus

What we offer

• A small, innovative research team exploring novel programming paradigms
• Flexible, self-managed working hours and a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere
• Participation in the Department of Computer Science research community

Applications must be submitted online through the university's application portal, with a resume, a cover letter (not AI generated) and any relevant portfolio or project samples.