Research Assistant (Hiwi) for Building Railway Digital Twins

10%-30%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Transport Systems group of the Institute for Transport Planning and Systems works on advancing public transport planning and operation with a focus on railway systems. Typical research projects include the development of methods for timetable optimization, delay prediction, evaluating passenger behaviour, reducing power peaks in railways, and improving disruption management. We apply a range of methods, most prominently mathematical optimization, machine learning, and techniques from complex system science. 

Project background

In a recently started doctoral project we aim on improving disruption management by applying methods from complex system science fused with analysis techniques of non-linear systems and non-linear control. With novel datasets on railway operations from multiple case studies, we have a data basis that was, to such an extent and level of detail, never available for research before. 

Job description

You will assist in implementing a digital-twin like model for railways in Switzerland which will be utilized for applying advanced operation analysis methods and disruption management techniques based on complex and non-linear system theory. Your tasks may include:

  • Primary
    • Digitalization of data
    • Data cleaning and re-structuring
    • Implementation of data conversion and fusion algorithms
  • Secondary
    • Implementation of analysis techniques for railway operation data
    • Assistance in preparing results (e.g. visualisation)
  • Other domains
    • Assistance in teaching and other organisational tasks

Your profile

You are interested in supporting high-level research in the domain of railway operation and like working with data. Therefore, you study in an engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural science program. You have already completed your first year and have some experience in working on (student) projects. The following skills are necessary to deal with potential tasks:

  • Working with data in Excel
  • Programming in Python

Your programming skills should enable you to deal with object-oriented programs, graph structures, and algorithmic solutions to fuse and restructure data. Advantageous is knowledge about the railway system regarding infrastructure and operation. Furthermore, helpful is experience in graph theory. German skills are a plus, but only sufficient English communication skills are necessary. A working permit is necessary.

Your workplace

Your workplace




We offer

We offer you to participate in a cutting-edge research project in a relevant field of engineering working interdisciplinary between railway operation science, complex system theory, and computer science. You will directly support research that aims to increase the quality and capacity of the railway system thereby supporting environmentally friendly mobility.

You will work in a relaxed working environment where you are highly flexible in planning working time. We respect your schedule and consider study-intensive phases when planning workload. You will get close assistance in solving your tasks, if necessary, but you also have the freedom to solve tasks self-driven by applying your creativity.

You work on an hourly basis with a salary of 28 CHF per hour. The starting date of your position is flexible from December 2023.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity

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.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receive your application including:

  • a very brief motivation letter
  • a CV 
  • a current transcript of records as well as the transcript of your latest university degree, if available.

If we can imagine you supporting our project we invite you to a personal interview and decide based on your documents and the interview.

Please upload your application documents in English or German by using this form.

If you have any questions on the position, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Contact Person: Jan Lordieck - jan.lordieck@ivt.baug.ethz.ch

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.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receive your application including:

  • a very brief motivation letter
  • a CV 
  • a current transcript of records as well as the transcript of your latest university degree, if available.

If we can imagine you supporting our project we invite you to a personal interview and decide based on your documents and the interview.

Please upload your application documents in English or German by using this form.

If you have any questions on the position, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Contact Person: Jan Lordieck - jan.lordieck@ivt.baug.ethz.ch

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.