Research Engineer - Machine Learning and Chemical Data Management

In 2021, The ETH domain has launched the SwissCAT+ project, a technology platform dedicated to automated and data-driven experimentation in the field of catalysis

The East Hub, located at ETH Zurich and focussing on heterogeneous catalysis R&D, hosts state-of-the-art robotic and high-throughput equipment to synthesize, characterize and evaluate catalysts. In combination to the hardware we are implementing a fully digitized and automated data management strategy and apply machine learning algorithms to accelerate data analysis and experimental design.

As an open-access technlogy platform, the ETHZ SwissCAT+ aims to offer tools and expertise to the entire Swiss scientific community investigating catalytic processes, particularly for the production of sustainable fuels and chemicals.

The role of the Hub is to translate academic and private users’ projects into a set of high-throughput and automated experiments, run the experiments, validate, and analyze the data. Each piece of equipment generates large amount of data which should be standardized, transferred, and consolidated into databases for efficient cross-analysis and visualization by specific softwares. We are also implementing Machine Learning algorithms, such as Bayesian Optimization, to support the closed-loop design of experiments and provide valuable catalysts' structure-activity information to collaborators.  

In this context, The SwissCAT+ East is seeking to hire a motivated ML & Chemical Data Expert whose role is to support the implementation of the Hub Machine Learning and Data Management projects. The SwissCAT+ East is a new infrastructure with a small but growing team, therefore, the role, under the supervision of the Managing Director and Data Scientist, is highly dynamic and versatile, offering a combined exposure to experimental data management and Machine Learning applications in the field of chemistry. The selected candidate will participate actively in several capital projects of the lab and interact with all the team members, providing great opprtunities to extend his/her knowledge on several topics related to data-driven automated and high-throughput experimentation in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. The contract is flexible and can range from 6 months to one year, working between 50-100%, renewable, with a potential permanent integration. The main tasks are:

• Supporting the reflection, definition, and implementation of the SwissCAT+ East data management strategy, from acquisition to final analysis: e.g., data transfer, storage, security, access, analysis and, visualization.
• Lead the development and utilization of open-source and commercial ML algorithms applied to the activity of the SwissCAT+, such as design of experiments, prediction of catalytic performances and catalysts’ structure-activity properties.
• Supporting the installation and integration of the different related software layers: e.g., individual controlling software, database management software, ELN, LIMS, design of experiments, visualization, and machine learnings tools.

The candidates should present the following education and experience:

• At least a Master degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, or computer science.
• Extensive knowledge of programming languages (in particular python) and experience in developing and/or applying AI/ML to chemical data.
• A strong background in mathematics applied to data science.
• Experience in using lab digitalization software such as Electronic Laboratory Notebooks and Laboratory Information Management Systems.
• Some background in chemistry and (heterogeneous) catalysis would be a big plus.
• Open to collaboration with specialists and stakeholders from different backgrounds. 
• Fluency in English.

• Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits.