Scientific Assistant in Engineering Geodesy

Scientific Assistant in Engineering Geodesy

At the professorship of Geosensors and Engineering Geodesy (GSEG) at ETH Zürich we carry out cutting-edge research and teaching in the areas of geomonitoring, reality capture, high precision surveying, and geodetic data processing. We are particularly interested in deformation monitoring using point clouds, development of new measurement systems, and advanced geodetic data processing using classical approaches and machine learning.

We look forward to strengthening our team with a colleague who contributes to our research and teaching, and is interested in gaining more experience and expanding skills in one or more of the areas mentioned above. Ideally, this colleague will work on terrestrial laser scanning and total station measurements for highly accurate reality capture and deformation monitoring, or on better understanding and mitigating refraction effects on such measurements. A different focus within the above areas, as well as a combination of the position with doctoral studies can be negotiated.

• Research (aprx. 70%): You will carry out experiments with commercially available instruments, prototypes and lab setups indoors and outdoors. You will design, organize, evaluate, and document these experiments. You will complement them with numerical simulations and theoretical analyses to assess the performance of proposed solutions, identify and understand detrimental impacts, and find ways to mitigate those, e.g., by adapting the data collection or processing. You will collaborate with other members of the professorship as well as with partners in industry, research institutions and academia. You will have opportunities to present your research at conferences and publish in scientific journals, particularly if you decide to combine the position with doctoral studies, which is not necessary but possible upon mutual agreement.
• Teaching (aprx. 20%): You will support the professorship in teaching for areas related to your own research, experience and educational background. This support will comprise (i) help in designing and preparing practical exercises, (ii) supervising students during labs and field work, (iii) co-supervising students during their bachelor’s or master’s thesis as well as within projects. Optionally, you will contribute to exams and lectures.
• Services (aprx. 10%) : A small part of your time will be devoted to contributions beyond research and teaching. Depending on your skills and interests, we will jointly agree on your area of responsibility; examples are: consulting group members on certain software or instruments, caring for webpages and social media, contributing to teaching videos, organizing meetings, leading the group’s data management, or guiding visitors.

Ideally, you take up the position no later than on January 1, 2026. The position is initially limited to three years. Depending on your needs and availability, other durations as well as a later starting date may be negotiated.

Profile

You have completed your MSc studies at a Technical University, University of Applied Science or other academic institution or are just about to complete. You know geodetic standard instruments, are curious and reliable. You would like to gain experience at the interface between industry and academia, work in an interdisciplinary and international team, and are looking forward to a position with a great variety of tasks and lots of opportunities for learning.

• Education: You hold an MSc degree in geodesy, surveying, geomatics or in a similar technical field. Also as a graduate from other MSc programs like e.g., robotics, computer science or geosciences, you may be eligible if you have knowledge and experience as outlined below.
• Special knowledge: Ideally you know how to do terrestrial laser scanning, how to determine 1d/2d/3d coordinates with a total station, how to transform between coordinate reference frames, and how to perform a geodetic network adjustment. However, you are eligible for the position if you have at least some understanding of one or more of these fields.
• Practical experience: No practical experience is required beyond some programming and some use of surveying instruments, e.g., from exercises/labs during your studies. Experience from working as an engineer in a surveying company, surveying department or similar institution, project management skills, or experiences with hiking or outdoor work would be advantages.
• Analytical skills: If you intend to combine the position with doctoral studies, you should have skills and interest in critical thinking, data analysis, and problem solving.
• Language skills: German and English will be required. One of them should be sufficient for every-day, work-related oral and written communication as well as for reading scientific texts (at least level C1 or equivalent). You should have reached at least level B1 for the other language, or be willing to reach this level within one year.

We offer

• The opportunity to collaborate and further develop your skills and experience within an international, dynamic, highly motivated and helpful team of colleagues for initially up to 3 years, with the possibility of later extension for a longer fixed term;
• The opportunity to combine the position with doctoral studies at ETH Zürich (not mandatory, subject to formal admission requirements);
• Access to the outstanding infrastructure, continuing education opportunities, and collaboration opportunities at ETH Zürich;
• Opportunities to conduct experiments outdoors, including in alpine environment;
• Opportunities to gain additional experience and broader knowledge through supporting other group members within their research;
• Opportunities to interact with various partners from private sector, industry, administration and academia;
• The opportunity to live, work and further develop in a place with outstanding quality of life.

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 your online application comprising at least:

• CV
• Copy of your academic certificates (at least MSc)
• List of courses passed or of competences acquired as part of your academic studies
• Name and contact details of one or two reference persons

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising inscience and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,cutting-edge fundamental research and direct