IT Engineer position GIVA

Department of Geography

IT Engineer position GIVA %

Start of employment

The Geographic Information Visualization and Analysis (GIVA) group at the University of Zurich invites applications for an IT specialist/engineer. The group's research activities lie at the interface of geographic information science, geographic information visualization/geovisual analytics, human-computer interaction (HCI), spatial cognition, and perception of the environment, including human mobility.

This position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of GIScience, spatial cognition, and contribute to cutting-edge research on adaptive geographic information systems and human spatial learning. The engineer will play a central role in ensuring the technical success and open dissemination of research results.

Your responsibilities

We are looking for a highly self-motivated and independent IT specialist/engineer with proven abilities in the development of mixed reality applications (i.e., augmented and virtual reality) who will support us in our research. Working closely with the PI, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers, the IT specialist will provide essential technical expertise for the development, maintenance, and operation of the experiment infrastructure, including VR/AR environments, mobile applications, and human sensor data (EEG, EDA, eye tracking, etc.) tracking and analysis. Regular tasks include the effective documentation of technical solutions in writing, template and tutorial developments, including demonstrations of lab-related infrastructure.

Your profile

Necessary

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for non-technical audiences
• Good collaboration skills in a diverse group
• Good written and spoken command of English (German is an asset)
• Strong programming skills (Python, C++, C#, ...)
• Good knowledge of version control in general and specifically git
• Resourceful in debugging, troubleshooting, maintenance, and general problem-solving

Preferred

• Good knowledge of the inner workings of operating systems (Windows, Linux)
• Knowledge of networks (routing, firewalls, etc.)
• Experience with interfacing hardware (EEG, eye tracking, other sensors)
• Understanding of experimental methodologies in VR for HCI and cognitive science research

Nice to have:

• Knowledge of Unreal and Unity
• Knowledge of Machine Learning and Signal Processing
• Knowledge of research procedures with human participants
• Knowledge of geographic data handling

Information on your application

Applications must include a single PDF file including a motivation letter, a CV, transcripts, evidence of past application development work, and references. The initial deadline for applications is November 14, 2025. Review of applications will commence thereafter and will continue until the position is filled.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
• Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

Food

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

Healthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
• Special conditions on hotel reservations

Conditions of Employment

• Policies of the UZH
• Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

Campuses

• Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
• Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

Location
Department of Geography

Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information
Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Sara I. Fabrikant

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer

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