IT Engineer position GIVA 50-80%

Department of GeographyIT Engineer position GIVA 50 - 80 %Start of employment 01.12.2025The 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 responsibilitiesWe 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 profileNecessaryStrong verbal and written communication skills for non-technical audiencesGood collaboration skills in a diverse groupGood 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 gitResourceful in debugging, troubleshooting, maintenance, and general problem-solvingPreferredGood 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 researchNice to have:Knowledge of Unreal and UnityKnowledge of Machine Learning and Signal ProcessingKnowledge of research procedures with human participantsKnowledge of geographic data handlingInformation on your applicationApplications 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.Link: https://tinyurl.com/giva-it