Research IT Staff Scientist - Chemistry (80-100%)

Your position

• Enabling research projects by developing and deploying IT solutions tailored to chemical research workflows.
• Advising and supporting researchers on research data management, analytical pipelines, and digital tools.
• Liaison between the Department of Chemistry, Research IT, and central university IT services.
• Contributing to the design, implementation, and maintenance of research IT infrastructure (e.g., software platforms, databases, laboratory automation, and computer-aided instrument control).
• Translating chemical research questions into IT-supported processes and computational solutions.
• Proactively training postgraduate students and researchers in modern computational and data-driven approaches to chemistry.
• Evaluating and integrating emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML tools, cloud computing, large language models) to keep the department at the forefront of research innovation.
• Developing and maintaining documentation, best practices, and standard operating procedures for research IT services.
• Devising practical, creative solutions to unique, interdisciplinary challenges that arise in a research-intensive environment. In other words, the job will have new challenges every day.

Your profile

• PhD in chemistry or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated interest, experience, and competence in research IT and digital technologies.
• Solid understanding of the interplay between chemical research and IT systems.
• Proficiency in Python (or a comparable scripting language) for data analysis, workflow automation, and process optimization.
• Working knowledge of Linux and Windows operating systems, including command-line environments.
• Excellent communication skills in English; German is a plus but not required.
•  Proven track record of effective teamwork and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.

• Research Data Management: Experience with large-scale data curation, FAIR data principles, and electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
• Laboratory Automation: Familiarity with automated synthesis platforms, robotic liquid handlers, or programmatic control of laboratory instrumentation.
• Data Science & Machine Learning: Experience in deploying machine learning models and data science workflows in a research context (e.g., cheminformatics, predictive modelling).
• Design of Experiments (DoE): Knowledge of statistical experimental design and optimization methodologies.
• Computational Chemistry: Experience with molecular modelling methods such as Density Functional Theory (DFT), Molecular Mechanics (MM), or molecular dynamics simulations.
• Teaching & Educational Support: Ability to contribute to the digitalization of laboratory courses and the development of computer-aided teaching materials.

We offer you

• A stimulating role at the intersection of chemistry, research, and information technology.
• A collaborative, international research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
• Flexible employment at 80–100%.
• Attractive working conditions and support for a healthy work-life balance.
• Opportunities for continuous professional and personal development, including conference attendance and advanced training.
• A permanent position with salary and benefits according to the University of Basel regulations.