Postdoc in distributed computing software for uncertainty quantification in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

The Chair of Risk, Safety and Uncertainty Quantification in Engineering (RSUQ) develops computational methods for managing uncertainties in physical models used in various fields of engineering and applied sciences. The core competences of the Chair are statistics and probability, scientific computing and machine learning. We develop the Matlab-based software UQLab (), a platform that makes state-of-the-art uncertainty quantification algorithms available to researchers and practitioners from every field of applied science. With over 2’400 users from 80+ countries, UQLab is recognized as one of the leading software platforms on this topic.

The Chair has an opening for a Postdoc in distributed computing software for uncertainty quantification.

State-of-the-art uncertainty quantification (UQ) methods often rely on high-dimensional parametric studies that are parallel in nature. The candidate postdoctoral researcher will extend (or possibly re-design) and document the distributed-computing dispatch unit of UQLab by means of a mixed python+Matlab asynchronous architecture. The candidate will also participate in the design of tools and algorithms to extend advanced UQ techniques to real-time data-streams. He/she will interact with other PhD students and postdocs of the Chair, who will use the newly developed modules.

The position is available as of January/February 1st, 2020 and open for 1 year, with a possible extension to 2 years.

UQLab is developed in an agile development environment by a variable number of members of the RSUQ team. Therefore, it is paramount importance that the candidate is experienced in the following:

• Development of scientific codes (design, validation and documentation)
• High-performance-computing and distributed/remote execution on Linux HPC clusters, with a clear understanding of submission queues, splicing, shared vs distributed memory, etc.
• Advanced Python, bash and Matlab scripting skills

Experience with the following is not required but is an advantage:

• Linux system administration, commercial cloud computing solutions
• Software architecture and/or user interface design (not necessarily graphical)
• Uncertainty quantification and stochastic methods (e.g. Monte-Carlo simulation, surrogate modelling, etc.)

We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are self-driven, have excellent communication and writing skills (fluent spoken and written English is mandatory), and enjoy working in an interactive international environment.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.