Data Scientist

Data Scientist (80-100%)

Your Mission

Are you an experienced data scientist or software developer with an interest in environmental and public health? At the Food Packaging Forum, you will develop and maintain open-access web-based tools. These resources enable key decision-makers to use the latest science in the interest of the public good. You will play a pivotal role in planning and managing the ongoing technical development of our databases and software platforms as well as serve as the data expert within our small intercultural and interdisciplinary team. This is a mid-level position that offers a unique opportunity to apply your experience and scientific expertise for the public good.

Your Experience and Skills

• At least 3 to 5 years of significant Python coding experience (ideally with a formal certification)
• Demonstrable experience with software documentation (e.g. GitBook) and collaborative development platforms (e.g. GitHub)
• Familiarity with the types and uses of different data formats
• Experience working with NoSQL databases (e.g. Mongo DB) (experience in database setup would also be desirable)
• Familiarity with Jupyter notebook, PythonAnywhere, and Agile approaches
• Experience using APIs and web scraping techniques to efficiently gather and integrate data from external sources
• Data analytics, including the ability to review, quality control, clean, and summarize large datasets
• Strong interdisciplinary communication skills
• Strong skills related to explaining, planning, and managing technical tasks
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and engage in several parallel projects
• Proactive and independent task management
• An agile problem solver and fast learner who is purpose-driven and a strong team player
• Keen motivation to lean in and contribute to the common good of society as well as to the conservation of planetary health

Our Ideal Candidate

• Familiarity with self-service BI tools such as Power BI
• Experience working with JavaScript, Google Colab, and/or Anaconda Python distribution
• C1 or above English skills (knowledge of German an additional asset)
• Educational background in natural science or engineering (completed degree at MSc or PhD level)
• Previous experience working with chemicals, toxicity, or chemoinformatics
• Is adaptable and able to prioritize and manage time under pressure
• Has strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills and enjoys teamwork

Your Responsabilities

• Manage the processing, cleaning, and storage of core FPF data products in a transparent and accessible way
• Lead the technical planning for and implementation of new and upcoming data tools and databases
• Maintain existing scientific databases and their public dashboards (FCCdb, FCCmigex, FCChumon, BRID)
• Responsible for the public-facing components of FPF’s GitHub profile as well as hosted project repositories
• Collaborate with external software development consultants and experts on technical project tasks; collaborate with FPF and external scientists in developing new data and research projects
• Maintain a record of the data processing steps involved in FPF research projects with links to the relevant files
• Serve as the internal and external technical and data management expert for requests related to specific datasets, troubleshooting or cleaning datasets, and extracting key information
• Stay up-to-date on the technical tools potentially helpful for FPF, including the integration of AI-based tools
• Contribute to other ongoing FPF activities and scientific/outreach projects as needed
• As we are a multifaceted organization, additional tasks can be agreed upon depending on the candidate’s skills and further interests.

Why the Food Packaging Forum?

The Food Packaging Forum (FPF) is a charitable (not-for-profit) organization based in Zurich, Switzerland. Our work enables global actors to make robust, informed decisions by applying the latest science on hazardous chemicals in food contact materials and on the environmental impacts of food packaging. Through our independent, balanced, and science-based publications and tools, we contribute to protecting human and environmental health. We communicate interdisciplinary science, transdisciplinary information, and the knowledge context to make data actionable for professional stakeholders. As an employee, our benefits include:

• A modern office space well connected to public transport in central Zurich
• 5 weeks paid vacation per year plus public holidays
• A competitive salary
• Retirement contributions and social insurance exceeding the standards set by Swiss law
• Being a part of a supportive, actively engaged, and high-achieving team
• A job with purpose: Our work has a global impact and contributes to protecting public and environmental health while working with highly respected, multi-stakeholder expert project partners from around the world.

Interested in this unique opportunity?

Please note that this role:

• Requires you to already have permission to work in Switzerland (e.g. a Swiss residence permit (Permit B/C/Ci/G/S) or EU/Swiss citizenship). Applicants without permission to work in Switzerland will not be considered.
• Requires regular in-person presence at our Zurich office.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and your resume/CV (in pdf format) here via the Idealist platform by November 20, 2024.