About the Role

Our team at IBM Research Zürich is shaping the future of data processing for AI systems, creating self-optimizing platforms that deliver exceptional cost/performance, and are effortless for users. We work at the intersection of research and real-world impact — developing new methods, implementing them in widely used open-source projects, and supporting production teams to bring the latest innovation to our clients.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Conduct research and development on distributed data processing, storage, and optimization.
• Contribute innovations to major open-source systems (e.g. Apache Spark, Iceberg, Velox).
• Publish at top-tier systems and data conferences (e.g. OSDI, EuroSys, VLDB).
• Collaborate with a diverse, global team across Europe, Africa, US and India.
• Translate research ideas into high-impact software used in Data and AI-intensive applications.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a hands-on systems engineer/researcher who loves making large-scale data platforms hum. You think in DAGs, shuffles, and executors — orchestrating resources, optimizing data flow, and pushing performance to the limit. You care about building the engines that power AI workloads, not just the models that run on top.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Systems, AI or a closely related field.
• Experience writing code for distributed data processing systems (e.g. Apache Spark, Presto).
• Strong interest in applying AI/ML techniques to optimize database and data-processing systems.
• Proficiency in C++ and Java or Scala.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Systems, AI or a closely related field.
• Experience with data management systems.
• Experience in using ML/AI to optimize database and data-processing systems.
• Experience with various data formats (e.g. Parquet, Iceberg, Arrow).
• Contributions to a large-scale open-source projects (e.g. Spark, Presto, Velox).
• Familiarity with GPU acceleration for data processing.
• Track record in performance optimization for distributed systems.
• Publications in top-tier venues.

Diversity

IBM is committed to diversity at the workplace. With us you will find an open, multicultural environment. Excellent flexible working arrangements enable all genders to strike the desired balance between their professional development and their personal lives.

How to apply

Please submit you application with a cover letter and curriculum vitae through the link below.

Apply