Software Developer, circular-construction AI (REON / SXL) — EPFL
- Location
- Lausanne
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- 29 days ago
Role overview
Mission
The Structural Xploration Lab (SXL) at EPFL is developing REON, an AI system that predicts the reuse value of building components before demolition, turning research validated on 23,200 real reuse-market transactions into a working product.
We are looking for a software developer to help build the core of this product alongside the founder: taking a validated research prototype and turning it into a clean, working, deployable tool.
- Mission
- The Structural Xploration Lab (SXL) at EPFL is developing REON, an AI system that predicts the reuse value of building components before demolition, turning research validated on 23,200 real reuse-market transactions into a working product.
- Main duties and responsibilities
- Extract and harden a scoring engine from an existing Python/Streamlit prototype into robust, standalone code
Main responsibilities
- Main duties and responsibilities
- Extract and harden a scoring engine from an existing Python/Streamlit prototype into robust, standalone code
- Rebuild the data layer from Neo4j to a Python-native graph structure
- Implement data-ingestion and similarity-matching logic that completes missing component information (GNN)
- Build a lightweight web interface: data upload in, ranked results out
- Work independently from rough goals to working software, using modern tooling (including AI coding assistants) to move fast
- Keep the codebase clean and documented so it can be extended by others. Profile
- We are looking for a strong early-career Python developer who is interested in bringing a research prototype into a working product.
- The role combines graph data, ML, and practical web development.
- Some technologies may be learned during the project, but solid Python skills and hands-on experience with graphs and GNNs are essential.
Application process
- Experience building at least one complete application beyond notebooks, including a backend API and a functional web interface
- Comfortable learning unfamiliar technologies and improving an existing prototype step by step
- Familiar with Git; experience with LLM workflows, Docker, or cloud deployment is an advantage
- Self-directed, pragmatic, and motivated by research-to-product development
- Valid Swiss work authorisation; holders of an S permit are welcome if authorised to work Fluent English; French or German is an advantage We offer
- The chance to build the technical core of an EPFL spin-out in formation, in circular construction and AI
- Direct collaboration with the founder and real ownership of what you build A flexible, hands-on role with genuine impact
- For the right person, a possible path to a founding technical role at REON
Additional details
- Keep the codebase clean and documented so it can be extended by others.
- Valid Swiss work authorisation; holders of an S permit are welcome if authorised to work French or German is an advantage
- Direct collaboration with the founder and real ownership of what you build A flexible, hands-on role with genuine impact
- The starting date is flexible and can be agreed upon with the selected candidate
- Activity Rate Max : 80.00 Duration: 2-4 months
Notes and original content
- Valid Swiss work authorisation; holders of an S permit are welcome if authorised to work
- Fluent English;
- French or German is an advantage
- Direct collaboration with the founder and real ownership of what you build
- A flexible, hands-on role with genuine impact
- Informations
- Activity Rate Max : 80.00
- Contract Type: CDD
- Duration: 2-4 months
- Reference: 2351
Questions about this listing
What salary does EPFL offer for this role?
EPFL lists CHF 60'500 - 91'500 gross per year for this position in Lausanne. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does EPFL offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with EPFL during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Vaud?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Vaud can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Vaud's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at EPFL?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to EPFL's original listing at careers.epfl.ch, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
