Program Manager - Education and Innovation

About The Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC)

The Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC) is a national research infrastructure in data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), founded by EPFL and ETH Zurich. Its mission to enable data‑driven science and innovation for societal impact drives its initiatives in research projects, knowledge and technology transfer, and education. With a large multidisciplinary team of professionals in Lausanne, Zurich and at PSI in Villigen, the SDSC provides expertise and services to various domains, such as health and biomedical, energy and sustainability, climate and environment, digital society, and large‑scale scientific infrastructures.

The SDSC also contributes to initial and executive education programmes at EPFL and ETH Zurich.

We are looking for a Program Manager to develop and manage our continuing education portfolio and support our applied innovation activities. You will act as a bridge between our innovation, research and engineering teams and our academic, industrial, and public‑sector partners. Your role will be to understand their needs and translate them into high‑impact training programmes, events and collaborative projects.

• Independently develop and manage training offerings for executives, AI experts and the broader workforce of partner organisations: qualifying leads, scoping and designing programmes, and overseeing their delivery.
• Design, plan and run community‑building events (hackathons, conferences, workshops) to strengthen our network and showcase the institution’s expertise.
• Represent the organisation with academic and non‑academic entities and continuing‑education partners, and actively develop collaborations in this area.
• If applicable, develop educational material in the AI and data science field, teach courses and hands‑on workshops.

• Handle leads and requests for applied‑research collaborations (direct mandates, research agreements). Manage and coordinate responses to calls for projects.
• Manage contracting with clients in coordination with academic legal services, and handle institutional communication through the official contact mailbox.

• Proven experience in programme or project management, ideally in continuing education, innovation or technology transfer.
• Good understanding of data science and AI, and of the Swiss academic and innovation landscape.
• Strong relationship‑building and negotiation skills with stakeholders ranging from executives to researchers.
• Experience organising events such as conferences, workshops or hackathons.
• A master’s or PhD in a relevant field (e.g., data science, engineering, business, education) – or equivalent professional experience – is an advantage.
• Fluency in English and French;
  German is a plus.

• A meaningful role at the heart of the Swiss data‑science and AI ecosystem, in partnership with EPFL and ETH Zurich.
• A dynamic, multidisciplinary and international team.
• Attractive employment conditions in line with ETH Domain standards, and flexible working arrangements.
• Continuous learning opportunities and exposure to cutting‑edge research and innovation.

We actively promote a healthy work‑life balance in the workplace. Part‑time arrangements and flexible hours can be explored based on individual circumstances. We are looking for candidates willing to contribute to an inclusive environment and eager to learn continuously.

• Contract
  
  Start Date:
  
  09/01/2026
• Activity Rate: 80.00%
• Contract Type: CDD
• Duration: 1 year, renewable
• Reference: 2349

Questions regarding the position should be directed to hrdatascience with the job reference number.