Senior Research Coordinator​/Lab Manager

Project background

The International Relations & Data Science Group at ETH Zurich is seeking an experienced Senior Research Coordinator / Lab Manager to play a central role in the coordination, development, and execution of the group’s research activities.

Research Project & Grant Coordination

• Take responsibility for coordinating externally funded research projects (e.g. SNSF, ERC) in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator(s), including managing timelines, deliverables, and coordination processes across international research teams
• Support the strategic development, preparation, and submission of grant applications by coordinating inputs, timelines, and partner contributions from multiple institutions and countries; contribute to proposal development where appropriate
• Oversee scientific and financial reporting requirements for funded projects in coordination with ETH central administration and international project partners
• Support contract-related processes (e.g. research agreements, collaboration agreements) and act as a liaison with ETH grants, legal, and research offices, as well as external partner institutions

Group & External Research Coordination

• Coordinate research activities, milestones, and workflows across multiple projects and group members in a diverse, international research environment
• Serve as a central coordination point between the group and collaborating research teams at ETH Zurich and partner institutions worldwide
• Support fieldwork and project logistics as needed
• Help coordinate team members and maintain effective internal research processes, documentation, and knowledge sharing
• Facilitate communication across institutions, disciplines, cultures, and time zones, ensuring smooth collaboration among diverse stakeholders

Research Support (Depending on Profile and Interest)

Depending on experience and interest, contribute to substantive research-related tasks, such as background research, literature reviews, drafting or revising sections of grant proposals, and supporting academic publications with an international focus

While this is a fixed-term employment, at first 2 years, possibilities for open-ended arrangement might be considered.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in international relations, political science, economics, data science, or a related field
• Several years of relevant professional experience coordinating projects in a research environment and/or in international organizations
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership of coordination processes, and manage complex research support tasks across multiple stakeholders and institutions
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with academics, researchers, and international partners
• Excellent written and spoken English (German is an asset)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with national and international funding schemes (e.g. SNSF, ERC)
• Familiarity with research contracts, consortium agreements, and collaboration agreements in international academic settings
• Prior experience contributing to research activities (e.g. proposal development, publications) in addition to coordination and project management
• Experience working in interdisciplinary and internationally diverse research teams
• A proactive, solution-oriented working style and interest in contributing to the longer-term development of an internationally connected research group

• Your job with impact: become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university
• We believe in Equal Opportunities and Diversity and commit to fair employment conditions

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

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.