Associate to the Directors / Associate to the Directors

Associate to the Directors at ETH AI Center

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The ETH AI Center is one of the largest AI centers in Europe, housing over 120 Professors from all 16 departments of ETH Zurich and more than 1500 associated PhD students and post-docs. Our mission is to foster interdisciplinary AI research and pave the way from science to society.

Project Background

The Associate to the Directors will work directly with the Executive Director and Co-Director of the ETH AI Center, supporting strategic, operational, and scientific initiatives across the Center. This dynamic, proactive role offers unparalleled access to the inner workings of one of Europe’s leading AI research hubs.

This position is designed as a launchpad for exceptional individuals, typically over a 1-2 year capacity, providing broad and deep exposure to the AI research landscape, innovation ecosystems, academic-industry collaboration, and science policy. Associates gain hands-on experience in science strategy, research management, and institutional leadership—ideal preparation for future roles in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship.

Your exceptional ability to simplify complex concepts, follow through, and execute tasks will be crucial in driving projects and initiatives forward to meet their goals.

Job Description

• Assist in setting up new initiatives and projects from ideation to funding, actively following up on project milestones, reporting, finances, and deliverables.
• Create compelling presentations, collaboration agreements, and other relevant documentation to support project initiatives.
• Project-manage Swiss National AI Institute governance meetings with EPFL counterparts.
• Collaborate with teams to introduce and enhance processes, such as OKR (Objectives and Key Results) reviews, to optimize efficiency and performance.
• Work directly with the Directors and the ETH AI Center executive team on key strategic initiatives, providing valuable insights and support.
• Manage administrative tasks such as handling inbound requests and scheduling for the Directors and the Center as needed.
• Support the core leadership team with outstanding initiatives.

The position is limited to a duration of 1 year, with the intention to extend.

Profile

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills—able to build trust, collaborate across disciplines, and guide teams towards common objectives.
• Skilled in capturing and structuring discussions and decisions through clear meeting minutes and follow-up actions.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and solution-driven mindset.
• Excellent organizational skills with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong curiosity and eagerness for learning, constantly seeking out new ideas and opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence and related disciplines.

Requirements

• A bachelor's or master's degree.
• Prior experience in a similar role in project management, consulting, academia, or a tech/startup environment is a strong plus.
• A demonstrated passion for artificial intelligence research and a strong interest in driving innovation in the field.
• Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to think critically and strategically.

Workplace

Your job with impact: Join ETH Zurich, which supports your professional development and actively contributes to positive change in society.

We Offer

• Numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing.
• A wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ and childcare.
• Attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

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 where the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. We are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below, with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Any relevant portfolio or project samples

Further information about ETH AI Center can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Diana Choi at diana.choi@ai.ethz.ch (no applications).

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing 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 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.