ETH Zurich | Space
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. It is renowned for its exceptional education, cutting-edge research, and commitment to translating new knowledge and innovations directly into practice.
About ETH Zurich | Space
Under the leadership of its academic director Prof. Thomas Zurbuchen, ETH Zurich | Space is dedicated to advancing space activities, positioning ETH Zurich as a premier institution for space research, education, and entrepreneurship within Europe and beyond.
A key focus of ETH Zurich | Space is to enhance space research activities and missions, often collaborating with academic institutions, industrial partners, start-ups, and agencies. To achieve this, ETH Zurich | Space has established Innovation and Project Hubs as part of its support system for researchers at ETH and beyond.
- Innovation Hub: Serves as a creative incubation space for new space-related ideas, driving experimentation and rapid prototyping to facilitate the validation or disproof of high-risk, potentially high-reward concepts.
- Project Hub: Provides centralized expertise in project management and space systems engineering to support both traditional and modern space projects and missions.
- Supporting Activities: Communicates opportunities from the European Space Agency and Swiss initiatives while connecting researchers with commercial collaborations and non-traditional resources.
Position Overview
ETH Zurich | Space is seeking a Director for Space Research Initiatives. This role will oversee the Project and Innovation Hubs, ensuring interdisciplinary collaboration and guiding the development of projects and ideas initiated by ETH researchers through their lifecycle. The Director will facilitate smooth transitions between ideation, proposal preparation, mission development, and operations while promoting synergies across these phases.
Moreover, the Director will actively engage with ETH researchers to promote space as a strategic research field, encourage faculty participation in space-related activities, and support the integration of space data applications into ETH research. This position is crucial for fostering collaboration between the Innovation and Project Hubs, ensuring project coordination and guiding idea exchange.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive the success of the Project and Innovation Hubs.
- Continuously evaluate and develop the Hubs, including tracking success and impact through regular assessments by ETH researchers and external stakeholders.
- Manage a central pool of space experts and oversee resource allocation for various space-related projects.
- Establish efficient administrative support for ETH researchers.
- Promote awareness of the Project and Innovation Hubs internally among researchers, professors, and labs.
- Forge collaborations with academic partners, industrial companies, and agencies globally.
- Maintain an extensive academic and industry network to address the evolving needs of the space sector.
- Contribute to fundraising efforts to secure third-party funding for the Hubs.
- Exchange knowledge with similar units at universities worldwide to benchmark best practices.
Professional Experience
- Doctoral degree in a natural science or engineering discipline.
- Several years of experience in space-related research and projects in academia, agency, or space-related industry.
- Management experience in large-scale projects or programs, e.g., as PI/Co-PI or project manager.
- Hands-on experience in space hardware design and construction.
- Established network with key space players in Europe and worldwide.
Competencies
- Proven records as a proficient manager and leader.
- Strong teamwork skills in diverse environments.
- Analytical thinking with a focus on innovative solutions.
- Excellent communication skills across various sectors, including academia and industry.
Technical Knowledge
- Expertise in space-related science or engineering.
- Fluency in spoken and written English; knowledge of German is an asset.
- A vision and aspiration to position ETH Zurich as a leader in European space research.
What We Offer
You will join a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary work environment at one of the world’s leading technical universities. You will work with a motivated team that shares a passion for space and aims to enhance space activities at ETH Zurich.
How to Apply
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Further Information
For more information about ETH Zurich | Space, please visit our website and LinkedIn channel “ETH Zurich | Space.”
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Michael Gschweitl at michael.gschweitl@sl.ethz.ch.
Application Deadline: 30.06.2025