Join Our Team as Head of the Research Data Management Unit
Would you like to not only manage research data but also actively shape the future of research data management (RDM)? Do you think strategically, act with technical expertise, and move confidently between research, IT, and governance? If so, we invite you to become the Head of the Research Data Management unit and contribute to building a forward-looking infrastructure for excellent research.
The Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) at ETH Zurich in Basel (bsse.ethz.ch) is seeking a leader for the new departmental Research Data Management Facility to start immediately or by agreement.
Your Responsibilities
As the Head of the RDM unit, you will take on key strategic, technical, and organizational responsibilities:
- Establish and strategically develop the RDM unit.
- Define and prioritize the departmental RDM strategy in alignment with ETH-wide, national, and international developments.
- Collaborate with research groups to identify specific needs and translate them into viable, sustainable system solutions.
- Design, plan, and manage software projects, overseeing requirements engineering, stakeholder management, and budget responsibilities.
- Ensure that the RDM systems used are FAIR-compliant, secure, efficient, and sustainably operated in the long term.
- Actively participate in the design, prototyping, and further development of RDM infrastructures, preferably utilizing open source technologies.
- Oversee the rollout and dependable operation of systems in collaboration with the departmental IT Facility.
- Build and manage a specialized team, promoting the targeted development of the team’s competencies.
- Represent and position the unit prominently within the ETH environment and in national and international RDM networks.
Your Qualifications
We are looking for candidates who possess the following:
- A PhD in natural sciences, engineering, computer science, or comparable fields.
- Several years of experience in research data management.
- In-depth knowledge of FAIR principles, open science standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., data security).
- Experience in designing and managing complex software projects.
- Strategic thinking with the ability to translate visions into concrete projects.
- Management experience or strong leadership potential.
- Excellent communication skills and enjoyment of interdisciplinary collaboration.
- A high degree of independence, decisiveness, and a sense of responsibility.
- Very good English skills; German skills are an advantage.
Why Join Us?
Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, an institution that not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
Creative freedom: You will occupy a visible position with a high degree of personal responsibility and a lasting impact on the research landscape.
Interdisciplinary environment: Work closely with leading research groups and internal and external partners, actively shaping modern open science infrastructures.
Attractive Employment Conditions
We offer numerous benefits, including:
- Public transport subscriptions and car-sharing options.
- Childcare services.
- Attractive pension benefits.
If you are ready to take on responsibility, shape structures, and make research data future-proof, we look forward to receiving your online application using the form below.
Note: Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
For further details on the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Jörg Stelling at joerg.stelling@bsse.ethz.ch (no application documents).