Join the ETH AI Center as Industry Partnership Lead
The ETH AI Center is one of the largest university centers in the world dedicated to artificial intelligence, comprising over 110 Professors from all 16 departments of ETH Zurich and more than 1,500 associated PhD students and postdocs. Our mission is to amplify human potential by fostering breakthrough ideas through interdisciplinary AI research and facilitating the transition from science to society. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of AI research, fostering innovation, and driving impactful projects. As the Industry Partnership Lead, you will have the unique opportunity to work at the forefront of AI research and its applications in industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and scale the ETH AI Center’s industry engagement function, developing long-term, impactful partnerships.
- Function as a player-coach, driving high-value partnerships end-to-end while building pragmatic structures and processes.
- Translate cutting-edge AI research into compelling partnership models, fostering relationships with leading global organizations.
- Collaborate closely with ETH AI Center leadership, Swiss National AI Institute (SNAI), and partner institutions.
- Drive revenue growth by expanding third-party funding and fueling the center's mission to strengthen Switzerland's AI ecosystem.
- Shape the partner journey, helping companies mature their AI capabilities and become AI-native organizations.
- Grow and retain long-term partnerships through effective expectation management and joint goal-setting.
- Lead and scale the partnerships team, establishing scalable processes and data-driven decision-making infrastructure.
- Align internal stakeholders and represent the ETH AI Center in external engagements.
Qualifications
- 6+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, or sales in complex environments (e.g., deep tech, research, enterprise, or startups).
- Entrepreneurial mindset with high ownership, low ego, and a willingness to engage hands-on.
- Strong ability to operate strategically while executing operationally, thinking systemically.
- Proven track record of closing high-value, multi-stakeholder deals.
- Experience in building or scaling partnership, sales, or business development functions.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, capable of engaging senior industry and academic stakeholders.
- Strong interest in AI and technology, with a knack for translating technical subjects into business value.
- Experience navigating complex stakeholder environments across organizational boundaries.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field; a technical background is a plus.
- Fluency in English; knowledge of German is an advantage.
Why Join Us?
- Access to top researchers and industry players.
- Be part of a small but dynamic and agile team.
- Work in a modern office located in Zurich Oerlikon, a hub of tech innovation.
- Enjoy facilitated access to ETH infrastructure.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a passion for AI and a desire to impact a rapidly evolving field. If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge, we would love to hear from you!
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Important Information
The position is initially limited to a duration of 1 year, with the intention to extend.
If you have any questions regarding the position, please reach out to Alexandra Janosi at alexandra.janosi@ai.ethz.ch (no applications).
Further information about the ETH AI Center can be found on our website.