Legal Counsel / Legal Counseless

Join Our Team as Legal Counsel at ETH Zurich │ Space

ETH Zurich is recognized as one of the world’s leading universities in science and engineering. Through its strategic initiative, ETH Zurich │ Space, we are systematically expanding our activities in space research and technology. By recruiting high-caliber researchers and fostering collaborations with leading academic institutions, space agencies, and industry partners, we are creating a unique environment for innovation.

The Research Contracts Group, situated within the Vice-Presidency for Knowledge Transfer and Corporate Relations, supports researchers in building solid legal foundations for their projects with national and international partners.

Job Description

As a Legal Counsel for ETH Zurich │ Space, you will serve as the primary legal point of contact for research activities at ETH Zurich │ Space and ETH Swiss GeoLab. You will join a dynamic team of approximately 20 legal professionals within the Research Contracts Group, gaining from their extensive expertise and collaborative spirit.

Your primary focus will be on independently managing a space-related portfolio, facilitating and promoting contract conclusions between ETH researchers and diverse space-related organizations, from industrial companies and start-ups to international space agencies and public institutions. In this role, you will advise on the drafting and negotiation of complex research contracts, ensuring that innovative projects are executed in a legally compliant and effective manner. This encompasses traditional space technologies, Earth observation, geo-information processing, and the utilization of space data on Earth. Additionally, you will connect with Swiss stakeholders in governmental and commercial sectors.

You'll assist scientists from the inception of collaboration ideas to contract finalization, laying the groundwork for world-class international research in a fast-paced environment.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Independently review, draft, and negotiate complex national and international research and development contracts, including Research Collaboration Agreements, Consortium Agreements, and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
• Manage projects with international space agencies, research institutions, and industry partners, especially regarding the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
• Provide legal advice on international research collaborations, intellectual property matters, liability considerations, and other contractual risks.
• Support compliance with export controls and dual-use goods, liaising closely with the relevant compliance units at ETH Zurich.
• Offer proactive and solution-oriented advice to researchers and project managers throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop contract templates, guidelines, and processes for the effective management of space and research projects.
• Collaborate with ETH transfer, compliance units, and both internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to ensuring that international research collaborations are legally sound while maintaining the research community's operational flexibility.

Your Profile

We seek a candidate who can swiftly grasp complex issues, devise pragmatic solutions, and take pleasure in supporting researchers in a global research environment.

• Education: You hold a degree in law (or an equivalent legal qualification) and possess a strong understanding of technical contexts.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in international contract law or research management is required, ideally within an international setting such as an organization, a tech/space company, a space authority, or a university.
• Expertise: You have comprehensive knowledge of Swiss and international contract law. Experience with contracts from space agencies (e.g., ESA) or space companies is a strong advantage.
• Skills: You possess excellent analytical and conceptual skills, strong negotiating capabilities, and a pragmatic approach to addressing legal risks.
• Languages: Fluency in German and English (both spoken and written) is essential; business-level English is required.
• Mindset & Working Style: Demonstrated service orientation and a strong solution-focused approach characterize your work style.

By drafting clear and balanced contractual provisions, you will establish the foundation for successful international collaborations. You will independently manage a demanding portfolio and conduct complex negotiations efficiently and purposefully. An interest in the space sector, cutting-edge technology, and a passion for scientific innovation will make you an excellent fit for this role.

We Offer

• The opportunity to actively shape the establishment and further development of ETH Zurich │ Space.
• An exciting international working environment, bridging research, technology, and innovation.
• The chance to collaborate with leading researchers and renowned partner organizations globally.
• Engaging and varied tasks with significant personal responsibility and creative freedom.
• Flexible working arrangements and attractive employment terms at ETH Zurich.
• Additional benefits, such as public transport season tickets, car-sharing schemes, a range of sports activities, childcare, and attractive pension plans.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a work and learning environment where everyone’s rights and dignity are respected. Sustainability is a core principle, and we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

Apply online using the form below.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further information about ETH's Research Contracts Group and ETH Zurich │ Space, please visit our website. For inquiries, please contact Andreas Klöti, Head of the Research Contracts Group, at andreas.kloeti@sl.ethz.ch (no applications).