Natural Hazards Mission Lead / Natural Hazards Mission Leadess

ETH Swiss GeoLab: Natural Hazards Mission Lead Position

ETH Zurich is excited to announce the establishment of the ETH Swiss GeoLab, an innovative interdisciplinary unit within ETH Zürich I Space. As one of the few strategic centers at ETH Zurich, ETH Space encompasses five distinct units, each contributing to cutting-edge research and technological advancements.

The GeoLab is dedicated to Earth observation and its practical applications, utilizing satellite, airborne, ground-based, and in-situ observations. By integrating these diverse data sets with AI-driven analysis and high-performance computing, the GeoLab aims to develop solutions addressing significant societal and economic challenges.

Location and Leadership

Situated in the D4 Business Village in Root, near Lucerne, ETH Swiss GeoLab bridges the gap between research, technology development, and practical application. In its first phase, the GeoLab focuses on selected high-impact application areas where Earth observation, geodata, and AI-based analytics can enhance value for Switzerland.

Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Verena Griess, Prof. Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, and Managing Director Dr. Felix Seidel, the GeoLab plans to grow into a project-based hub with approximately 100 experts over the coming years. Collaboration will extend to other ETH units, the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), Swiss research institutions, natural hazard organizations, industry partners, start-ups, and international stakeholders.

Position Overview

This is a fixed-term appointment for an initial duration of two years, with the potential for extension. As the Natural Hazards Mission Lead, you will oversee the research and development portfolio for GeoLab’s Natural Hazards Mission. Focusing initially on landslides and rockfalls, you will help define the mission's vision, translate user needs into research and product requirements, and ensure that GeoLab activities create measurable value for Swiss practitioners and decision-makers.

Key Responsibilities

• Define an ambitious and coherent research and development portfolio for the Natural Hazards Mission.
• Translate identified operational gaps into measurable outcomes that provide value for practitioners and decision-makers.
• Engage with local, cantonal, and federal authorities, infrastructure operators, and expert communities.
• Translate operational challenges into actionable research, data, product, and technical requirements.
• Establish mission outcomes, roadmaps, assumptions, and success criteria aligned with Swiss natural hazard needs.
• Manage the mission budget and track finances, reporting regularly to GeoLab leadership and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Geo-Lab’s Intelligence team to drive pilots, field validation, and integration into user workflows.
• Represent ETH Swiss GeoLab in natural hazard, scientific, policy, and industry communities.
• Guide and mentor students, researchers, and external contributors as needed.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• A Master’s or PhD degree (preferred) in natural hazards, geosciences, engineering, risk management, or related fields.
• Several years of experience in natural hazard practice, applied research, public administration, consulting, engineering, or industry.
• Strong expertise with demonstrated examples of dashboard and tracking tools for natural hazard projects.
• Proven ability to identify and translate operational problems into actionable initiatives.
• Experience in mission, program, or applied R&D portfolio design.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Fluency in English and German, with proficiency in French as an asset.

What We Offer

• A rare opportunity to contribute to building ETH Swiss GeoLab as a key national initiative for Earth observation.
• A mission-driven role with high visibility and significant societal relevance.
• The chance to develop solutions for pressing natural hazard challenges in Switzerland, with broad international impact.
• A dynamic workplace in Root/Lucerne, integrated within an active innovation ecosystem closely connected to ETH Zurich.

Please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. We look forward to receiving your application!

Further information about ETH Swiss GeoLab can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Felix Seidel, Managing Director ETH Swiss GeoLab, at felix.seidel@eaps.ethz.ch.