NCCR CLIM+ Executive Director / NCCR CLIM+ Executive Directoress

NCCR CLIM+ Executive Director

Position: 80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

NCCR CLIM+ is a newly established National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) focused on addressing critical challenges related to Climate Extremes and Resilience in Swiss Society. The Executive Director at ETH Zurich will work collaboratively with the Executive Director at the University of Bern and will be supervised by the NCCR-CLIM+ team of directors, which includes esteemed professors from both institutions.

Project Background

NCCR CLIM+ aims to create the first fully interdisciplinary, nationwide climate research community in Switzerland, addressing pressing issues such as heatwaves, floods, heavy rainfalls, droughts, wildfires, and other complex events. This initiative will also engage with various stakeholders, including those in public health, finance, agriculture, and water management.

By integrating expertise from 20 leading Swiss research institutions across multiple natural and social science disciplines, NCCR CLIM+ will bridge fundamental and transformational knowledge. Under the leadership of ETH Zurich and the University of Bern, the newly founded Center for Climate Extremes and Resilience in Swiss Society (CERESS) will connect with additional universities and climate centers across Switzerland, facilitating nationwide research, co-designing living labs, and generating actionable solutions. This effort will establish a transdisciplinary nexus that connects science, society, practice, and politics.

Job Description

The two NCCR CLIM+ Executive Directors will take on leadership roles in the academic development and operational management of their respective Management Centers at either ETH Zurich or the University of Bern. They will also be responsible for developing and advancing the CERESS Center.

• The NCCR CLIM+ Executive Director at ETH Zurich will:
  • Collaborate closely with co-director Prof. Sonia I. Seneviratne and deputy co-director Prof. David N. Bresch at ETH Zurich.
  • Lead the NCCR CLIM+ Management Center and facilitate coordination among the logistics and scientific work of the NCCR, partnering with the executive director at the University of Bern on research and interdisciplinary topics.
  • Coordinate the open science strategy and manage data infrastructure among relevant institutions within NCCR CLIM+ while overseeing knowledge and technology transfer efforts.
  • Establish the Center for Climate Extremes and Resilience in Swiss Society (CERESS) in collaboration with the partner executive director from the University of Bern.

Profile

• Candidates should possess a PhD in climate sciences, natural sciences, statistics, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in coordination and management within interdisciplinary research settings is essential.
• Leadership skills and experience in transdisciplinary research, living labs, or stakeholder interactions are advantageous.
• We are looking for an integrative personality with a strong motivation for fostering inter- and transdisciplinary community building in climate extremes and society.
• The executive director will oversee various positions, including those in IT and communication.
• Proficiency in English and at least one of the national languages is required, with additional language skills and familiarity with the Swiss academic landscape considered a plus.

Workplace

The position will be based at ETH Zurich, a vibrant institution that offers an excellent working environment and ample opportunities for personal and professional development.

We Offer

• ETH Zurich is a dynamic employer providing outstanding working conditions alongside a variety of continuing education opportunities.
• Experience an exciting, diverse, multicultural, and international work environment.
• Enjoy flexible working conditions.

Commitment to Diversity and Sustainability

At ETH Zurich, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a respectful working and learning environment for all staff and students. We are committed to sustainability, continuously striving towards a climate-neutral future.

Interested in Joining Us?

To apply, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is recognized as one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for our excellent education and pioneering research, we are committed to transferring new knowledge to society. With a diverse community of over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, ETH Zurich is a place that inspires independent thinking and excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.