NCCR CLIM+ Executive Director / NCCR CLIM+ Executive Directoress

NCCR CLIM+ Executive Director

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

NCCR CLIM+ is a newly established National Centre of Competence in Research focusing on Climate Extremes and Resilience within Swiss Society. The Executive Director at ETH Zurich will collaborate closely with the co-director from the University of Bern, under the supervision of the NCCR-CLIM+ team, which includes distinguished experts such as Prof. Sonia I. Seneviratne, Prof. Karin Ingold, Prof. David N. Bresch, and Prof. Olivia Romppainen-Martius.

Project Background

The NCCR CLIM+ aims to create the first fully interdisciplinary climate research community in Switzerland, addressing urgent issues related to climate extremes such as heatwaves, floods, heavy rainfall, droughts, wildfires, and other compounded events. This initiative will facilitate interaction with various stakeholders in fields ranging from public health to finance, agriculture, and water management.

By harnessing expertise from 20 leading Swiss research institutions across both natural and social sciences, NCCR CLIM+ will merge fundamental knowledge with transformative insights.

Under the leadership of ETH Zurich and the University of Bern, the newly established Center for Climate Extremes and Resilience in Swiss Society (CERESS) will collaborate with numerous universities and climate centers throughout Switzerland. CERESS aims to promote nationwide research, co-design living labs, and develop actionable solutions, thus establishing a new transdisciplinary nexus connecting science, society, practice, and politics.

Job Description

The Executive Directors at NCCR CLIM+ will assume leadership roles in the academic development and operational affairs of the Management Center at either ETH Zurich or the University of Bern. They will also be responsible for the establishment and advancement of the CERESS Center.

• The Executive Director at ETH Zurich will:
• Collaborate closely with NCCR CLIM+ co-director Prof. Sonia I. Seneviratne and deputy co-director Prof. David N. Bresch at ETH Zurich.
• Lead the NCCR CLIM+ Management Center at ETH Zurich, coordinating logistics and scientific efforts in collaboration with the partner executive director at the University of Bern, with a specific emphasis on research in natural sciences and interdisciplinary topics.
• Develop and coordinate the open science strategy and data infrastructures among relevant institutions within NCCR CLIM+, overseeing knowledge and technology transfer.
• Establish the Center for Climate Extremes and Resilience in Swiss Society (CERESS), in conjunction with the partner executive director located at the University of Bern.

Profile

• Candidates should hold a PhD in climate sciences, natural sciences, statistics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in coordination and management within interdisciplinary research is required.
• Leadership skills and experience with transdisciplinary research settings, living labs, or stakeholder interactions are advantageous.
• An integrative personality with a strong motivation for inter- and transdisciplinary community building in the context of climate extremes and society is sought.
• The Executive Director will oversee several positions, including those in IT and communication.
• Fluency in English and at least one national language is essential, while knowledge of an additional national language and familiarity with the Swiss academic landscape are beneficial.

Workplace

ETH Zurich offers a vibrant and innovative work environment conducive to personal and professional growth.

We Offer

• A dynamic employer with excellent working conditions and a wide range of continuing education opportunities.
• An exciting, diverse, multicultural, and international work environment.
• Flexible working conditions.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We advocate for equal opportunities and value diversity while nurturing a work and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Sustainability is one of our core values, and we are dedicated to achieving a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For additional information about NCCR CLIM+, please visit our website. For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Prof. Sonia I. Seneviratne at sonia.seneviratne@ethz.ch or Rahel Buri at rahel.buri@env.ethz.ch.

The expected starting date is June 1, 2026, or as agreed. The position is based at ETH Zurich. Interviews for selected candidates are anticipated to take place from late March to mid-April. ETH Zurich is committed to an inclusive and diverse university community and particularly encourages women to apply.

For recruitment services, the General Terms and Conditions of ETH Zurich apply.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are internationally recognized for our excellent education, pioneering research, and effective transfer of knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to address the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.