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 (NCCR) focusing on Climate Extremes and Resilience within Swiss Society. The Executive Director at ETH Zurich will collaborate with the co-executive director at the University of Bern and work under the supervision of the NCCR-CLIM+ team of directors including Prof. Sonia I. Seneviratne (ETH Zurich), Prof. Karin Ingold (Uni Bern), Prof. David N. Bresch (ETH Zurich), and Prof. Olivia Romppainen-Martius (Uni Bern).

Project Background

The NCCR CLIM+ aims to create the first fully interdisciplinary Switzerland-wide climate research community that addresses critical issues related to climate extremes, including heatwaves, floods, heavy rainfalls, droughts, wildfires, and other compound events. In addition, the center will engage with stakeholders across various sectors such as public health, finance, agriculture, and water management.

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

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 various universities and climate centers throughout Switzerland, supporting nationwide research, co-designing living labs, and developing actionable solutions, thereby forging a new transdisciplinary nexus among science, society, practice, and politics.

Job Description

The NCCR CLIM+ Executive Director at ETH Zurich will be responsible for leadership in the academic development and operational oversight of the Management Center at ETH Zurich. Key responsibilities include:

• Collaboration: Work closely with NCCR CLIM+ co-director Prof. Sonia I. Seneviratne and deputy co-director Prof. David N. Bresch at ETH Zurich.
• Leadership: Direct the NCCR CLIM+ Management Center at ETH Zurich and coordinate logistics and scientific work in partnership with the executive director at the University of Bern, focusing on research and activities within natural sciences and interdisciplinary topics.
• Strategy Development: Assist in designing and coordinating the open science strategy and data infrastructures among the relevant institutions within NCCR CLIM+, as well as oversee knowledge and technology transfer initiatives.
• Center Establishment: Facilitate the establishment of the Center for Climate Extremes and Resilience in Swiss Society (CERESS) in collaboration with the partner executive director at the University of Bern.

Candidate Profile

• PhD in climate sciences, natural sciences, statistics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in coordination and management of interdisciplinary research.
• Strong leadership skills and experience in transdisciplinary research settings and stakeholder interactions.
• An integrative personality with a strong commitment to inter- and transdisciplinary community building in the realm of climate extremes and society.
• The executive director will oversee several positions, including roles in IT and communication.
• Fluency in English and at least one of the national languages is essential; proficiency in an additional language and familiarity with the Swiss academic landscape is an advantage.

Workplace

ETH Zurich offers a dynamic and supportive work environment with excellent conditions and an extensive range of continuing education opportunities. Enjoy an exciting, diverse, multicultural, and international work setting, along with flexible working conditions.

Commitment to Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is 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 actively working towards a climate-neutral future and encourage applications that enhance the diversity of our workforce, particularly from women.

Application Process

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

The expected start date for this position is June 1st, 2026, or as mutually agreed. The workplace will be at ETH Zurich. Interviews for selected candidates are anticipated to take place from late March to mid-April. For further information about NCCR CLIM+, please consult our website. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Prof. Sonia I. Seneviratne at sonia.seneviratne@ethz.ch and Rahel Buri at rahel.buri@env.ethz.ch.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is a leading global university specializing in science and technology, celebrated for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct application of knowledge in society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, we cultivate an environment that encourages independent thinking and motivates excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to find solutions to the pressing challenges of today and the future.