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) addressing critical questions related to Climate Extremes and Resilience in Swiss Society. The ETH Zurich Executive Director will collaborate with the NCCR CLIM+ executive director at the University of Bern and will work under the guidance of the NCCR-CLIM+ team of directors, which includes 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 establish the first fully interdisciplinary climate research community in Switzerland, tackling pressing issues related to climate extremes such as heatwaves, floods, heavy rainfall, droughts, wildfires, and other compound events. In addition to research, the initiative will engage with stakeholders across various sectors, including public health, finance, agriculture, and water management.

By uniting expertise from 20 leading Swiss research institutions across multiple natural and social science disciplines, NCCR CLIM+ seeks to integrate fundamental knowledge with transformational insights.

Under the guidance of ETH Zurich and the University of Bern, the newly founded Center for Climate Extremes and Resilience in Swiss Society (CERESS) will connect with numerous other universities and climate centers throughout Switzerland. CERESS will facilitate nationwide research, co-design living labs, and produce actionable solutions, thereby creating a new transdisciplinary nexus between science, society, practice, and politics.

Job Description

The two NCCR CLIM+ executive directors will lead the academic development and operational affairs of the respective Management Center at either ETH Zurich or the University of Bern. Both directors will also be responsible for the establishment and development of the CERESS Center.

• The NCCR CLIM+ executive director at ETH Zurich will:
  • Collaborate closely with the 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 other executive director at the University of Bern, specifically focusing on natural sciences and interdisciplinary research.
  • Develop and coordinate the open science strategy and data infrastructures among various institutions within the NCCR CLIM+, overseeing knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) based on tailored storylines.
  • Establish the Center for Climate Extremes and Resilience in Swiss Society (CERESS) in partnership with the executive director from the University of Bern.

Profile

• Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in climate sciences, natural sciences, statistics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in coordination and management within interdisciplinary research is essential.
• Leadership skills and experience in transdisciplinary research settings, living labs, or stakeholder interactions are advantageous.
• An integrative personality with a strong motivation for community building in the inter- and transdisciplinary fields 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 required; knowledge of an additional national language and familiarity with the Swiss academic landscape are beneficial.

Workplace

The workplace will be located at ETH Zurich.

We Offer

• ETH Zurich provides a dynamic working environment with excellent conditions and a broad array of continuing education opportunities.
• Enjoy an exciting, diverse, multicultural, and international work atmosphere.
• Flexible working arrangements are available.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment with our core principles, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We are committed to equality of opportunity, valuing diversity, and creating a work environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn more about our commitment to openness and growth. Sustainability is also a fundamental value; we are dedicated to working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Please ensure your application includes the following documents:

• Motivation letter
• CV
• PhD diploma
• Complete publication list
• A one-pager outlining your project management and coordination experience

For additional information about NCCR CLIM+, please visit our website. For inquiries regarding the position, you may contact Prof. Sonia I. Seneviratne at sonia.seneviratne@ethz.ch and Rahel Buri at rahel.buri@env.ethz.ch (but please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered).

The expected starting date is June 1st, 2026, or upon agreement. Selected candidates will be interviewed from late March to mid-April. ETH Zurich is a proud signatory of the DORA Declaration and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse university community. We particularly encourage women to apply in order to enhance the diversity of our workforce.

We would like to clarify that the pre-selection process is conducted by our responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

For recruiting services, the general terms and conditions of ETH Zurich apply.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our outstanding education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct application of new knowledge to societal challenges. Our vibrant community comprises over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, creating an environment that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe and making connections globally, we work collaboratively to develop solutions for the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.