NCCR CLIM+ Executive Director / NCCR CLIM+ Executive Directress

NCCR CLIM+ Executive Director

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

NCCR CLIM+ is a newly founded National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) addressing pressing questions surrounding Climate Extremes and Resilience in Swiss Society. The ETH Zurich Executive Director will work in collaboration with the co-director at the University of Bern and the supervisory 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 create the first fully interdisciplinary, Switzerland-wide climate research community dedicated to tackling significant issues related to climate extremes, such as heatwaves, floods, heavy rainfall, droughts, wildfires, and other compound events. This initiative will actively engage with stakeholders across various sectors, including public health, finance, agriculture, and water management.

By uniting expertise from 20 leading Swiss research institutions spanning multiple disciplines in natural and social sciences, NCCR CLIM+ will integrate fundamental knowledge with transformational 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 connect with additional universities and climate centers throughout Switzerland. CERESS will support 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 take charge of the academic development and operational management of their respective Management Centers at either ETH Zurich or the University of Bern. Both executive directors are also responsible for building and developing 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.
  • Oversee the NCCR CLIM+ Management Center at ETH Zurich and assist in coordinating logistics and scientific work in partnership with the executive director at the University of Bern.
  • Focus on research and activities in natural sciences and interdisciplinary topics.
  • Help develop and coordinate the open science strategy and data infrastructures across relevant institutions within NCCR CLIM+ and oversee the knowledge and technology transfer based on bespoke storylines.
  • Play a crucial role in establishing the Center for Climate Extremes and Resilience in Swiss Society (CERESS) in tandem with the partner executive director 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 environments is required.
• Strong leadership skills and experience in transdisciplinary research settings, living labs, or stakeholder interactions are desirable.
• We seek an integrative individual with a strong motivation for fostering inter- and transdisciplinary community building in the realm of climate extremes and society.
• The executive director will oversee several roles, including positions in IT and communication.
• Proficiency in English and at least one of the national languages is essential. Knowledge of an additional national language and familiarity with the Swiss academic landscape are advantageous.

Workplace

ETH Zurich offers a dynamic employment environment with excellent working conditions and a broad range of continuing education opportunities. Employees can expect an exciting, diverse, multicultural, and international workplace, along with flexible working arrangements.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a respectful working and learning environment. Sustainability is a core value for us as we work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

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

For further information about NCCR CLIM+, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Prof. Sonia I. Seneviratne at sonia.seneviratne@ethz.ch and Rahel Buri at rahel.buri@env.ethz.ch (no applications).

The expected starting date is June 1st, 2026, or upon agreement. The working place will be at ETH Zurich. Interviews for selected candidates are anticipated to occur from late March to mid-April (March 31st, April 13, or April 16). ETH Zurich has signed the DORA Declaration and is dedicated to an inclusive and diverse university community, and we particularly encourage women to apply.

We would like to emphasize that the pre-selection process is conducted by our recruitment team, not by artificial intelligence.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for its excellent education, pioneering fundamental research, and the effective transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 members from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, we are dedicated to addressing the global challenges of today and tomorrow through collaborative solutions.