Operational Manager / Operational Manageress

Operational Manager - Center for Research on Learning, Understanding & Education (CLUE)

60%-90%, Zurich, fixed-term

We are seeking an Operational Manager to build and coordinate the center's community at ETH Zurich. This role will involve close collaboration with the CLUE Operational Manager counterpart at EPFL, establishing strategic partnerships, and managing communication channels to further CLUE’s mission of bridging research insights with real-world educational contexts.

The position is initially limited to one year (with the potential to be extended to a minimum of 5 years), beginning on July 1, 2025, or upon mutual agreement.

Project Background

The Center for Research on Learning, Understanding and Education (CLUE) is a new interdisciplinary initiative developed jointly by ETH Zurich and EPFL. This center is dedicated to advancing research and practice in learning and education across the lifespan. By investigating the multifaceted nature of learning—including cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, physical, and technological dimensions—CLUE addresses the evolving challenges and opportunities posed by digitization, artificial intelligence, globalization, and shifting societal values. The center fosters a cooperative environment where research and practice intersect, generating insights and solutions that are informed by rigorous empirical investigations pertinent to practitioners.

Job Description

As the Operational Manager, you will play a crucial role in establishing and developing CLUE as a vibrant research community connecting ETH Zurich with various educational stakeholders. You will create structures that facilitate effective collaboration between researchers and practitioners, ensuring that CLUE’s efforts directly contribute to educational improvements benefiting the public. Key responsibilities include:

• Building and Nurturing the CLUE Community
  • Creating the core community of CLUE members across affiliated labs at ETH Zurich and EPFL, in collaboration with Jessica Dehler Zufferey, the EPFL Operational Manager for CLUE.
  • Developing formats for regular communication, collaboration, and networking among research groups.
  • Establishing mechanisms to gather input, needs, and feedback from community members.
  • Managing the ETH Zurich side of the Joint Doctoral Program on Learning Sciences (JDPLS) and ensuring its seamless integration into the CLUE ecosystem.
  • Building partnerships with pedagogical universities, other universities, and education administration.
• Establishing Strategic Partnerships and External Relations
  • Liaising with related service units at ETH Zurich and EPFL to strengthen connections between research and educational practice.
  • Developing partnerships with schools and educational institutions.
  • Identifying and pursuing funding opportunities and mandates.
  • Conducting analyses of similar initiatives to develop strategies for differentiation and positioning.
• Managing Communication and Events
  • Preparing and maintaining the CLUE website and various communication channels.
  • Coordinating communication representatives from both institutions.
  • Organizing CLUE events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
  • Creating local organizational structures at ETH Zurich.

Profile

• You hold an advanced degree, ideally in education, psychology, social sciences, or a related field relevant to learning and education.
• You have several years of experience in project or program management, preferably in a research or educational environment.
• You demonstrate strong community-building and networking skills, with the ability to connect diverse stakeholders.
• You have experience in identifying funding opportunities and developing strategic partnerships.
• You possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effectively engaging with researchers, educators, and administrative stakeholders.
• You are a proactive and independent worker with the ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
• You show a genuine interest in educational innovation and the mission of bridging research and practice.
• You are fluent in English and German, both written and spoken; knowledge of French is an advantage.

Workplace

Your position will initially be situated within the Professorship for Social Brain Sciences, led by Prof. Dr. Emily S. Cross, in the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (D-GESS) at ETH Zurich. However, as CLUE’s organizational structure develops, your position will eventually operate independently within the CLUE framework, collaborating across various academic departments at ETH Zurich.

We Offer

• Your role will have a lasting impact: Join ETH Zurich, which supports your professional development while actively contributing to positive societal change.
• The opportunity to shape an innovative research center from its inception.
• A dynamic and interdisciplinary work environment connecting research and educational practice.
• Flexible working arrangements and a collaborative team culture.
• Our commitment to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide array of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare options, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and cultivate a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please include the following documents:

• CV
• Motivation Letter
• Work references and diplomas

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Contact

For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Emily S. Cross, Co-Director of CLUE at ETH Zurich, via email at Show e-mail.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for our exceptional education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of knowledge into society, over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries choose our institution for fostering independent thinking and excellence. Located in the heart of Europe while forging connections globally, we collaborate to develop solutions addressing the global challenges of today and tomorrow.