Operational Manager / Operational Manageress

ETH Zürich - June 18, 2025

Professorship for Social Brain Sciences at D-GESS

We are seeking an Operational Manager to build and coordinate the center's community at ETH Zurich. You will closely collaborate with the CLUE Operational Manager counterpart at EPFL, establish strategic partnerships, and manage communication channels to advance 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 five years, starting from 1 July 2025, or upon mutual agreement.

About CLUE

The Center for Research on Learning, Understanding, and Education (CLUE) is a new interdisciplinary initiative developed jointly between ETH Zurich and EPFL. It is dedicated to advancing research and practice in learning and education across the lifespan. By investigating the multidimensional nature of learning across cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, physical, and technological dimensions, CLUE addresses the evolving challenges and opportunities in education created by digitization, artificial intelligence, globalization, and shifting societal values.

CLUE fosters cross-pollination between research and practice, developing insights and solutions that are informed by rigorous empirical investigation of questions relevant to practitioners.

Key Responsibilities

  • Building and nurturing the CLUE community.
  • Creating the core community of CLUE members across affiliated labs at both ETH Zurich and EPFL, in collaboration with Jessica Dehler Zufferey.
  • 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 the seamless integration into the CLUE ecosystem.
  • Building the "third circle" of CLUE participants, including pedagogical universities and education administrations.
  • 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 analysis of similar initiatives to develop strategies for differentiation and positioning.
  • Managing communication and events.
  • Preparing and maintaining the CLUE website and communication channels.
  • Coordinating communication representatives from both institutions.
  • Organizing CLUE events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
  • Creating local organizational structures at ETH Zurich.

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in education, psychology, social sciences, or a related field with relevance to learning and education.
  • Several years of experience in project or program management, preferably in a research or educational environment.
  • Strong community-building and networking skills, with the ability to connect diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience in identifying funding opportunities and developing strategic partnerships.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effectively engaging with researchers, educators, and administrative stakeholders.
  • Proactive and independent worker with the ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Genuine interest in educational innovation and the mission of bridging research and practice.
  • Fluency in English and German, both written and spoken; knowledge of French is an advantage.

What We Offer

  • A job with impact: Join ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
  • The opportunity to help 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.
  • Commitment to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
  • Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide range of athletic opportunities provided by ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

Workplace

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

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

Please direct your questions regarding the position to Prof. Dr. Emily S. Cross, Co-Director of CLUE at ETH Zurich, at .

Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

Please enter your information in the following form and attach your resume (CV)

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