ETH Zurich is seeking an Operational Manager to build and coordinate the center's community. This role requires close collaboration with the CLUE Operational Manager counterpart at EPFL, the establishment of strategic partnerships, and the management of communication channels to advance CLUE's mission of bridging research insights with real-world educational contexts.
The position is initially limited to one year but has the potential to be extended to a minimum of five years starting from July 1, 2025, or upon mutual agreement.
About CLUE
The Center for Research on Learning, Understanding, and Education (CLUE) is a new interdisciplinary initiative jointly developed by ETH Zurich and EPFL. Dedicated to advancing research and practice in learning and education across the lifespan, CLUE investigates the multidimensional nature of learning, addressing evolving challenges created by digitization, artificial intelligence, globalization, and shifting societal values. The center aims to foster cross-pollination between research and practice, developing insights and solutions derived from rigorous empirical investigation relevant to education practitioners.
Key Responsibilities
Build and nurture the CLUE community.
Create a core community of CLUE members across affiliated labs at both ETH Zurich and EPFL in collaboration with Jessica Dehler Zufferey, the EPFL Operational Manager for CLUE.
Develop formats for regular communication, collaboration, and networking among research groups.
Establish mechanisms to gather input, needs, and feedback from community members.
Manage the ETH Zurich side of the Joint Doctoral Program on Learning Sciences (JDPLS) and ensure its seamless integration into the CLUE ecosystem.
Build the "third circle" of CLUE participants, including pedagogical universities, other universities, and education administration.
Establish strategic partnerships and external relations.
Liaise with related service units at ETH Zurich and EPFL to strengthen connections between research and educational practice.
Develop partnerships with schools and educational institutions.
Identify and pursue funding opportunities and mandates.
Conduct analyses of similar initiatives to develop strategies for differentiation and positioning.
Manage communication and events.
Prepare and maintain the CLUE website and communication channels.
Coordinate communication representatives from both institutions.
Organize CLUE events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Create local organizational structures at ETH Zurich.
Qualifications
Advanced degree in education, psychology, social sciences, or a related field relevant 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 engaging effectively 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.
Fluent in English and German, both written and spoken; knowledge of French is an advantage.
What We Offer
The opportunity to be part of ETH Zurich, which supports professional development and actively contributes to positive societal change.
The chance 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, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered 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 be situated within CLUE, which will operate independently from but in collaboration with academic departments across ETH Zurich.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
For any inquiries regarding the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Emily S. Cross, Co-Director of CLUE at ETH Zurich, at .