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, work closely 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 for extension to a minimum of five years, starting from 1 July 2025 or upon mutual agreement.

Project Background

The Center for Research on Learning, Understanding and Education (CLUE) is a new initiative collaboratively developed between ETH Zurich and EPFL. CLUE is dedicated to advancing research and practice in learning and education across the lifespan. By investigating the multidimensional nature of learning—cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, physical, and technological—the center addresses evolving challenges and opportunities in education brought about by digitization, artificial intelligence, globalization, and changing societal values. CLUE fosters the cross-pollination of research and practice, creating insights informed by rigorous empirical investigations relevant to practitioners.

Job Description

As the Operational Manager, you will play a pivotal role in establishing and developing CLUE as a dynamic research community, connecting ETH Zurich with educational stakeholders. You will create structures that facilitate effective collaboration between researchers and practitioners, ensuring that CLUE's work contributes to educational change serving the public good. Key responsibilities include:

• Building and Nurturing the CLUE Community
  • Create the 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 seamless integration into the CLUE ecosystem.
  • Build the "third circle" of CLUE participants, including pedagogical universities, other universities, and education administration.
• Establishing 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.
  • Analyze similar initiatives to develop strategies for differentiation and positioning.
• Managing 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.

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 possess strong community-building and networking skills, with the ability to connect diverse stakeholders.
• You have experience identifying funding opportunities and developing strategic partnerships.
• You possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging effectively with researchers, educators, and administrative stakeholders.
• You are a proactive and independent worker able 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, within the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (D-GESS) at ETH Zurich. As the organizational structure of CLUE develops, your position will eventually be situated within CLUE, which will operate independently while collaborating with academic departments across ETH Zurich.

We Offer

• A position with impact: become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive societal change.
• 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.
• Active commitment to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare, 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 nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all our 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 grow and flourish.

Curious? So Are We.

If you are interested in this position, apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society, ETH Zurich is a place where over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find an environment that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections globally, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.