Personal Assistant / Personal Assistantess

ETH Zürich - June 5, 2026

NCCR Genesis Overview

The Swiss federal government has approved six new National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs), enhancing strategic research areas in Switzerland. ETH Zurich leads three of these NCCRs, including the NCCR “Genesis,” marking a significant opportunity for education, premier research, and knowledge transfer to both industry and society.

The “Genesis” project focuses on investigating the origin of life as a gradual transition from inanimate matter to living organisms. The centre operates in close cooperation with the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and unites over 100 scientists across the country, bridging various fields such as biology, chemistry, astrophysics, and Earth and planetary sciences.

Position Overview

To strengthen the project team, we are establishing the position of Personal Assistant to the NCCR Director (Professor Queloz), which includes supporting NCCR HR & Equal Opportunity activities.

In this dual role, you will play a crucial part in assisting Professor Didier Queloz while engaging in HR & Equal Opportunity activities as the secretary of the related committee.

Key Responsibilities

Personal Assistant to Professor Queloz (60%):

  • Plan, coordinate, and prioritize the supervisor's calendar, including travel arrangements.
  • Support senior members of the group or assistant professors with ETHZ administrative tasks related to Professor Queloz.
  • Maintain close communication with key personnel managing NCCR Genesis operations at ETH Zürich.
  • Take meeting minutes and monitor the implementation of decisions and tasks.
  • Coordinate internal communications, announcements, and website updates for Professor Queloz's group.
  • Oversee all HR-related processes for the research group, ensuring a smooth onboarding experience for new members. Serve as secretary of the Equal Opportunity Committee for NCCR Genesis.
  • Act as the first point of contact for Queloz’s research group, coordinating with both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Handle administrative tasks, including mail processing and document management, efficiently.
  • Process ad-hoc tasks that arise from daily operations competently.
  • Coordinate the organization of annual science conferences, welcome and networking events, and lunch seminars.

NCCR HR & Equal Opportunity (20-40%):

  • Act as a contact point for questions related to HR policies and equal opportunity within the NCCR.
  • Monitor personnel appointments funded by the NCCR.
  • Ensure compliance with SNSF rules regarding employment eligibility, salary scales, gender equality, and equal opportunity measures.
  • Coordinate career development support for early-career researchers (PhDs, Postdocs), including mentoring and training.

Qualifications

  • Several years of experience in an executive-level assistant role within an academic environment or service industry.
  • Strong organizational skills and a proactive, structured approach to tasks.
  • Professional demeanor, with strong service orientation and the ability to navigate sensitive situations diplomatically.
  • Excellent communication skills, fluent in German, French, and English.
  • Confidence in managing diverse and demanding communications effectively.
  • Proven ability to multi-task under time pressure while setting priorities and developing solutions independently.
  • High flexibility, reliability, accuracy, and discretion in handling confidential information.
  • A team player with a good sense of humor.

Your Impactful Career

Join ETH Zurich, an institution that not only supports your professional growth but also actively contributes to societal progress. You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets, car sharing options, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits. We also offer flexible working conditions in an inspiring, international research environment.

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

Contact Information

For further information about ETH Zurich, please visit our website. For questions regarding the position, contact Mrs. Corinna Marchand, Finance & Administration Manager, at email: cmarchand@ethz.ch (no applications).

We look forward to receiving your application!

Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

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

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