Project Associate / Project Associate

Project Associate in Social Impact Project

60%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Public Policy Group, the Immigration Policy Lab, and the Decision Science Laboratory at ETH Zurich, along with the Labor Group at the University of Lausanne, invite talented individuals to apply for a project associate position starting between July 2025 and August 2025.

Project Background

Path2Work is a data-driven, scalable job search platform developed by researchers at ETH Zurich and the University of Lausanne. Our goal is to support the integration of refugees into the Swiss labor market while addressing the broader labor shortage in Switzerland. We are currently evaluating the platform's effectiveness through a randomized controlled trial and are in the process of founding a non-profit start-up to ensure the sustainable impact of Path2Work. The project is developed in close collaboration with key national partners, including the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and a wide network of stakeholders across Switzerland.

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated project team member who is eager to contribute to an impact-oriented project that supports refugees in their job search in Switzerland. As a vital part of our dynamic and international team of researchers and web developers, you will work on further developing the platform and supporting the implementation of new features.

Your main responsibilities will include a mix of organizational and content creation/management tasks:

• Project and Logistical Support: Maintain oversight of timelines and deliverables; track tasks; support coordination; assist with platform rollout logistics.
• Administrative Support: Contribute to financial reporting, fundraising activities, and other operational processes.
• Content Creation and Review: Draft, edit, and review platform texts and newsletter campaigns.
• Translation Management: Oversee translators and ensure quality.
• User and Stakeholder Support: Respond to inquiries from users, Swiss authorities, and NGOs, and offer help during peak rollout periods; review and help improve public user profiles.

The position can be based either at the Immigration Policy Lab at ETH Zurich or at the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Lausanne, with close collaboration with the entire team. The role is initially limited to one year due to third-party funding, with a strong possibility of extension based on performance and project needs. As we work toward establishing an independent non-profit organization, there is potential for a longer-term role. While permanent employment cannot be guaranteed, we are committed to building a sustainable team and hope to offer continued opportunities to strong contributors.

Profile

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration or a Social Science discipline such as Economics, Political Science, or Sociology. We also welcome applicants with a degree from a University of Applied Sciences or a completed apprenticeship with Berufsmatura, particularly in fields like commercial administration, mediamatics, or IT, combined with strong professional experience.
• Previous relevant work experience or internships involving teamwork and project management.
• Excellent command of German and ideally also English; able to write clear, engaging, and well-targeted content for a broad audience, including platform texts and public-facing communication. Additional language skills are a plus (particularly Italian, French, Arabic, Farsi, Tigrinya, Turkish, or Ukrainian).
• Strong organizational skills, reliability, attention to detail, and a high degree of precision.
• Willingness and motivation to thrive in a dynamic, start-up-like environment, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office; additional skills such as Git, data visualization, and data analysis can be beneficial.
• Interest in scientific, evidence-based work, including basic statistical reasoning and survey design.

Workplace

The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative environment aimed at addressing meaningful social challenges.

We Offer

• Opportunity to work on an impact-oriented and research-driven project to support the integration of refugees in the Swiss labor market.
• Highly collaborative work environment within a motivated and supportive team.
• Salary and pension benefits according to ETH standards/UNIL standards.

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 in which 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.

Apply online using the form below.

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered. For questions about the position, please contact the Executive Director of the Immigration Policy Lab, Dr. Philip Grech, by email at Show e-mail.ch">Show e-mail (Subject: Path2Work Project Associate).

About ETH Zurich

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