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, in collaboration with the Labor Group at the University of Lausanne, invite applications 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 being 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 eager to contribute to an impact-oriented project that supports refugees in their job search in Switzerland. As part of a dynamic international team of researchers and web developers, you will play a vital role in further developing the platform and implementing new features.

Your main responsibilities encompass a blend of organizational and content creation/management tasks:

• Project and logistical support: Maintain oversight of timelines and deliverables, track tasks, coordinate activities, and assist with platform rollout logistics.
• Administrative support: Contribute to financial reporting, fundraising activities, and various operational processes.
• Content creation and review: Draft, edit, and review platform texts and newsletter campaigns.
• Translation management: Oversee translators and ensure quality outputs.
• User and stakeholder support: Respond to inquiries from users, Swiss authorities, and NGOs, and provide assistance during peak rollout periods, including reviewing and enhancing public user profiles.

The position, by agreement, may be based at either the Immigration Policy Lab at ETH Zurich or the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Lausanne. In either case, you will collaborate closely with the entire team. The position is initially limited to one year due to third-party funding, with strong potential for extension based on performance and project needs. As we work towards establishing an independent non-profit organization, there is an opportunity for a longer-term role. While permanent employment cannot be guaranteed at this stage, we are committed to building a sustainable team and hope to provide continued opportunities for 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 (Lehre) with Berufsmatura, particularly in fields like commercial administration (KV), 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 English; ability 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 (in particular, 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 independently as well as collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in 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 position may be based at either ETH Zurich or the University of Lausanne, fostering a collaborative atmosphere aimed at furthering social impact through research and innovative solutions.

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 in accordance with ETH and UNIL standards.

We Value Diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We are committed to equality of opportunity and value diversity, fostering a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to discover how we create a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please include the following documents:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Academic transcripts
• Contact details for two references

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered. If you have questions about the position, please contact the Executive Director of the Immigration Policy Lab, Dr. Philip Grech, via email at philip.grech@gess.ethz.ch (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 exceptional education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals 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, we forge connections worldwide, collaborating to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.