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 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 objective is to support the integration of refugees into the Swiss labor market while addressing the broader labor shortage in Switzerland. Currently, we are evaluating the platform's effectiveness through a randomized controlled trial and are in the process of establishing 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 who is eager to contribute to an impact-oriented initiative that supports refugees in their job search in Switzerland. As part of our dynamic and international team of researchers and web developers, you will help further develop the platform and assist in implementing new features.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Project and logistical support: Maintain oversight of timelines and deliverables; track tasks; support coordination efforts; and assist with platform rollout logistics.
• Administrative support: Contribute to financial reporting, fundraising activities, and other operational processes.
• Content creation and review: Draft, edit, and/or 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; offer assistance during peak rollout periods; review and enhance public user profiles.

This position can be based at either the Immigration Policy Lab at ETH Zurich or the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Lausanne. In both cases, you will work closely with the entire team. Initially, the role is limited to one year due to third-party funding, though there is a strong possibility for extension based on performance and project needs. As we work toward establishing an independent non-profit organization, there are prospects for a longer-term role. While permanent employment cannot be guaranteed at this stage, we are committed to developing 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 in relevant fields combined with strong professional experience.
• Previous relevant work experience or internships involving teamwork and project management.
• Excellent command of German and ideally also English; capable of writing clear, engaging, and targeted content for a broad audience. Additional language skills are a plus (particularly Italian, French, Arabic, Farsi, Tigrinya, Turkish, or Ukrainian).
• Strong organisational 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 workplace culture promotes inclusivity and diversity, where all staff and students are respected and valued.

We Offer

• Opportunity to work on an impact-oriented and research-driven project to support the integration of refugees in the Swiss labor market.
• A highly collaborative work environment within a motivated and supportive team.
• Salary and pension benefits according to ETH and 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 that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Applications only 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 Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society, ETH Zurich is home to over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, fostering an environment that inspires independent thinking and excellence.