Project Manager / Project Manageress

Join the World Food System Center (WFSC) at ETH Zurich

The World Food System Center (WFSC) at ETH Zurich is a leading Competence Center dedicated to advancing research and education in food systems. We combine expertise from various disciplines to address critical challenges related to food and nutrition security, environmental and human health, and social wellbeing. Our center not only supports research across the entire food system but also fosters collaboration among academia, industry, and policy, aiming to develop impactful solutions at both local and global scales. Additionally, we offer a variety of educational activities, including a summer school, workshops, and outreach events, designed to equip the next generation of food system experts with the knowledge and skills necessary for transformative change.

Open Position: Project Manager

We invite motivated individuals interested in supporting the WFSC in advancing research, education, and dialogue on sustainable food systems. We currently have an open position that combines management and development of research activities and programs, education and exchange facilitation, as well as communication and representation.

Key Responsibilities

The Project Manager will take on an exciting array of responsibilities, including:

• Managing existing research programs and coordinating future initiatives (e.g., Future Food Initiative, Smart Sustainable Farming Program, Thematic Spotlights).
• Co-developing new interdisciplinary research programs based on emerging funding opportunities and in collaboration with external partners.
• Co-developing and co-organizing our 2-week Summer School and other educational formats, such as workshops and outreach events with educational components.
• Facilitating various exchange formats (workshops, events, and peer-to-peer learning) to enhance dialogue at the Science-Practice and Science-Policy interfaces.
• Creating content for communication activities related to WFSC's research and education efforts.
• Representing the Center in discussions aimed at strengthening food system education at ETH and beyond.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a Project Manager who possesses:

• A MSc or PhD in agricultural or food sciences (or related fields closely linked to food system sciences).
• Experience in food system-related activities.
• Strong project management, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Fluency in both English and German.

Additional Skills and Qualities

This role is part of a small team within a broad Center network, making social competencies such as flexibility, resilience, adaptability, cultural awareness, and teamwork essential. Building bridges, critical thinking, and problem-solving are integral to facilitating education and dialogue. We prioritize inclusivity and well-being as core aspects of our team culture, while a wide-ranging and complex array of tasks requires digital literacy, project management prowess, strong analytical thinking, and effective negotiation skills.

What We Offer

• A varied, diverse, and impactful role that supports your professional development and contributes positively to society.
• A friendly and supportive team with abundant opportunities to collaborate with team members and specialists beyond the Center.
• Flexible working conditions and excellent social benefits aligned with ETH Zurich standards.
• An office centrally located in the heart of Zurich.
• A wide range of continuing education opportunities and connections with various interest groups.
• Additional benefits, including public transportation passes, car-sharing options, access to sports activities through ASVZ, and childcare services.

The start date will be as soon as possible for the selected candidate.

Application Process

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

For further information about the World Food System Center, please visit our website. For inquiries regarding the position, contact Martijn Sonnevelt at +41 44 633 8687 or msonnevelt@ethz.ch.

We look forward to your application!