Project Manager / Project Manageress

Join the World Food System Center at ETH Zurich

The World Food System Center (WFSC) at ETH Zurich is a Competence Center dedicated to advancing research and education in food systems. By integrating expertise from various disciplines, we tackle crucial challenges related to food and nutrition security, environmental and human health, and social well-being. The Center promotes collaboration among academia, industry, and policy to generate impactful solutions at local and global scales. We also offer educational activities such as summer schools, workshops, and outreach formats, aimed at preparing the next generation of food system experts with essential knowledge and skills.

Are you interested in supporting the World Food System Center in promoting research, education, and dialogue on sustainable food systems? We currently have an opening for a Project Manager that encompasses management and development of research initiatives, educational exchange facilitation, and effective communication and representation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate existing research programs, including the Future Food Initiative and Smart Sustainable Farming Program.
• Co-develop new inter- and transdisciplinary research initiatives based on emerging funding opportunities and in collaboration with external partners.
• Co-organize a two-week Summer School and various educational formats (e.g., workshops, outreach events) featuring educational elements.
• Facilitate diverse exchange formats (workshops, educational formats, Peer-to-Peer learning) to foster dialogue at the Science-Practice and Science-Policy interfaces.
• Collaborate with the Communication Manager to create content for communication activities regarding WFSC research and education.
• Represent the Center in discussions to strengthen project-based food system education at ETH and beyond.

Qualifications

We seek a Project Manager with strong facilitation and organizational skills, along with proven experience and interest in food system research. The ideal candidate will possess:

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

Personal Attributes

Successful candidates will be part of a small team and a wider Center network, making social competencies such as flexibility, resilience, adaptability, cultural awareness, and teamwork essential. The role emphasizes building bridges, critical thinking, and problem-solving, with inclusivity and well-being at the heart of our team culture. The diverse tasks require digital literacy, strong planning, project management, analytical thinking, communication, and negotiation skills.

What We Offer

• A varied and impactful role that supports your professional development while contributing to positive societal change.
• A friendly and supportive team, with ample opportunities for collaboration within the team and the broader Center.
• Flexible working conditions and excellent social benefits aligned with ETH Zurich standards.
• An office located centrally in the heart of Zurich.
• Continuing education opportunities and connections with diverse interest groups.
• Various benefits including public transportation passes, car sharing, a range of sports activities offered by ASVZ, childcare, etc.

If you are interested in this position, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

We look forward to receiving your online application by December 20, 2025. For more information about the World Food System Center, please visit our website. For any questions regarding the position, feel free to contact Martijn Sonnevelt at +41 44 633 8687 or msonnevelt@ethz.ch.

Timeline

The first round of interviews is scheduled for January 7 or 9, 2026, followed by the second round on January 14 or 21, 2026.