Research Associate - Health Ethics & Policy Lab
50%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term
Are you passionate about the ethical and policy challenges emerging from digital health, AI, and cutting-edge biomedicine? Do you thrive in an interdisciplinary environment where philosophy intersects with data science, public health, medicine, and law?
At the Health Ethics & Policy Lab, you will join a dedicated team focused on shaping responsible innovation in rapidly evolving areas of biomedicine. Based at one of the world’s leading universities, you will contribute to research that informs policy, promotes academic discussion, and engages the public.
Project Background
We seek early-career researchers, recent PhD graduates, advanced master's graduates with research experience, and professionals with 1-5 years of expertise in bioethics, science, and technology governance, or related fields.
Job Description
In this role, you will take on responsibility in a dynamic research environment and contribute to ongoing and new projects. Your key responsibilities include:
- Working closely with interdisciplinary teams comprised of senior faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and trainees, contributing your expertise and taking initiative in joint projects.
- Supporting empirical research using methods such as surveys, qualitative interviews, focus groups, or computational social science approaches.
- Driving innovative research and policy projects on the ethics and governance of digital health, artificial intelligence, precision medicine, and biomedical innovation.
- Contributing to teaching-related activities, including course preparation and seminar support.
- Participating in and organizing lab events such as retreats, seminar series, and public engagement activities.
- Communicating research results clearly, professionally, and with academic rigor in both written and verbal formats.
Profile
You are a motivated and inquisitive researcher who thrives in collaborative and interdisciplinary settings. You bring:
- A completed doctoral degree (preferred) or an advanced master's degree with relevant research experience.
- Strong research skills and ideally prior publications.
- Experience in at least one empirical approach (survey research, qualitative methods, or computational social science).
- An academic or practical background in one or more of the following: health policy, bioethics, biomedicine, biomedical research, clinical research ethics, science and technology governance, biomedical innovation, public health, or health law.
- Excellent written and spoken English (the working language of the lab).
- Preferably, very good German and/or French language skills to support project needs.
- A collaborative mindset, strong critical thinking, and the ability to work independently.
- A clear interest in the ethical and policy dimensions of emerging biotechnologies.
- Residence in Switzerland is preferred.
The position is offered on an annual renewable contract for up to 6 years.
Workplace
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities and consistently ranks among the global top ten. It provides students with an ideal environment for independent thinking and offers researchers a vibrant, high-performance academic culture. Located in the heart of Europe and connected to institutions worldwide, ETH Zurich drives innovative solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges. You can look forward to a meaningful and impactful role.
We Offer
- A meaningful career: ETH Zurich supports your professional development and enables you to contribute to responsible innovation and societal well-being.
- A commitment to diversity: We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment.
- Flexibility: We are open to discussing part-time arrangements (with a minimum employment level of 50%) and flexible working schedules, including partial home-office options.
- Attractive employee benefits, including:
- Public transport subsidies and mobility support
- Car-sharing options
- A wide range of sports and training opportunities through ASVZ
- High-quality childcare services
- Attractive pension plans
- A commitment to sustainability: Work at a university dedicated to a climate-neutral and sustainable future.
- A collaborative, international, and intellectually stimulating research environment within the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST).
- The opportunity to contribute actively to high-impact scholarship at the intersection of ethics, technology, and health.
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunities, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us — we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society, our university is home to over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. We are dedicated to developing solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.