Research Associate - Health Ethics & Policy Lab
50%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term
Are you passionate about the ethical and policy challenges arising from digital health, AI, and innovative 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 the rapidly evolving fields of biomedicine. Based at one of the world's leading universities, your contributions will help inform policy, advance academic discourse, and engage the public effectively.
Project Background
We are seeking early-career researchers, recent PhD graduates, advanced master's graduates with research experience, and professionals with 1-5 years of experience in bioethics, science and technology governance, or related fields.
Job Description
In this role, you will take on responsibilities within a dynamic research environment and contribute to both ongoing and new projects. You will:
- Work closely with interdisciplinary teams comprising senior faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and trainees, leveraging your expertise and initiative in collaborative projects.
- Support empirical research utilizing methods such as surveys, qualitative interviews, focus groups, or computational social science approaches.
- Drive innovative research and policy initiatives surrounding the ethics and governance of digital health, artificial intelligence, precision medicine, and biomedical innovation.
- Contribute to teaching-related activities, including course preparation and seminar support.
- Participate in and assist in organizing lab events like retreats, seminar series, and public engagement activities.
- Communicate research findings clearly and professionally, maintaining academic rigor in both written and verbal formats.
Profile
We are looking for a motivated and curious researcher who thrives in collaborative, interdisciplinary settings. You should possess:
- A completed doctoral degree (preferred) or an advanced master's degree with relevant research experience.
- Strong research skills with ideally prior publications.
- Experience in at least one empirical approach (survey research, qualitative methods, or computational social science).
- Academic or practical background in at least one of the following: health policy, bioethics, biomedicine, biomedical research, clinical research ethics, science and technology governance, public health, or health law.
- Excellent written and spoken English (working language of the lab).
- Preferably, very good German and/or French language skills to meet project needs.
- A collaborative mindset, strong critical thinking skills, and the ability to work independently.
- A clear interest in the ethical and policy dimensions of emerging biotechnologies.
- Applicants should already reside in Switzerland.
The position is offered with an annual renewable contract for up to 6 years.
Workplace
At ETH Zurich, you will immerse yourself in a vibrant, high-performance academic culture that supports independent thought and innovation.
We Offer
Founded in 1855, ETH Zurich is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities, providing an ideal environment for learning and research. Our offerings include:
- A meaningful career that supports your professional development, allowing 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 a diverse, inclusive, and supportive research environment.
- Flexibility in work arrangements, including part-time options (with a minimum employment level of 50%) and flexible schedules, including partial home office opportunities.
- Attractive employee benefits such as:
- 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 stimulating, collaborative international research environment within the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST).
- The opportunity to actively contribute to impactful scholarship at the intersection of ethics, technology, and health.
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity. We are committed to ensuring a fair and open environment where everyone can grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value, and we continually strive for 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 a preeminent institution specializing in science and technology. Our commitment to excellent education, leading-edge research, and the effective transfer of knowledge to society sets us apart. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, ETH Zurich is a place that inspires independent thinking and excellence. Positioned in the heart of Europe while maintaining global connections, we collaborate to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's global challenges.