Research Associate / Research Associate

Research Associate - Health Ethics & Policy Lab

50%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Are you passionate about tackling the ethical and policy challenges posed by 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 (https://bioethics.ethz.ch), you will join a dedicated team focused on promoting responsible innovation in rapidly evolving fields of biomedicine. Situated within one of the world's leading universities, you will contribute to research that informs policy, stimulates academic discourse, and engages the public.

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 assume responsibilities in a dynamic research environment and contribute to both ongoing and new projects. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams, including senior faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and trainees, while contributing your expertise and taking the initiative in joint projects.
• Supporting empirical research utilizing methods such as surveys, qualitative interviews, focus groups, or computational social science approaches.
• Driving innovative research and policy projects focused 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 helping organize lab events, including retreats, seminar series, and public engagement activities.
• Communicating research results clearly, professionally, and with academic rigor through written and verbal formats.

Profile

We are looking for a motivated and curious researcher who excels in collaborative and interdisciplinary settings. The ideal candidate will possess:

• A completed doctoral degree (preferred) or an advanced master's degree with relevant research experience.
• Strong research skills, with prior publications being advantageous.
• Experience with at least one empirical approach (survey research, qualitative methods, or computational social science).
• An academic or practical background in at least one 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, strong German and/or French language skills to support project needs.
• A collaborative mindset, strong critical thinking abilities, and the ability to work independently.
• A clear interest in the ethical and policy dimensions of emerging biotechnologies.
• Residence in Switzerland is required.

The position is offered on an annual renewable contract for up to 6 years.

Workplace

Founded in 1855, ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities, consistently ranking among the global top ten. It offers a stimulating environment for independent thinking and a vibrant academic culture for researchers. Located in the heart of Europe and connected to institutions worldwide, ETH Zurich is at the forefront of tackling global challenges.

We Offer

• A meaningful career: ETH Zurich supports your professional development, enabling 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: We are open to discussing part-time arrangements (with a minimum employment level of 50%) and flexible working hours, 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 actively contribute to high-impact scholarship at the intersection of ethics, technology, and health.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity. We nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core principle, as we strive towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

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

For further information about our department, please visit our website. Should you have questions, feel free to reach out to Dr. Alessandro Blasimme at alessandro.blasimme@hest.ethz.ch.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is a preeminent institution specializing in science and technology, celebrated for its high-quality education and groundbreaking fundamental research. With over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, our university is a hub for independent thinking, driving solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.