Research Associate / Research Associate

Research Associate - Health Ethics & Policy Lab

50%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Are you excited about the ethical and policy challenges emerging from digital health, AI, and cutting-edge biomedicine? Do you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment where philosophy meets data science, public health, medicine, and law?

At the Health Ethics & Policy Lab (https://bioethics.ethz.ch), you will join a team committed to shaping responsible innovation in rapidly evolving areas of biomedicine. Based in one of the world's leading universities, you will contribute to research that informs policy, advances academic debate, 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 take on responsibility in a dynamic research environment and contribute to ongoing and new projects. You will:

• Work closely with interdisciplinary teams across senior faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and trainees, contributing your expertise and taking initiative in joint projects.
• Support empirical research using methods such as surveys, qualitative interviews, focus groups, or computational social science approaches.
• Drive innovative research and policy projects on 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 help organize lab events such as retreats, seminar series, and public engagement activities.
• Communicate research results clearly, professionally, and with academic rigor in written and verbal formats.

Profile

You are a motivated and curious 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).
• 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 (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.
• Residents in Switzerland are preferred.

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 and consistently ranks among the global top ten. It offers students an ideal environment for independent thinking and provides researchers with 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. At ETH Zurich, 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. ETH Zurich is committed to 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 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

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out 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.

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

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe and forging connections worldwide, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.