Scientific Assistant / Scientific Assistantess

Scientific Assistant in Teaching Spatial Planning

30%-50%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development and the research team - Spatial Development and Urban Policy (SPUR) - led by Prof. Dr. David Kaufmann, invite applications for a Scientific Assistant in Teaching Spatial Planning.

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities, renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and its efforts to translate new knowledge and innovations into practical solutions. The Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development engages in transformative spatial research aimed at achieving sustainable spatial and landscape development.

Job Description

We are seeking a scientific assistant to assist and coordinate teaching activities in the international master's program in Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems. The successful candidate will develop teaching material, coordinate teaching efforts, and actively engage in teaching spatial planning theory and practice. The ideal candidate should be well-versed in the spatial planning landscape in Switzerland and able to draw connections to various contexts while engaging with the interface between spatial planning, urban planning, and urban design.

Profile

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A master's degree (or nearing completion) in spatial planning, urban design, urban planning, or urban studies
• A strong interest in developing and applying pedagogical skills within higher education
• Initial experience in academic teaching and thesis supervision is advantageous
• A willingness to enhance pedagogical skills through ETH teaching courses
• Comprehensive knowledge and a keen interest in the Swiss spatial planning system; familiarity with comparative spatial planning is a plus
• A minimum of one year of practical experience in Swiss spatial planning or urban design
• Excellent command of both written and spoken English and German, as instruction is conducted in both languages
• Skills and interest in visualization and graphical representation
• Familiarity with the ETH Zurich system at D-BAUG or D-ARCH is a bonus

Workplace

This position focuses on teaching and is available at a workload of 30-50% (upon negotiation). Please specify your availability in your application. Initially limited to two years, the position can be extended for up to six years. We are seeking a candidate able to start in summer 2026 (June to August).

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

At ETH Zurich, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and cultivate a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. For more information, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is central to our ethos as we strive for a climate-neutral future.

Interested? Apply Online

We look forward to receiving your online application, which should include:

• Your letter of interest
• Your CV
• Your academic transcripts

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

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is among the world's top universities specializing in science and technology. We are celebrated for our outstanding education, pioneering fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge to society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 nations, our university fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, we cultivate connections across the globe to collaboratively address today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.