Job Opportunity: Senior Research Coordinator / Lab Manager
The International Relations & Data Science Group at ETH Zurich is seeking an experienced Senior Research Coordinator / Lab Manager to play a central role in the coordination, development, and execution of the group’s research activities. This dynamic position calls for a candidate with substantial experience in coordinating research and the ability to operate with a high degree of independence.
Our group is characterized by its highly international composition and outlook, featuring team members and collaborators from multiple countries and disciplines. The Senior Research Coordinator / Lab Manager will support the effective functioning, sustainability, and strategic development of the group’s internationally oriented research portfolio while being closely integrated into our cutting-edge research activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Research Project & Grant Coordination:
- Coordinate externally funded research projects (e.g., SNSF, ERC) in collaboration with the Principal Investigator(s), managing timelines, deliverables, and coordination processes across international research teams.
- Support the strategic development, preparation, and submission of grant applications by coordinating inputs, timelines, and partner contributions from multiple institutions.
- Oversee scientific and financial reporting requirements for funded projects in coordination with ETH central administration and international project partners.
- Act as a liaison with ETH grants, legal, and research offices, as well as external partner institutions regarding contract-related processes.
- Group & External Research Coordination:
- Coordinate research activities, milestones, and workflows across diverse projects in an international research environment.
- Serve as a central coordination point between the group and collaborating research teams at ETH Zurich and partner institutions worldwide.
- Support fieldwork and project logistics as required.
- Facilitate effective internal research processes, documentation, and knowledge sharing among team members.
- Ensure smooth collaboration across institutions, disciplines, cultures, and time zones.
- Research Support (Depending on Profile and Interest):
- Contribute to substantive research-related tasks based on experience and interest, such as background research, literature reviews, and supporting academic publications with an international focus.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in international relations, political science, economics, data science, or a related field.
- Several years of relevant professional experience coordinating projects in research environments or international organizations.
- Ability to work independently and manage complex research support tasks across multiple stakeholders and institutions.
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent written and spoken English (German is an asset).
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with national and international funding schemes (e.g., SNSF, ERC).
- Familiarity with research contracts, consortium agreements, and collaboration agreements in international contexts.
- Prior experience contributing to research activities such as proposal development and publications.
- Experience working in interdisciplinary and internationally diverse research teams.
- A proactive, solution-oriented approach and a commitment to the long-term development of an internationally connected research group.
What We Offer
We provide numerous benefits and flexible, family-friendly working conditions. At ETH Zurich, you can make a career with impact, contributing to positive change in society while fostering your professional development.
We are committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university and advocate for Equal Opportunities and Diversity, ensuring fair employment conditions.
To apply online, please use the form below by 28 February 2026. Ensure you include:
- Your CV
- Letter of motivation
- Copy of certificates/diplomas
- Two letters of recommendation, emailed directly to irds-office@ethz.ch
Start Date: Ideally in the first half of 2026, or by mutual agreement.
Workplace: ETH Zurich, facilitating close interaction across departments and partner institutions worldwide.
For further information about the Professorship for International Relations and Data Science, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Professor Dr. Livia Schubiger at livia.schubiger@gess.ethz.ch. Please note, no recommendation letters or applications should be sent to this address.
Please be informed that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
We would like to clarify that the pre-selection process is conducted by the responsible recruiters, not by artificial intelligence.