Job Opportunity: Senior Research Coordinator / Lab Manager
The International Relations & Data Science Group at ETH Zurich is looking for a highly skilled Senior Research Coordinator / Lab Manager to play a pivotal role in the coordination, development, and execution of our research activities. Our group boasts a diverse team, comprised of members and collaborators from various countries and disciplines. We seek a candidate with substantial experience in research coordination who can work independently, ensuring the effective functioning, sustainability, and strategic growth of our internationally oriented research portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Research Project & Grant Coordination
- Coordinate externally funded research projects (e.g. SNSF, ERC) in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator(s), managing timelines, deliverables, and 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 and countries.
- Oversee scientific and financial reporting requirements for funded projects, working closely with ETH's central administration and international partners.
- Assist in contract-related processes (e.g. research agreements, collaboration agreements) and liaise with ETH grants, legal, and research offices, along with external partner institutions.
Group & External Research Coordination
- Coordinate research activities, milestones, and workflows across multiple projects in a diverse, international research environment.
- Act as a central point of coordination between our group and collaborating teams at ETH Zurich and partner institutions worldwide.
- Support fieldwork and project logistics as needed.
- Help manage team members and maintain effective internal research processes, documentation, and knowledge sharing.
- Facilitate effective communication across institutions, disciplines, cultures, and time zones, ensuring smooth collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
Research Support (Depending on Profile and Interest)
- Contribute to substantive research-related tasks, such as background research, literature reviews, draft sections of grant proposals, and assist in academic publications with an international focus.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in international relations, political science, economics, data science, or related fields.
- Several years of relevant professional experience coordinating projects in a research environment and/or international organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to operate independently, manage complex research support tasks, and take ownership of coordination processes across multiple stakeholders and institutions.
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, able to interact effectively with academics, researchers, and international partners.
- Excellent written and spoken English (German is a plus).
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with national and international funding schemes (e.g. SNSF, ERC).
- Familiarity with research contracts, consortium agreements, and collaboration agreements in international academic settings.
- Previous experience contributing to research activities (e.g. proposal development, publications) alongside coordination and project management.
- Experience working within interdisciplinary and internationally diverse research teams.
- A proactive, solution-oriented approach and an interest in contributing to the long-term development of an internationally connected research group.
What We Offer
Join ETH Zurich and experience a career with impact. We not only support your professional development but also actively contribute to positive societal change. Our commitment to a sustainable and climate-neutral university reflects our belief in equal opportunities and diversity, ensuring fair employment conditions for all.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to apply online using the form below by 28 February 2026. Please include the following documents in PDF format:
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Copy of certificates/diplomas
- 2 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, with close interaction across departments and partner institutions worldwide.
Additional Information
For further information about the Professorship for International Relations and Data Science, please visit our website. For questions regarding the position, contact Professor Dr. Livia Schubiger at livia.schubiger@gess.ethz.ch (please do not send recommendation letters or applications here).
Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.