Position: Technical Director at the Environmental Chemical Analysis Facility (ECAF)
The Department of Environmental Systems Science (D-USYS) at ETH Zurich is seeking a motivated and experienced Technical Director to lead the operation of the newly established Environmental Chemical Analysis Facility (ECAF). As the senior technical manager of ECAF, you will ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the facility’s instruments and user services, supporting both research and training initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity to merge operational leadership with scientific collaboration within a diverse user community.
About ECAF
ECAF is a state-of-the-art user facility dedicated to chemical analysis instrumentation, facilitating research and teaching across D-USYS as well as other ETH Zurich and ETH Domain units. The facility encompasses a variety of mass spectrometry (MS) instruments (HR-MS, ICP-MS), standalone chromatography systems (GC, LC, IC), and other advanced instruments for elemental analyses and stable isotope measurements. ECAF is committed to being a robust, user-centered platform characterized by standardized workflows, a strong safety culture, and high-quality training to support essential chemical analyses for environmental research.
Primary Responsibilities
- Facility Launch: As the inaugural Technical Director, you will play a crucial role in shaping ECAF into a modern, efficient chemical analysis facility. Your vision will guide the development of policies, procedures, user culture, and strategic objectives.
- Facility Operations: Oversee daily activities to ensure all instruments and user facilities are operational and accessible.
- Scientific and Research Support: Assist users in developing and optimizing analytical protocols for complex analytes and matrices, including sample preparation workflows and QA/QC concepts. Provide consultation on experimental design and help translate research needs into effective analytical workflows, while contributing as a scientific and technical partner on relevant research projects.
- Supervision: Collaborate with the ECAF faculty Director to oversee and coordinate the technical staff and student assistants.
- Maintenance and Service Coordination: Plan and coordinate preventive maintenance, servicing, repairs, vendor support, and service contracts for all facility instruments.
- User Access and Training Framework: Develop and maintain workflows for user registration, onboarding, authorization, training documentation, and operational oversight.
- Resource and Cost Oversight: Maintain inventory and operational documentation, manage internal billing processes, and contribute to annual fee setting and budget planning.
- Governance and Stakeholder Coordination: Participate as a member of the ECAF Directorate, contributing to operational planning, policy implementation, and continuous improvement of facility processes.
Qualifications
- Education: Advanced degree (PhD) in analytical chemistry, environmental sciences, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Technical Expertise: Proven experience with modern analytical instrumentation and laboratory workflows (e.g., LC-MS, GC, ICP, IC, elemental analysis, optical spectroscopy, or comparable platforms).
- Operational Leadership: Strong ability to manage complex laboratory infrastructure, coordinate vendors and service providers, and maintain comprehensive documentation systems.
- People and Communication Skills: Excellent service orientation and communication abilities; adept at collaborating with diverse user groups and managing competing priorities.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English is essential; knowledge of German is advantageous.
What We Offer
This position offers a pivotal role in shaping and operating a new departmental research platform, with significant scope to influence the long-term development of ECAF’s analytical capabilities, workflows, and user support model. You will be part of a collaborative environment with a broad scientific user community. Employment conditions, including salary and benefits, are in accordance with ETH Zurich regulations.
To apply, please use the online form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Application Details
We invite you to submit:
- A two-page CV
- A motivational statement detailing your relevant experience with facilities/instruments and leadership responsibilities (maximum one page)
Applications will be screened starting May 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. For further information about the Institute, please visit our website. If you have questions regarding the position, kindly contact Prof. Dr. Kristopher McNeill via email at kris.mcneill@env.ethz.ch (no applications, please).
Please note, we exclusively accept applications submitted using the online application form. Applications submitted via email or postal services will not be reviewed.
The pre-selection process is carried out by responsible recruiters, not by artificial intelligence.
For recruitment services, the General Terms and Conditions of ETH Zurich apply.