Job Opportunity: Technical Director at the Environmental Chemical Analysis Facility (ECAF)
The Department of Environmental Systems Science (D-USYS) at ETH Zurich is seeking a highly skilled Technical Director to lead the operation of the Environmental Chemical Analysis Facility (ECAF), a newly established departmental platform. This pivotal role encompasses operational leadership within a modern analytical facility while fostering scientific collaboration with a diverse user community.
About ECAF
The Environmental Chemical Analysis Facility (ECAF) serves as a dedicated user facility for chemical analysis instrumentation, supporting research and teaching across D-USYS and other units within ETH Zurich and the ETH Domain. The facility is equipped with various mass spectrometry (MS) instruments, including HR-MS and ICP-MS, as well as standalone and MS-coupled chromatography systems (GC, LC, IC), among other advanced analytical tools. ECAF is designed to be a robust, user-focused platform, characterized by standardized workflows, a strong safety culture, and high-quality training essential for critical chemical analyses in environmental research.
Key Responsibilities
- Facility Launch: As the first Technical Director, you will play a crucial role in establishing ECAF as a state-of-the-art, user-oriented chemical analysis facility. Your leadership will help develop its policies, procedures, user culture, and strategic direction.
- Facility Operations: Oversee day-to-day activities at ECAF, ensuring the consistent availability and reliability of instruments and user facilities.
- Scientific and Research Support: Assist users in developing and optimizing analytical protocols for complex analytes and matrices, including guidance in experimental design and workflow translation.
- Supervision: Collaborate with the ECAF faculty Director to oversee and coordinate technical staff and student assistants.
- Maintenance and Service Coordination: Plan and coordinate preventive maintenance, servicing, and vendor support.
- User Access and Training Framework: Develop workflows for user registration, onboarding, authorization, and training oversight.
- Resource and Cost Oversight: Maintain inventory and operational documentation, manage billing processes, and assist in budget planning.
- Governance and Stakeholder Coordination: Participate in the ECAF Directorate, contributing to operational planning and continuous improvement.
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, including LC-MS, GC, ICP, and elemental analysis.
- Operational Leadership: Ability to effectively manage complex laboratory infrastructure and coordinate with vendors and service providers.
- People and Communication Skills: Strong service orientation with the ability to engage effectively with diverse user groups and manage competing priorities.
- Language: Excellent command of English; proficiency in German is an advantage.
What We Offer
This role presents a unique opportunity to influence the long-term development of ECAF’s analytical capabilities, workflows, and user support model within a collaborative environment. Employment conditions, salary, and benefits will be in accordance with ETH Zurich regulations.
We invite interested candidates to apply online using the form below. Please ensure your application includes:
- A two-page CV
- A motivational statement detailing relevant facility/instrument experience and leadership responsibilities (maximum of one page)
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Kristopher McNeill via email at kris.mcneill@env.ethz.ch (no applications via email). Further information about the Institute can be found on our website.