NCCR CLIM+ Executive Director / NCCR CLIM+ Executive Director

Job Opportunity: Executive Director for NCCR CLIM+

NCCR CLIM+ is a newly founded National Centre of Competence in Research focusing on Climate Extremes and Resilience in Swiss Society. The Executive Director at ETH Zurich will work alongside the other NCCR CLIM+ executive director at the University of Bern and under the guidance of the NCCR CLIM+ team of directors, which includes:

• Prof. Sonia I. Seneviratne (ETH Zurich)
• Prof. Karin Ingold (Uni Bern)
• Prof. David N. Bresch (ETH Zurich)
• Prof. Olivia Romppainen-Martius (Uni Bern)

NCCR CLIM+ aims to establish the first fully interdisciplinary, nationwide climate research community in Switzerland, addressing urgent issues related to climate extremes such as heatwaves, floods, heavy rainfalls, droughts, and wildfires. The center will engage with stakeholders from various sectors, including public health, finance, agriculture, and water management.

By integrating expertise from 20 leading Swiss research institutions across multiple disciplines, NCCR CLIM+ will combine fundamental and transformational knowledge. Under the leadership of ETH Zurich and the University of Bern, the newly established Center for Climate Extremes and Resilience in Swiss Society (CERESS) will collaborate with numerous universities and climate centers throughout Switzerland. CERESS will drive nationwide research initiatives, co-design living labs, and create actionable solutions, fostering a transdisciplinary nexus between science, society, practice, and politics.

Position Overview

The two NCCR CLIM+ executive directors will play a pivotal role in the academic and operational management of their respective centers at ETH Zurich and the University of Bern. They will also be instrumental in developing the CERESS Center.

The Executive Director at ETH Zurich will work closely with:

• Prof. Sonia I. Seneviratne, Co-director
• Prof. David N. Bresch, Deputy Co-director

This role will involve leading the NCCR CLIM+ Management Center at ETH Zurich and coordinating logistics and scientific work in collaboration with the University of Bern, with a focus on natural sciences and interdisciplinary topics. Additionally, the Executive Director will help develop and coordinate the open science strategy and data infrastructures across various institutions associated with NCCR CLIM+ and oversee the knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) based on customized storylines.

A key responsibility will be the establishment of CERESS in partnership with the executive director at the University of Bern.

Qualifications

• A PhD in climate sciences, natural sciences, statistics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in coordination and management within interdisciplinary research.
• Leadership skills and experience in transdisciplinary research settings, living labs, or stakeholder interactions are advantageous.
• An integrative personality with a strong motivation for inter- and transdisciplinary community building in climate extremes and society.
• Proficiency in English and at least one of the national languages; knowledge of an additional national language and familiarity with the Swiss academic landscape are preferred.

Working Environment

ETH Zurich is a dynamic employer offering excellent working conditions and a wide range of continuing education opportunities. Candidates can look forward to an exciting, diverse, multicultural, and international work environment with flexible working conditions.

Application Process

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Further Information

For more information about NCCR CLIM+, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position can be directed to:

• Prof. Sonia I. Seneviratne: sonia.seneviratne@ethz.ch
• Rahel Buri: rahel.buri@env.ethz.ch

The expected starting date is June 1, 2026, or as agreed upon. The working location will be at ETH Zurich. Interviews for selected candidates are expected to take place from late March to mid-April.

ETH Zurich is committed to an inclusive and diverse university community. We value the diversity of our teams and particularly encourage women to apply.

Please note that the pre-selection process is conducted by our responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.