Operational Manager / Operational Manageress

Professorship for Social Brain Sciences of D-GESS

We are seeking an Operational Manager to build and coordinate the center's community at ETH Zurich. This role involves collaborating closely with the CLUE Operational Manager counterpart at EPFL, establishing strategic partnerships, and managing communication channels to further CLUE's mission of integrating research insights with real-world educational contexts.

The position is initially limited to one year (with the potential for extension to a minimum of five years), starting from July 1, 2025, or upon mutual agreement.

About CLUE

The Center for Research on Learning, Understanding, and Education (CLUE) is a groundbreaking project being collaboratively developed by ETH Zurich and EPFL. This interdisciplinary initiative is dedicated to advancing research and practice in learning and education across the lifespan. By examining the multidimensional nature of learning—which spans cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, physical, and technological dimensions—CLUE addresses the evolving challenges and opportunities in education presented by digitization, artificial intelligence, globalization, and changing societal values. The center promotes cross-pollination between research and practice, generating insights and solutions that are informed by rigorous empirical investigations relevant to practitioners.

Key Responsibilities

• Building and nurturing the CLUE community.
• Creating a core community of CLUE members across affiliated labs at both ETH Zurich and EPFL in collaboration with the EPFL Operational Manager for CLUE.
• Developing formats for regular communication, collaboration, and networking among research groups.
• Establishing mechanisms to gather input, needs, and feedback from community members.
• Managing the ETH Zurich side of the Joint Doctoral Program on Learning Sciences (JDPLS) and ensuring the seamless integration of JDPLS into the CLUE ecosystem.
• Developing the 'third circle' of CLUE participants, including pedagogical universities, other universities, and education administration.
• Establishing strategic partnerships and maintaining external relations.
• Liaising with related service units at ETH Zurich and EPFL to strengthen connections between research and educational practice.
• Identifying and pursuing funding opportunities and mandates.
• Conducting analyses of similar initiatives to develop strategies for differentiation and positioning.
• Managing communication and events.
• Preparing and maintaining the CLUE website and communication channels.
• Coordinating communication representatives from both institutions.
• Organizing CLUE events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
• Creating local organizational structures at ETH Zurich.

Qualifications

• An advanced degree, ideally in education, psychology, social sciences, or a related field relevant to learning and education.
• Several years of experience in project or program management, preferably within a research or educational environment.
• Strong community-building and networking skills, with the ability to connect diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in identifying funding opportunities and developing strategic partnerships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effectively engaging with researchers, educators, and administrative stakeholders.
• Proactive and independent work ethic, with the ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Genuine interest in educational innovation and the mission of bridging research and practice.
• Fluency in English and German, both written and spoken; knowledge of French is an advantage.

Benefits

Joining ETH Zurich means becoming part of an institution that not only supports your professional development but also contributes actively to positive change in society. You will have the opportunity to help shape an innovative research center from its inception, experience a dynamic and interdisciplinary work environment, and enjoy flexible working arrangements within a collaborative team culture.

We are committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university, and you can expect numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car-sharing options, a wide range of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive pension benefits.

Workplace

Your position will initially be situated within the Professorship for Social Brain Sciences, led by Prof. Dr. Emily S. Cross, in the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (D-GESS) at ETH Zurich. However, as the organizational structure of CLUE develops, your position will eventually transition to CLUE, which will operate independently but collaboratively with academic departments across ETH Zurich.

How to Apply

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Please direct your questions regarding the position to Prof. Dr. Emily S. Cross, Co-Director of CLUE at ETH Zurich, via email at ecross@ethz.ch.