Job Opportunity: Senior Research Coordinator / Lab Manager
The International Relations & Data Science Group at ETH Zurich is looking for an experienced Senior Research Coordinator / Lab Manager to play a pivotal role in the coordination, development, and execution of the group’s research activities.
Our team is characterized by its international composition and outlook, featuring members and collaborators from diverse countries and disciplines. We are seeking a candidate with extensive experience in research coordination who can operate autonomously. The Senior Research Coordinator / Lab Manager will enhance the effective functioning, sustainability, and strategic development of our internationally oriented research portfolio, becoming deeply integrated into our cutting-edge research initiatives.
Research Project & Grant Coordination
- Take charge of coordinating externally funded research projects (e.g., SNSF, ERC) in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator(s), managing timelines, deliverables, and coordination processes across international research teams.
- Support the strategic development, preparation, and submission of grant applications while coordinating inputs, timelines, and partner contributions from various institutions and countries; contribute to proposal development where appropriate.
- Oversee scientific and financial reporting requirements for funded projects in collaboration with ETH central administration and international project partners.
- Assist with contract-related processes (e.g., research agreements, collaboration agreements) and serve as a liaison with ETH grants, legal, and research offices, as well as external partner institutions.
Group & External Research Coordination
- Coordinate research activities, milestones, and workflows across multiple projects and group members in a diverse, international research environment.
- Act as a central coordination point between the group and collaborating research 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 communication across institutions, disciplines, cultures, and time zones, ensuring smooth collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
Research Support (Depending on Profile and Interest)
- Depending on experience and interest, contribute to substantive research-related tasks, such as conducting background research, literature reviews, drafting or revising sections of grant proposals, and supporting international academic publications.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in international relations, political science, economics, data science, or a related field.
- Several years of relevant professional experience coordinating projects in a research environment or international organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership of coordination processes, and manage complex research support tasks across multiple stakeholders and institutions.
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively interacting with academics, researchers, and international partners.
- Excellent written and spoken English (German is an asset).
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.
- Prior involvement in research activities (e.g., proposal development, publications) in addition to coordinating and project management roles.
- Experience working in interdisciplinary and internationally diverse research teams.
- A proactive, solution-oriented working style and interest in contributing to the long-term development of an internationally connected research group.
Benefits
We offer numerous benefits and flexible, family-friendly working conditions. Join ETH Zurich, an institution that not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive societal change. We are committed to sustainability and climate neutrality, as well as to fostering equal opportunities and diversity in our workforce.
We invite you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. The deadline for applications is 28 February 2026.
Workplace Information
The position is based at ETH Zurich, with close collaboration across departments and partner institutions worldwide. The ideal start date is in the first half of 2026, or by mutual agreement.
For more information about the Professorship for International Relations and Data Science, please visit our website. For inquiries regarding the position, reach out to Professor Dr. Livia Schubiger at livia.schubiger@gess.ethz.ch (note: no recommendation letters or applications should be sent to this email).