Senior Research Coordinator / Lab Manager
Immigration Policy Lab
Senior Research Coordinator / Lab Manager
60%-80%, Zurich, fixed-term
The International Relations & Data Science Group at ETH Zurich is seeking an experienced Senior Research Coordinator / Lab Manager to play a central role in the coordination, development, and execution of the group’s research activities.
Project background
The group is highly international in composition and outlook, with team members and collaborators from multiple countries and disciplines. This position is intended for a candidate with substantial experience in coordinating research who can operate with a high degree of independence. The Senior Research Coordinator / Lab Manager will support the effective functioning, sustainability, and strategic development of the group’s internationally oriented research portfolio and will be closely embedded in the group’s cutting-edge research activities.
Job description
Research Project & Grant Coordination
- Take responsibility for coordinating externally funded research projects (e.g. SNSF, ERC) in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator(s), including managing timelines, deliverables, and coordination processes across international research teams
- Support the strategic development, preparation, and submission of grant applications by coordinating inputs, timelines, and partner contributions from multiple institutions and countries; contribute to proposal development where appropriate
- Oversee scientific and financial reporting requirements for funded projects in coordination with ETH central administration and international project partners
- Support contract-related processes (e.g. research agreements, collaboration agreements) and act 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
- Serve 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 coordinate 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 background research, literature reviews, drafting or revising sections of grant proposals, and supporting academic publications with an international focus
Profile
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 and/or in 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, with the ability to interact effectively 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 experience contributing to research activities (e.g. proposal development, publications) in addition to coordination and project management
- Experience working in interdisciplinary and internationally diverse research teams
- A proactive, solution-oriented working style and interest in contributing to the longer-term development of an internationally connected research group
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
- Your job with impact: become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
- We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university
- We believe in Equal Opportunities and Diversity and commit to fair employment conditions
We value diversity and sustainability
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application by 28 February 2026 with the following documents in PDF format:
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Copy of certificates / diplomas
- 2 Letters of recommendation, emailed directly to irds-office@ethz.ch
Start date: Ideally in the first half of 2026, or by mutual agreement.
Workplace: ETH Zurich, with close interaction across departments and partner institutions worldwide.
Further information about Professorship for International Relations and Data Science can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Professor Dr Livia Schubiger: livia.schubiger@gess.ethz.ch (no recommendation letters or applications).
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.