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Receptionist / Administrative Assistant

Immigration Policy Lab

Immigration Policy Lab

Administration
lugano, switzerland
Posted on Mar 5, 2026

Receptionist / Administrative Assistant

50%-60%, Lugano, permanent

The Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS) develops and operates a high-performance computing and data research infrastructure that supports world-class science in Switzerland. Its user laboratory is available to domestic and international researchers in academia, industry, and the business sector. The centre is operated by ETH Zurich and has offices at its data centre in Lugano and in Zurich.

Project background

The Corporate Services unit ensures smooth and successful operations for all of CSCS. This includes business administration, communication, events, and IT support, as well as finance, controlling, and procurements. Internally, the unit supports more than 140 employees with international backgrounds who work mainly in the engineering field; externally, the unit interfaces with peers at ETH Zurich as well as visitors, external service providers, and partners.

Our core values
We are looking for candidates who share our guiding principles:

  • Curiosity: You enjoy learning, exploring new ideas, and understanding problems deeply
  • Openness: You listen, collaborate, and are receptive to different perspectives
  • Courage: You take responsibility and tackle challenging or ambiguous problems. You are willing to take initiative and have the difficult conversations that can move a team forward
  • Supportive: You help colleagues and users succeed and contribute to a positive team culture
  • Integrity: You act honestly, ethically, and reliably. and take ownership of your work

CSCS has an open position at our office in Lugano to strengthen the business administration and receptionist team.

Job description

As a receptionist, you will be the first point of contact for service providers and visitors to the centre. Your workspace is in the entry lobby, where you will welcome our staff to the office each day. You will collaborate mainly with your colleagues from Facility Management, internal IT Services, Events and Communications, and the Human Resources team.

In this function, your responsibilities will be:

  • Welcoming and registering guests and redirecting them to their contact persons
  • Answering phone calls, managing the incoming mail and parcels
  • Taking care of the meeting rooms and common spaces such as kitchenettes and the lobby, including during coffee breaks and lunches for internal events
  • Managing office materials and necessary food and beverage supply for the centre
  • Supporting the organisation of local events, including guest registration, catering, preparation, and location set-up (this also includes support of internal celebrations related to jubilee or other festivities)

The above points apply to offices in Lugano but also coordination of managing offices in Zurich with recurring trips there is required.

As an administrative assistant and member of the Business Administration team, you will be responsible for or involved in selected activities related, for example, to financial tasks, billing, scheduling meetings, or personnel management.

Flexibility, a collaborative attitude, and the ability to clearly articulate knowledge to your colleagues are all required to ensure quality reception coverage.

Profile

Expected qualifications:

  • Multiple years of experience in a similar position as a receptionist with specific administrative responsibilities
  • Professional attitude and appearance with a customer service mindset
  • Fluency in spoken and written English, German and Italian
  • Proficiency in the utilisation of office automation tools (MS Office) and readiness to be introduced into CSCS-specific diverse software tools
  • Excellent organisational skills with the ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise

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
  • You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits
  • You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits
  • We value the diversity of our team and, to further enhance the diversity of our workforce
Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

Please include the following documents in pdf format with your application:

  • Motivation letter
  • CV
  • Relevant certificates and diplomas

We look forward to receiving your online application, including a letter of motivation, CV, diplomas, and employment certificates. Please address your application to Mrs Stephanie Frequente, CSCS Human Resources, Via Trevano 131, 6900 Lugano.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about CSCS can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Colin McMurtrie, colin.mcmurtrie@cscs.ch (no applications).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.