Managing Director ETH Swiss GeoLab

With the generous donation of the Jörg G. Bucherer-Foundation, ETH Zurich will establish an interdisciplinary competence centre for Earth observation with global appeal and a physical presence in the Canton of Lucerne over the next ten years. The ETH Swiss GeoLab will use data from space, from the air, and from the ground, as well as AI-assisted analyses methods and high-performance computers to better understand our planet and to address pressing environmental and societal challenges. The heart of ETH Swiss GeoLab will be a technological platform designed to integrate extensive datasets from satellites, drones, meteorological stations, and diverse geospatial and environmental data feeds.

The Managing Director is the chief operating and administrative leader of the newly founded ETH Swiss GeoLab. Working under the strategic direction and reporting directly to the Director (Prof. Thomas Zurbuchen) and Vice-Director (Prof. Verena Griess), the Managing Director also participates in the strategic development of this lab. The Managing Director is tasked with translating the lab’s vision into operational reality, assuring seamless leadership and management of the staff, efficient use of the budget, timely delivery of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship programs. The Managing Director will actively participate in research and lead excellent outreach within ETH Zurich, the Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland, and internationally. The start date is 1. September 2025 or upon agreement.

• Strategy and Governance: Co-lead, together with the ETH Swiss GeoLab Directors, and in close consultation with the Scientific Advisory Board, the formulation and evolution of the GeoLab’s long-term strategic vision and take overall responsibility for converting this vision into a comprehensive, measurable strategic plan.
• Program & Project Management: Orchestrate the implementation phases (foundations & traction, integration & consolidation, scaling & multiplication) including milestone tracking, risk management and phase-gate reviews, as well as establishing consortia with industrial partners.
• Finance & Resources: Manage the centre’s financial and operational resources with high efficiency and alignment with strategic goals.
• Partnerships & Translation: Develop, support and maintain relations with industry, start-ups, federal government offices, the Canton of Lucerne to secure co-funding, access to data, field access for demonstration studies.
• People & Culture: build, lead and grow a high-performing core administration and establish and cultivate a diverse, collaborative and interdisciplinary team and work environment with focus on leadership and management competencies.
• Research and Practice: Lead or co-lead research initiatives in relevant domains and stay deeply engaged with scientific developments and peer communities.

• A PhD in geosciences, natural or engineering sciences, data science, or a discipline pertinent to Earth observation.
• At least 8 years of senior-level experience in program, operations or center management in academia, research infrastructure, or high-tech sector.
• Proven oversight of multi-million budgets and complex, interdisciplinary consortia.
• Good grasp of satellite- and airborne sensing, geospatial data platforms, and AI-enabled analytics, or demonstrable capacity to learn rapidly.
• The relevant, sector specific professional network – academic and industrial, European and North American (ideally worldwide)
• Strategic thinker, decisive executor with interpersonal skills, excellent communicator in English and German (oral and written), adept at stakeholder diplomacy, conflict resolution, and change management; able to build trust, lead with empathy, and inspire interdisciplinary teams; foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance start-up culture within a public-sector framework.
• A visionary mindset, capable of inspiring teams and advancing ETH Swiss Geo Lab’s mission and guiding the Swiss GeoLab through key transitions, including site establishment in Lucerne, growth of staff, and integration of new technology platforms.

• 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
• 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

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents before 28 July 2025:

• A motivation letter
• Your CV
• Job references and diplomas

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 can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Natalie Widmer, Write an email (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.