ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. It is renowned for its excellent education, its cutting-edge fundamental research, and its efforts to put new knowledge and innovations directly into practice.

ETH Zurich | Space with its new director Prof. Thomas Zurbuchen fosters and supports space related activities within ETH Zurich, but also with external partners (such as industry, other academic institutions, and agencies).

ETH Zurich is launching a new M.Sc. program in Space Systems in Fall 2024, which is hosted by the Department of Earth and Planetary Science (D-ERDW) in collaboration with the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (D-ITET), and the Department of Physics (D-PHYS).

For this M.Sc. program, ETH is searching a Course Director.
Starting date: asap.

The Course Director is responsible for aligning the objectives and implementation set forth for the Space Systems M.Sc with the course curriculum being developed and taught by ETH Zurich and its industrial and academic partners.

He/She drives the successful implementation, evolution of the M.Sc. Space Systems curriculum and teaches courses in the program. The course director manages and navigates the collaboration between the rectorate of ETH Zurich, the involved departments, and external partners. He/she works in close collaboration with the study coordination of D-ERDW. 

Tasks:

• Successfully implements ETH’s Space Master’s program and continuously adapts the program’s vision based on educational and professional success of graduated and external evolving factors
• Continuously evaluates and develops the M.Sc. Space Systems curriculum, incl. development of a process to track the success and impact of the Master program, and regular evaluation of the program by students
• Identifies and implements possible collaborations within ETH Zurich and beyond, e.g. with academic institutions for teaching, with industry for student projects
• Participates in the teaching of Core Courses of the M.Sc. Space Systems
• Interfaces with other lecturers to ensure that the learning objectives (in terms of content and skills) across the program are achieved
• Interfaces with teaching experts to ensure modern and effective teaching methods are implemented
• Liaises with Master thesis supervisors within different research groups and partners in industry
• Maintain an industry network in Switzerland and beyond, to understand the evolving needs of space-related companies
• Ensures continuity and quality of the industry advisory board
• Collaborating with the admission committee and study coordination to evaluate MSc student applications for admission to the study programme. 
• Organises the marketing of the M.Sc. Space Systems program at educational, scientific and industry conferences – in Switzerland and beyond

Professional experience

• Doctoral degree in a natural science or engineering discipline
• Several years of experience in space-related research and space projects in academia or comparable experience in space-related industry
• Experience in teaching a scientific or engineering subject on M.Sc. level
• Understanding of the academic landscape and program structure in Switzerland  
• Some management experience in a complex and larger project or program
• Some understanding of comparable educational programs worldwide

Social and methodological competencies

• Good communicator, record of proficient manager and leader
• Record of strong teamwork in diverse teams
• Analytical thinking and fostering innovative approaches
• Very good communication in diverse environments (academia, industry) and across hierarchies
• Demonstrated active interest in education and coaching of students at various levels

Technical knowledge and expertise

• Expert-level knowledge and experience in space-related science or engineering
• Excellent spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of German is an asset

• A vision and aspiration to offer a word-leading educational program in Space Systems
• A dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary work environment at one of the leading technical universities in the world
• A motivated team of people sharing a passion for space and the goal to strengthen and enhance space activities at ETH Zurich

We look forward to receiving your application with:

• A motivation letter
• A short video of yourself explaining your motivation. Upload the video (max. 1.5 minutes) on a platform of your choice (Dropbox, YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, ...) and include the URL link in your 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 ETH Zurich | Space can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Mr. Ueli Lott, HR Partner D-ERDW, email: Write an email (no applications).

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.