Program Director: Data Science

About the job

Program Director: Data Science

At the School of Engineering (SoE) in Winterthur, we offer an attractive and innovative study program for aspiring engineers. For the academic and organizational leadership of the Data Science program, we are looking for a Program Director: Data Science starting August 1, 2026, or by agreement.

Department: School of Engineering

Start date: August 1 or by agreement (application deadline: February 28, 2026)

• Academic, organizational, and financial management as well as strategic development of the Bachelor’s program in Data Science in collaboration with the institutes and lecturers.
• Active promotion of the program (vocational schools, associations, companies, media).
• Supervision of students in the bachelor’s program and advising prospective students.
• Teaching and research activities in one of the program’s focus areas: machine learning, data engineering, as well as domain-specific data product development.
• Representation of the program internally and externally as well as close cooperation and networking with external stakeholders such as industry, authorities, and universities at home and abroad.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, action-oriented personality with convincing communication skills. You hold a university degree at the master’s level in mathematics, natural sciences, or engineering – ideally with a doctorate – as well as several years of practical experience in which you have successfully applied data science methods. A methodological-didactic additional qualification is desired. Furthermore, you have experience in the university environment as well as in research and development and are motivated to advance the further development of the program. Your pronounced organizational and conceptual skills and your enjoyment of working with young people distinguish you. Good knowledge of the professional fields in the program’s subject areas as well as networking with industry, universities, and associations complete your profile.

The ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, with over 14,000 students and more than 11,000 continuing education participants as well as around 3,700 employees, is one of the largest multi-disciplinary universities of applied sciences in Switzerland.

The School of Engineering (SoE), as one of the leading educational and research institutions in Switzerland, focuses on future-relevant topics. Fourteen institutes and centers guarantee high-quality education, research, and development with a focus on energy, mobility, information, and health.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams to promote equality, diversity, and innovation. To increase the proportion of women in leadership positions, applications from women are particularly welcome.

We offer university-appropriate working and employment conditions and actively promote the personnel development of our employees and leaders. A detailed description of the benefits can be found on the "Working at ZHAW" website. Here are the key points:

Prof. Dr. Silvio Lorenzetti

Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics, Physics, Systems and Operations