Head: D-PHYS Gas Liquefaction (m/f/d) 80%-100%

Publication date:16 October 2025
Workload:80 – 100%
Place of work:Zurich

About the job

Head: D-PHYS Gas Liquefaction (m/f/d)

80%-100%, Zürich, permanent

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The Department of Physics pursues a diverse research agenda and a broad teaching program. These cover all areas of physics, from the fundamental principles of nature to innovative technologies for society. A large part of the approximately 1,500 bachelor, master, and PhD students, postdocs and professors, apprentices as well as scientific and service staff are involved in experimental research in one way or another.

The D-PHYS Technical Services have the optimal support of the department's research and teaching tasks as their top priority. The Gas Liquefaction of D-PHYS provides liquid helium and liquid nitrogen for cooling purposes for the entire ETH Zurich as well as for the University of Zurich. About 85% of the gaseous helium generated at the consumers is returned to the gas liquefaction center, processed, and re-liquefied.

Due to an upcoming retirement, we are looking for a motivated head for the D-PHYS Gas Liquefaction starting November 1, 2025, or by arrangement.

Job description

Management of the gas liquefaction including personnel management of a team consisting of two technical employees.
Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the helium liquefaction plants as well as the associated infrastructure (gas balloon, high-pressure compressors, purification system, and high-pressure helium storage).
Participation in the production of liquid helium (-269°C) and the provision of liquid nitrogen (-196°C), including the organization of safe transport in vacuum-insulated containers.
Monthly billing of helium consumption as well as monitoring of system losses throughout the entire helium cycle. Procurement of new helium gas to compensate for losses.
Organization of maintenance and periodic inspection of cryogenic transport containers.
Budgeting and reporting to the head of Technical Services.
Contact person for questions regarding the use of liquid helium in the research laboratories.

Profile

Completed vocational training in a technical field, such as agricultural machinery mechanic, polymechanic, physics laboratory technician, automation technician, or similar.
Further training in the commercial field is an advantage.
Professional experience in the technical field, ideally with initial leadership experience.
Confident in the use of MS Office (Excel, Outlook, One Note, Word, and Teams), independent creation of spreadsheets and data evaluations as well as SAP knowledge are advantageous.
Good German skills in spoken and written form, English skills are an advantage.
An independent, structured way of working, quality and safety awareness as well as precision in handling cryogenic liquids and high-tech systems.
Friendly, open-minded, reliable, and flexible with a high degree of responsibility. Enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration and communication within the team, D-PHYS, and across various ETH areas.

Workplace

We offer

Varied activity with a mix of working on the computer and on various technical systems
Diverse internal training opportunities through courses or the Lifelong Learning Hub , as well as support for external training
A great working environment on the Hönggerberg campus with various additional offers such as discounts , e.g. public transport subscriptions and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ , childcare as well as attractive pension benefits .
A flexible annual working time model .
You can expect a friendly, committed, and helpful D-PHYS team.

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Diversity and sustainability are important to us

In line with our values , ETH Zurich supports an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunities, value diversity, and foster a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all employees and students are respected. On our Equal Opportunity and Diversity website , you can learn how we ensure a fair and open environment where everyone can develop and thrive. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

Curriculum vitae
Certificates

Please apply exclusively via the online application portal. Applications by e-mail or postal mail will not be considered.

Further information can be found on our website . For inquiries, please contact René Keller, Head of D-PHYS Gas Liquefaction, Tel. +41 (0)44 633 22 24 or e-mail rene.keller@phys.ethz.ch (no application documents), who will be happy to assist you.

Please note that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

The ETH Zurich terms and conditions for personnel placement services apply for personnel placement.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the best technical and natural science universities in the world. We are known for our excellent teaching, pioneering basic research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge to society. More than 30,000 people from over 120 countries find an environment with us that promotes independent thinking and a climate that inspires top performance. Located in the heart of Europe and globally networked, we develop solutions together for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.