Strategic Communication & Program Development Officer

The National Center of Competence in Research, NCCR Catalysis aims to develop skills, tools, and technologies that facilitate the transition towards sustainable chemicals and fuels production. Jointly led by ETH Zurich and EPFL since 2020, the research program is funded by the  Swiss National Science Foundation  (SNSF) and currently comprises 14 member institutions with over 200 members. The program’s second funding phase (August 2024 through July 2028) is ongoing, and preparations for its final funding phase (August 2028 through July 2032) are beginning.

The NCCR Catalysis Project Office is looking for a Strategic Communication & Program Development Officer (80-100%) to join the team and strengthen our activities as soon as possible. You will work directly with the Project Office and the Management Team.

The Strategic Communication Officer plays a central role in shaping NCCR Catalysis's positioning, both internally and externally. Working at the interface of science, strategy, and communication, you will translate complex research activities into clear, compelling narratives that support decision-making, evaluation, and future funding. You will collaborate closely with the Project Office and Management Team to ensure that communication and reporting actively contribute to the program's long-term direction, visibility, and impact. Your main responsibilities are to:

• Lead strategic communication for key program deliverables. Drive the development of high-impact deliverables, such as the annual report and the Phase III Outline Proposal. Coordinate input across projects, synthesize insights, and articulate a clear, coherent narrative of achievements and future potential
• Ensure smooth communication flows. Coordinate communication across NCCR Catalysis members, governance bodies, and institutional stakeholders. Ensure that information is collected, structured, and communicated to effectively inform decision-making
• Frame funding instruments and initiatives (e.g.,  Turbo Grant , WP6 umbrella project, Boost Fellowship , Young Talents Fellowship , Exit Survey,  Flexibility & Mobility Grants) into clear narratives that highlight impact, identify opportunities, and support program development
• Support positioning and partnerships. Contribute to strengthening international visibility and institutional collaborations
• Work closely with the Communication & Events Officer to ensure consistency in strategic messaging

The successful candidate will be employed on a 1-year contract with the possibility of extension, subject to the program's duration.

• You hold a Dr. Sc. in the chemical sciences or a related field, and have experience in coordination, strategic communication, and scientific or technical writing
• You are proactive and enjoy working with others in a team
• You have strong communication, writing, and organizational skills
• You have an excellent command of English; knowledge of German and/or French is an advantage
• You are self-motivated, curious, and comfortable working across a range of topics
• You are open to learning and using modern digital tools for communication, coordination, and reporting
• You are willing to work within existing communication styles, activities and initiatives, while also helping to further develop them

Does this match your profile? We look forward to hearing from you!

• We offer the opportunity to shape the future direction of a national research program within a dynamic and collaborative environment
• You will work in a multilingual team based at ETH Hönggerberg and benefit from employment conditions and social benefits in line with ETH Zurich standards
• The preferred start date is as early as possible for the selected candidate

We look forward to receiving your online application with your:

• CV
• PhD diploma
• Motivation letter

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

Questions regarding the position should be directed to both Dr. Marie-Francine Lagadec and Dr. Sharon Mitchell (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.