Executive Director of the Quantum Center

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

With more than 30 member groups from six departments, the PSI and Empa, and several hundreds of researchers the Quantum Center at ETH Zurich is one of the largest university centers for quantum science and technology in Switzerland. The Quantum Center coordinates the scientific, educational, and structural activities at ETH Zurich in this field and serves as an ETH-Zurich-​wide contact point for institutional, national, or international programs, including collaborations with industrial partners and funding through Swiss and international grant agencies as well as donations.

Project background

The Quantum Center at ETH Zurich is seeking to hire an Executive Director who will lead the center and its Executive Office, execute ongoing programs, initiate new ones, and strengthen the Center’s positioning nationally and internationally. The appointment is expected for an 80 – 100 % full-time equivalent.

Job description

As the Executive Director, you will oversee and contribute to the programs and events run by the Quantum Center. You will work closely with the members of the Executive Office as well as the members of the Steering Committee , including the Director of the Center, Prof. Andreas Wallraff. You will interact directly with stakeholders at ETH Zurich, such as board members of ETH Zurich and its central units, as well as Swiss and international governmental and private institutions. Activities of the Quantum Center include its student, postdoc and faculty fellowship programs, its corporate partnership program, and its Quantum Engineering Unit. The Quantum Center interacts with educational programs such as the Quantum Engineering Master and its student organizations. The event portfolio of the Quantum Center includes seminar and workshop series and colloquia, networking events and conferences organized by the Quantum Center, also in collaboration with other centers and partners.

You will be responsible for and contribute to:

• Operation and management of the Quantum Center and its Executive Office.
• Communication with the Steering Committee and the members of the Quantum Center.
• Representation of the Quantum Center and outreach regarding its activities.
• Cooperation with centers at ETH Zurich and its Swiss and international partners.
• Implementation of grant programs for research and research equipment.
• Contacts with internal and external academic parties.
• Management and development of the Quantum Center Corporate Partnership Program.

Your profile

• Excellent multi-stakeholder project management skills, including the ability to drive and manage different workflows and effectively prioritize your time based on needs, goals and opportunities.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent English language skills, both written and verbal. Proficiency in the German language facilitates interactions with German-speaking partners.
• Prior experience in a similar role with demonstrated success is an asset.
• Master’s degree or PhD in quantum science and technology or a related field.
• Experience and/or interest in concepts and/or implementations of quantum science and technology.

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

• A stimulating, interdisciplinary environment in a world-class research center.
• An experienced team at the Executive Office of the Quantum Center.
• Opportunities to interact with leading researchers and shape the Swiss landscape in the field of quantum science and technology.
• Networking with corporate partners in Switzerland, Europe and worldwide.
• Funding for the position is secured for three years and is expected to be extended. The initial fixed-term contract duration will be 1 year.

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We value diversity

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our values

, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our

Equal Opportunities and Diversity website

to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

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

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• References (Arbeitszeugnisse) and/or reference letters. The latter may be sent directly by the referee to [email protected].
• 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 the Quantum Center can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Francesca Bay, phone +41 44 633 70 37, email [email protected] (no applications).

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.