Head of Innovation & Entrepreneurship

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The ETH AI Center is one of the largest university centers in the world for artificial intelligence with over 114 Professors from all 16 departments of ETH Zurich and over 1500 PhD students & post-docs. Our purpose is to amplify human potential by fostering breakthrough ideas with interdisciplinary AI research and enabling the path from science to society.

We are looking for a Head of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (80-100%) starting May 1st, 2023 with a limited contract for a year. 

Job description

As Head of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, you work closely with senior team members to set the vision and strategy for our industry & entrepreneurial programs. You should be comfortable with keeping up with the rapidly changing landscape of AI technologies and be excited to drive success in a dynamic university & research environment with a hands-on mentality. As a visionary and collaborative leader, you create the momentum to team up with other AI hot spots in Europe and create one of the best environments for AI innovation in the world. This means that your team will play a big role to spark AI transformation in the industry, helping young talents to find impactful AI jobs, and creating a significant number of world-leading AI start-ups.

In this position, you will build up and embody a vision for transforming our society with AI innovation. Furthermore, you will bring together a community of professors, fellows, industry partners, start-ups, and the innovation ecosystem to make an impact. In addition, you will engage and forge synergistic partnerships with leading AI hotspots. Championing a culture of a can-do attitude & growth mindset at the Center and beyond will be another duty in this position. You will establish a smooth path from science to society by unifying the industry & entrepreneurship teams and leveraging synergies. Plan, build, and run operations for driving innovation with industry partners & start-ups and shaping the framework conditions for easier start-up creation and technology transfer is also a part of this job. 

Your profile

• Strong network in the innovation & entrepreneurship ecosystem
• Ability to think outside the box & empathize with stakeholders
• Proven track record of building up new projects hands-on, smoothly running operations and well-executed strategic initiatives
• Proven track record of building a strong team culture and creating a sense of belonging
• 7+ years leadership experience and demonstrated ability to manage budgets, timelines, and resources effectively
• 10+ years of building up organizational structure & processes in a start-up like environment
• MSc/BSc in artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, or similar

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits

chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity

In line with 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 by 17th of March, 2023:

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas and references

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

For more information about the ETH AI Center, please visit our website , or contact Mr Alexander Ilic, by e-mail at alexander.ilic@ai.ethz.ch (no application documents).

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.