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ETH Zurich is establishing the ETH Swiss GeoLab, a new interdisciplinary unit focused on Earth observation and its applications. The GeoLab applies AI-driven analysis methods and high-performance computing to diverse data sets, developing solutions for societal and economic challenges. Located at the D4 Business Village in Root, near Lucerne, the GeoLab operates at the interface of research, technology development and practical application. In its first phase, the GeoLab is concentrating on high-impact application areas where Earth observation, geodata and AI-based analytics can create tangible value for Switzerland. The Natural Hazards Mission initially focuses on mass movements, such as landslides and rockfalls, aiming to improve early detection, monitoring, preparedness and decision support for Swiss practitioners, authorities and infrastructure stakeholders.

Tasks

  • Lead the research and development portfolio, integration and delivery of GeoLab’s Natural Hazards Mission, initially focused on landslides and rockfalls and later expanding to other natural hazards.
  • Define the mission vision, translate user needs into research and product requirements, and ensure GeoLab activities create measurable value for Swiss practice and public decision-making.
  • Engage with key stakeholders and solution-scoping activities, working closely with senior domain-relevant partners, technical teams and experts.
  • Report to the Managing Director of ETH Swiss GeoLab and collaborate with the Natural Hazards Community & Solutions Lead, other mission teams, the Research Program Support team, the Geo-Intelligence team and external partners.
  • Define priorities, milestones and decision points, lead mission delivery, and have authority to prioritize, redirect, pivot or pause activities within the research and development portfolio, mission charter, budget and governance framework.
  • Define an ambitious and coherent research and development portfolio for the Natural Hazards Mission, initially centred on landslides and rockfalls.
  • Translate operational gaps into measurable outcomes that create value for practitioners, authorities and decision-makers.
  • Engage with local, cantonal and federal authorities, infrastructure operators, practitioners, industry and expert communities, in coordination with GeoLab leadership and existing Natural Hazards community activities.
  • Translate operational challenges into research, data, product and technical requirements.
  • Establish measurable mission outcomes, roadmaps, assumptions and success criteria aligned with Swiss natural hazard needs and the overall GeoLab strategy, and track progress against these outcomes.
  • Manage the delegated mission budget, define priorities, milestones, decision points and success criteria, and track finances and successes through regular reporting to GeoLab leadership and stakeholders.
  • Work with the GeoLab’s Intelligence team and external performers to drive pilots, field validation, operational testing and integration into user workflows.
  • Assess evidence and performance, and recommend continuation, redirection, scaling, pausing or termination of activities.
  • Identify and mobilise ETH groups, research institutions, engineering and geology offices, remote-sensing companies, public agencies and implementation partners.
  • Represent ETH Swiss GeoLab in Swiss natural hazard, scientific, policy and industry communities, in coordination with GeoLab leadership and existing Natural Hazards community activities.
  • Communicate mission goals, progress, evidence and lessons learned to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Guide and train students, researchers and external contributors where required and support the transfer of resulting capabilities into operational practice.

Requirements

  • Master’s or PhD degree (preferred) in natural hazards, geosciences, engineering, risk management or related fields.
  • Several years of experience in natural hazard practice, applied research, public administration, consulting, engineering or industry, preferably but not necessarily in Switzerland.
  • Strong expertise and understanding of natural hazards with demonstrated examples of dashboard and tracking tools for others to gain insights in these projects.
  • Proven ability to identify important operational problems and translate them into actionable initiatives.
  • Track record of successful collaborations in diverse teams and demonstrated excitement to apply research to benefit others.
  • Experience in mission, programme or applied R&D portfolio design.
  • Strong project, portfolio and budget management skills with demonstrated examples of transparent reporting, dashboard and tracking tools.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills across diverse public authorities, academia, industry and expert communities.
  • Ability to work across disciplinary and organisational boundaries and to lead through influence.
  • Strong judgement skills under uncertainty and willingness to challenge established approaches constructively.
  • Excellent communication and listening skills, and great presentation skills in various modalities.
  • Excellent written and spoken English and German; French is an asset.
  • Mission-driven, entrepreneurial, a strong learner and comfortable working in a newly established and evolving organisation.
  • Track record of successful team participation and leadership and excitement for hard and impactful work.
  • Combination of scientific credibility with pragmatic decision-making, economic awareness and a clear focus on adoption, operational relevance and measurable value.

Benefits

  • A rare opportunity to help build ETH Swiss GeoLab from its early phase and shape a new national initiative for Earth observation.
  • A mission-driven role with high visibility and strong societal relevance.
  • The opportunity to develop solutions for pressing natural hazard challenges in Switzerland, with broad international impact through transferable methods and lessons learned.
  • A workplace in Root/Lucerne, embedded in an active innovation ecosystem and closely connected to ETH Zurich.
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Über uns
Die ETH Zürich ist eine technisch-naturwissenschaftliche Hochschule des Bundes mit Sitz in Zürich. Wir betreiben Lehre, Forschung und Wissenstransfer in Bereichen wie Ingenieurwissenschaften, Naturwissenschaften, Architektur, Mathematik, Informatik, Management sowie Sozial- und Geisteswissenschaften. Unsere Ausbildung umfasst Bachelor-, Master-, Doktorats- und Weiterbildungsangebote und ist eng mit internationaler Spitzenforschung verbunden. Als Teil des ETH-Bereichs entwickeln wir wissenschaftliche Grundlagen, Technologien und Lösungen für Gesellschaft, Wirtschaft und globale Herausforderungen.
Das Team

The ETH Swiss GeoLab is led by Prof. Dr Verena Griess and Prof. Dr Thomas Zurbuchen, with Dr Felix Seidel as Managing Director. The GeoLab will grow into a project-based hub of around 100 experts and works closely with other ETH units and external partners. You will report to the Managing Director and collaborate with the Natural Hazards Community & Solutions Lead, other mission teams, the Research Program Support team, the Geo-Intelligence team and external partners.

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