Senior Scientific Assistant

The Chair of Circular Engineering for Architecture (CEA) is seeking a highly motivated and qualified senior scientific assistant in the field of digital technologies for circular economy in the construction sector. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team working on innovative approaches to enhance circular construction practices. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead innovation projects for the development of tools and strategies that promote circular management of building components and projects, enabling a more sustainable and regenerative built environment.

The SWIRCULAR project advances circular construction in Switzerland by integrating data, processes, and tools to establish new circular flows in practice. It coordinates efforts across various research groups from different Swiss research institutions and more than 20 companies, bringing together expertise in engineering, law, architecture, and manufacturing to address technical, legal, and business challenges.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Manage and coordinate complex projects and large consortia
• Oversee collaboration across a large network, including research groups from different institutions and implementation partners (industry, NGOs etc.)
• Organize and moderate meetings, gatherings, and steering committee sessions
• Manage budget and financial planning
• Supervise a team of researchers, including onboarding and task allocation
• Lead communication efforts, including website updates, newsletters, and social media
• Represent the project and the Chair at events, including presentation engagements
• Coordinate grant applications and liaison with funding agencies
• Engage with industry partners and support new partnerships
• Participate in recruitment efforts as needed

To be considered for this position, you should meet the following qualifications:

• MSc or PhD in civil engineering, architecture, or a related field
• Several years of experience in industry (architecture, civil engineering, sustainable construction) as a project manager and/or in research
• Strong project management skills, including coordinating large teams and complex projects
• Experience with budgeting, planning, and securing funding from industry and grants
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for internal and external stakeholders
• Fluency in spoken and written English; German and/or French are a plus
• Strong presentation skills and experience in grant and publication writing
• Ability to engage with industry partners and facilitate research-to-innovation transfer
• Pragmatic approach to stakeholder engagement and high-impact project development
• Proactive, results-oriented, professional, well-organized, and creative team player

Joining our research team offers a stimulating and collaborative environment, with a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth and interaction with international experts in the field of circular construction. The position is full-time (100%) and is offered on a fixed-term basis. The initial contract duration is 1 year, with a possibility of extension based performance evaluation.