Übersicht 

Operational Manager – Center for Research on Learning, Understanding & Instruction (CLUE)

60%-90%, Zurich, fixed-term

Drucken 

We are looking for an Operational Manager to build and coordinate the center's community at ETH Zurich, collaborate closely with their CLUE Operational Manager counterpart at EPFL, establish strategic partnerships, and manage communication channels to advance CLUE's mission of bridging research insights with real-world educational contexts.

The position is initially limited to one year (with the potential to be extended to a minimum of 5 years) from 1 July 2025, or upon mutual agreement.

Project background

The Center for Research on Learning, Understanding and Education (CLUE), a new project being developed jointly between ETH Zurich EPFL, is an interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to advancing research and practice in learning and education across the lifespan. By investigating the multidimensional nature of learning across cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, physical, and technological dimensions, CLUE addresses the evolving challenges and opportunities in education created by digitization, artificial intelligence, globalization, and shifting societal values. The center fosters cross-pollination between research and practice, developing insights and solutions that are informed by rigorous empirical investigation of questions relevant to practitioners.

Job description

As Operational Manager, you will play a central role in establishing and developing CLUE as a vibrant research community connecting ETH Zurich with educational stakeholders. You will create structures that enable effective collaboration between researchers and practitioners, ensuring that CLUE's work directly contributes to educational change serving the public good. Key responsibilities include:

  • Building and nurturing the CLUE community
    • Creating the core community of CLUE members across affiliated labs at both ETH Zurich and EPFL, in collaboration with Jessica Dehler Zufferey, the EPFL Operational Manager for CLUE
    • Developing formats for regular communication, collaboration, and networking among research groups
    • Establishing mechanisms to gather input, needs, and feedback from community members
    • Managing the ETH Zurich side of the Joint Doctoral Program on Learning Sciences (JDPLS), and ensuring the seamless integration of the JDPLS to the CLUE ecosystem
    • Building up the "third circle" of CLUE participants (pedagogical universities, other universities, education administration)
  • Establishing strategic partnerships and external relations
    • Liaising with related service units at ETH Zurich and EPFL to strengthen connections between research and educational practice
    • Developing partnerships with schools and educational institutions
    • Identifying and pursuing funding opportunities and mandates
    • Conducting analysis of similar initiatives to develop strategies for differentiation and positioning
  • Managing communication and events
    • Preparing and maintaining the CLUE website and communication channels
    • Coordinating communication representatives from both institutions
    • Organizing CLUE events, workshops, and networking opportunities
    • Creating local organizational structures at ETH Zurich

Profile

  • You hold an advanced degree, ideally in education, psychology, social sciences, or a related field with relevance to learning and education
  • You have several years of experience in project or program management, preferably in a research or educational environment
  • You demonstrate strong community-building and networking skills, with the ability to connect diverse stakeholders
  • You have experience in identifying funding opportunities and developing strategic partnerships
  • You possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effectively engaging with researchers, educators, and administrative stakeholders
  • You are a proactive and independent worker with the ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks
  • You show genuine interest in educational innovation and the mission of bridging research and practice
  • You are fluent in English and German, both written and spoken; knowledge of French is an advantage

Workplace

Workplace

We offer

  • Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
  • The opportunity to help shape an innovative research center from its inception
  • A dynamic and interdisciplinary work environment connecting research and educational practice
  • Flexible working arrangements and a collaborative team culture
  • We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university
  • You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits

Workplace

Your position will initially be situated within the Professorship for Social Brain Sciences, led by Prof. Dr. Emily S. Cross within the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (D-GESS) at ETH Zurich. However, as the organizational structure of CLUE develops, your position will eventually be situated within CLUE, which will operate independently from but in collaboration with academic departments across ETH Zurich.

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:

  • CV
  • Motivation Letter
  • Work references and diplomas

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

Please direct your questions regarding the position to Prof. Dr. Emily S. Cross, Co-Director of CLUE at ETH Zurich, at ecross@ethz.ch

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.