Senior Researcher focusing on the Humanitarian Impact of Digitalized Conflict Environments

The Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich is a centre of competence for Swiss and international security policy. It offers security policy expertise in research, teaching, and consultancy.

Based at CSS/ETH Zürich, you will do research on how different actors are making use of and are affected by digital technologies in contemporary armed conflict and other situations of violence. Based on your research, you will develop implications for humanitarian operations and assistance activities. In close collaboration with partners from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), you will help to develop a typology of harm that empowers humanitarian actors to obtain situational awareness in digitalized conflicts across all relevant actors, areas, and contexts. In addition, you will compile qualitative, in-depth case studies to provide documentation and examples of harm caused by or through digital means. You will also organize and run a series of workshops for feedback, validation, and further input with practitioners and relevant experts. We will aim to publish all relevant results in academic outlets.

• We are looking for an innovative and highly motivated researchers with a background in international relations / security studies / conflict studies / cyber conflict studies.
• Knowledge of the humanitarian field is a major plus.
• You should have a PhD in a relevant field and/or know how to run complex research projects.
• You possess excellent English language skills, high-level analytical and writing skills, and an independent and well-organized working style.
• The ability to work in an international team is essential, as is your readiness to engage with practitioners from the humanitarian sector as well as other researchers at CSS working on similar issues.

We offer a multifaceted and intellectually stimulating position at a world-class university, with a competitive salary. The starting date is 1 January 2024. This position is limited to two years.