Technical Platform Operations Associate for Social Impact Project

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Public Policy Group, the Immigration Policy Lab and the Decision Science Laboratory at ETH Zurich, and the Labor Group at University of Lausanne, invite applications for a technical platform operations associate position starting between July 2025 and August 2025.

Project background

Path2Work is a data-driven, scalable job search platform developed by researchers at ETH Zurich and the University of Lausanne. Our goal is to support the integration of refugees into the Swiss labor market while helping to address the broader labor shortage in Switzerland. We are currently evaluating the platform’s effectiveness through a randomized controlled trial and are in the process of founding a non-profit start-up to ensure the sustainable impact of Path2Work. The project is being developed in close collaboration with key national partners, including the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and a wide network of stakeholders across Switzerland.

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated project team member who is eager to contribute to an impact-oriented project that supports refugees in their job search in Switzerland. As an active team member, you will work with a dynamic and international team of researchers and developers to operate and further advance the platform.

Your main responsibilities include:

DevOps – support daily platform operations in collaboration with the development team, perform database updates and data integrity checks
Content workflows – implement and manage content across languages and platform modules
Technical user support – respond to technical user inquiries and offer help during peak rollout periods
Task management – support the development team to organize tasks based on research priorities; track progress throughout the implementation process
Software development – implement and test of new features
Platform analytics – analyze user behavior on a regular basis

The position is located at the Decision Science Laboratory at ETH Zurich with Dr. Stefan Wehrli, but in either case you will closely collaborate with the entire team. The position is initially limited to one year due to third-party funding, with a possibility of extension based on performance and project needs. As we work toward establishing an independent non-profit organization, there is potential for a longer-term role. While permanent employment cannot be guaranteed at this stage, we are committed to building a sustainable team and hope to offer continued opportunities to strong contributors.

Profile

Strong candidates will have most of the following:

Bachelor's or (preferably) Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a Social Science discipline combined with solid engineering skills
1–2 years of relevant work experience, preferably in software development or applied research projects
Software development skills, particularly with web technologies (JavaScript, HTML, and CSS) and C# (.NET)
Data analysis skills in Python or R
Experience using Git for version control and scripting in Bash or PowerShell
Proactive, problem-solving attitude and ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team
Fluency in English and ideally also German
Interest in applied research and developing digital solutions for social impact

Workplace

We offer

Opportunity to work on impact-oriented and research-driven project to support the integration of refugees in the Swiss labor market
Highly collaborative work environment within a very motivated and supportive team
Salary and pension benefits according to ETH standards

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:

Cover letter
CV
Academic transcripts
Contact data for two references

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

If you have questions about the position please contact the technical project lead Dr. Stefan Wehrli by email: wehrlist@ethz.ch (Subject: Path2Work Operations Associate).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

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.