Strategic Communication & Program Development Officer 80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term The National Center of Competence in Research, NCCR Catalysis aims to develop skills, tools, and technologies that facilitate the transition towards sustainable chemicals and fuels production. Jointly led by ETH Zurich and EPFL since 2020, the research program is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and currently comprises 14 member institutions with over 200 members. The program’s second funding phase (August 2024 through July 2028) is ongoing, and preparations for its final funding phase (August 2028 through July 2032) are beginning. The NCCR Catalysis Project Office is looking for a Strategic Communication & Program Development Officer (80-100%) to join the team and strengthen our activities as soon as possible. You will work directly with the Project Office and the Management Team. Job description The Strategic Communication Officer plays a central role in shaping NCCR Catalysis's positioning, both internally and externally. Working at the interface of science, strategy, and communication, you will translate complex research activities into clear, compelling narratives that support decision-making, evaluation, and future funding. You will collaborate closely with the Project Office and Management Team to ensure that communication and reporting actively contribute to the program's long-term direction, visibility, and impact. Your main responsibilities are to: Lead strategic communication for key program deliverables. Drive the development of high-impact deliverables, such as the annual report and the Phase III Outline Proposal. Coordinate input across projects, synthesize insights, and articulate a clear, coherent narrative of achievements and future potential Ensure smooth communication flows. Coordinate communication across NCCR Catalysis members, governance bodies, and institutional stakeholders. Ensure that information is collected, structured, and communicated to effectively inform decision-making Frame funding instruments and initiatives (e.g., Turbo Grant, WP6 umbrella project, Boost Fellowship, Young Talents Fellowship, Exit Survey, Flexibility & Mobility Grants) into clear narratives that highlight impact, identify opportunities, and support program development Support positioning and partnerships. Contribute to strengthening international visibility and institutional collaborations Work closely with the Communication & Events Officer to ensure consistency in strategic messaging The successful candidate will be employed on a 1-year contract with the possibility of extension, subject to the program's duration. Profile You hold a Dr. Sc. in the chemical sciences or a related field, and have experience in coordination, strategic communication, and scientific or technical writing You are proactive and enjoy working with others in a team You have strong communication, writing, and organizational skills You have an excellent command of English; knowledge of German and/or French is an advantage You are self-motivated, curious, and comfortable working across a range of topics You are open to learning and using modern digital tools for communication, coordination, and reporting You are willing to work within existing communication styles, activities and initiatives, while also helping to further develop them Does this match your profile? We look forward to hearing from you! Workplace We offer We offer the opportunity to shape the future direction of a national research program within a dynamic and collaborative environment You will work in a multilingual team based at ETH Hönggerberg and benefit from employment conditions and social benefits in line with ETH Zurich standards The preferred start date is as early as possible for the selected candidate chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversity and sustainability 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. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future. Curious? So are we. We look forward to receiving your online application with your: CV PhD diploma Motivation letter Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Questions regarding the position should be directed to both Dr. Marie-Francine Lagadec and Dr. Sharon Mitchell (click here to email both; no applications). 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. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Adminoxy

Strategic Communication & Program Development Officer

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The National Center of Competence in Research, NCCR Catalysis aims to develop skills, tools, and technologies that facilitate the transition towards sustainable chemicals and fuels production. Jointly led by ETH Zurich and EPFL since 2020, the research program is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and currently comprises 14 member institutions with over 200 members. The program’s second funding phase (August 2024 through July 2028) is ongoing, and preparations for its final funding phase (August 2028 through July 2032) are beginning.

The NCCR Catalysis Project Office is looking for a Strategic Communication & Program Development Officer (80-100%) to join the team and strengthen our activities as soon as possible. You will work directly with the Project Office and the Management Team.

Job description

The Strategic Communication Officer plays a central role in shaping NCCR Catalysis's positioning, both internally and externally. Working at the interface of science, strategy, and communication, you will translate complex research activities into clear, compelling narratives that support decision-making, evaluation, and future funding. You will collaborate closely with the Project Office and Management Team to ensure that communication and reporting actively contribute to the program's long-term direction, visibility, and impact. Your main responsibilities are to:

Lead strategic communication for key program deliverables. Drive the development of high-impact deliverables, such as the annual report and the Phase III Outline Proposal. Coordinate input across projects, synthesize insights, and articulate a clear, coherent narrative of achievements and future potential
Ensure smooth communication flows. Coordinate communication across NCCR Catalysis members, governance bodies, and institutional stakeholders. Ensure that information is collected, structured, and communicated to effectively inform decision-making
Frame funding instruments and initiatives (e.g., Turbo Grant, WP6 umbrella project, Boost Fellowship, Young Talents Fellowship, Exit Survey, Flexibility & Mobility Grants) into clear narratives that highlight impact, identify opportunities, and support program development
Support positioning and partnerships. Contribute to strengthening international visibility and institutional collaborations
Work closely with the Communication & Events Officer to ensure consistency in strategic messaging

The successful candidate will be employed on a 1-year contract with the possibility of extension, subject to the program's duration.

Profile

You hold a Dr. Sc. in the chemical sciences or a related field, and have experience in coordination, strategic communication, and scientific or technical writing
You are proactive and enjoy working with others in a team
You have strong communication, writing, and organizational skills
You have an excellent command of English; knowledge of German and/or French is an advantage
You are self-motivated, curious, and comfortable working across a range of topics
You are open to learning and using modern digital tools for communication, coordination, and reporting
You are willing to work within existing communication styles, activities and initiatives, while also helping to further develop them

Does this match your profile? We look forward to hearing from you!

Workplace

We offer

We offer the opportunity to shape the future direction of a national research program within a dynamic and collaborative environment
You will work in a multilingual team based at ETH Hönggerberg and benefit from employment conditions and social benefits in line with ETH Zurich standards
The preferred start date is as early as possible for the selected candidate

chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

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. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with your:

CV
PhD diploma
Motivation letter

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

Questions regarding the position should be directed to both Dr. Marie-Francine Lagadec and Dr. Sharon Mitchell (click here to email both; no applications).

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.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Adminoxy

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