Resilience & Crisis Management Researcher

About the role

The Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich is a think tank on Swiss and international security policy. Its Resilience and Crisis Management Team researches and advises on risks and strategies to prevent, prepare for or respond to disasters and emergencies, covering natural hazards, civil protection and crisis management, and societal and socio-technical resilience. As a researcher you focus on these issue areas and help Swiss authorities address specific challenges.

Key responsibilities

• Build specialised knowledge and insights on the team's topic areas depending on your expertise and interests.
• Engage proactively with stakeholders and provide on-demand comprehensive policy advice.
• Publish findings in policy-relevant publications and share knowledge with policymakers and other stakeholders.

Required profile

• MA/MSc degree in a relevant discipline such as Political Science, Risk Analysis, Resilience, Crisis and Disaster Management, Security Studies, Public Policy or Environmental Sciences; recent MA graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Experience or interest in natural hazards and disaster risk reduction, socio-technical resilience, or anticipation and risk analysis methods and risk communication.
• Independent, well-organised working style, excellent communication skills and ability to work in an international team.
• English is required; knowledge of a Swiss national language or willingness to learn German is an asset.
• Experience in international organisations, think tanks or government agencies and knowledge of the Swiss political landscape are advantages.

What we offer

• A two-year fixed-term appointment in the centre of Zurich, with the option of extension if funded and mutually agreed.
• An opportunity to develop research skills within a university-based think tank.
• Further training, applied research, publication of results and process support for peace mediation as part of career development.

Applications are made online through the ETH Zurich portal by 31 October 2026 and include a CV, a letter of interest, one to two writing samples, two references and a copy of the master's degree.