Natural Hazards Mission Lead

About the role

ETH Swiss GeoLab, an interdisciplinary unit of ETH Zurich I Space focused on Earth observation, is recruiting a Natural Hazards Mission Lead. The mission covers gravitational, meteorological-climatic and tectonic hazards, currently focusing on alpine mass movements, and aims to turn research and prototypes into operational tools for natural hazard risk management. The post is a fixed-term appointment of two years, with possible extension, based in Zurich.

Key responsibilities

• Define and manage an R&D and innovation portfolio for the Natural Hazards Mission and translate user needs into actionable programs
• Engage public authorities, practitioners, infrastructure operators, industry and expert communities to identify needs and opportunities
• Turn operational challenges into research priorities and solution requirements, and set roadmaps, milestones and success criteria
• Track progress and recommend continuation, redirection, scaling or termination of activities
• Manage the delegated mission budget and ensure transparent performance and financial reporting
• Develop, test, validate and integrate solutions into operational workflows with GeoLab teams and external partners
• Build partnerships across ETH, research institutions, public agencies, consulting and engineering firms and technology companies
• Communicate the mission's goals, progress and lessons learned to internal and external stakeholders

Required profile

• Master's degree or PhD in natural hazards, Earth observation, remote sensing, geosciences, engineering, environmental sciences, geography, hydrology, meteorology, risk management or a related field
• Solid experience in at least one natural hazard domain, gained in practice, applied research, public administration, consulting, engineering or industry
• Experience leading complex projects, programs or multi-partner initiatives
• Ability to manage priorities, resources and budgets transparently
• Excellent written and spoken English; at least B2-level German or French

Required skills

• Natural hazard risk management expertise
• Project leadership and stakeholder engagement
• Preferred: Earth observation, geospatial data, modelling, monitoring systems or Geospatial AI

Applications must be submitted online through the ETH Zurich application portal with a CV, diplomas and work certificates, and a short video introducing yourself and your motivation.