Project Development & Communication Manager at the Cellulose & Wood Materials Laboratory

Project Development & Communication Manager at the Cellulose & Wood Materials Laboratory

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa\’s around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

The Laboratory of Cellulose & Wood Materials (CWM) performs research and development of sustainable materials and technologies using naturally existing structures in wood and tailored interactions between bio-based and renewable polymers, nanoparticles and colloids. The major goal is to establish efficient routs to build high performance materials contributing to a sustainable future. To further strengthen the impact and technological translation of our work we invite applications for a strategic project development and communication management role in close collaboration with the management team of the lab.

Your tasks

Project development (80%)

• Strategic project initiation: Develop strategies and identify concrete opportunities for new projects by analysing market trends, scientific developments and relevant regulatory frameworks in Cellulose, Wood and Bio-based materials, in close collaboration with industrial, academic, government and institutional partners.
• Fundraising & proposal management: Analyse the funding landscape and systematically research relevant programmes; represent the laboratory at networking events; proactively communicate with funding agencies; support and coordinate the preparation of complete project proposals, including budgets, timelines and resource planning.
• Partnership & relationship management: Identify and engage with suitable industry, research and funding partners; maintain and strengthen strong, long-term relationships with clients, partners, funding bodies, industry associations and other stakeholders; facilitate effective communication within our network; actively initiate and moderate collaboration meetings.

Communication/Social Media (20%)

• Social media: Manage the laboratory\’s social media channels, and develop and implement strategies to effectively promote our activities, enhance visibility, and engage relevant audiences; monitor performance and adapt approaches based on results.
• Content creation: Create, edit and publish engaging content for the laboratory website, newsletters, social media channels and marketing materials; ensure clarity, accuracy and alignment with our research objectives, and adapt messaging for different target audiences.

Your profile

• University degree (BSc / MSc / PhD or equivalent) in a field related to science, engineering, management or communication.
• Proven experience in project management, funding acquisition or partnership development, ideally in the research or innovation sector.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms and digital marketing tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and German.
• Advantageous: Prior experience or an established network in Cellulose, Wood-based materials or bio-based material innovation.
• Open-minded and communicative personality, with great organizational skills and a strong interest to work in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.

Our offer

We offer a one-year position at Empa, with the possibility of extension, to join our dynamic team and our quest to develop new sustainable material and technology innovations contributing to a better future. Starting date is as soon as possible or upon mutual agreement.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities – that\’s what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.

Patricia Nitzsche ,
Stv. Leiterin Human Resources / Dep. Head Human Resources

Questions?

Dr Gustrav Nyström
Head of Laboratory
Cellulose & Wood Materials