Natural Hazards Mission Lead

pETH Zurich has established the ETH Swiss GeoLab, a new interdisciplinary unit of ETH Zürich I Space. /p pThe GeoLab focuses on Earth observation and its applications. It uses satellite, airborne, ground-based and in-situ observations, together with geospatial data, AI-driven analysis methods and high-performance computing, to develop solutions for specific societal and economic challenges. /p pLocated at the D4 Business Village in Root, close to Lucerne, ETH Swiss GeoLab works at the interface of research, technology development and practical application, focusing on selected areas where Earth observation, geodata and advanced analytics can create tangible value for Switzerland. /p pThe Natural Hazards Mission addresses a broad range of hazards relevant to Switzerland, including gravitational, meteorological-climatic and tectonic hazards. Current activities focus on alpine mass movements, while the mission will progressively expand to other natural hazard processes and associated risks. ETH Swiss GeoLab acts as a catalyst to accelerate the translation of research findings and prototypes into operational applications that support decision-making within integrated natural hazard risk management. It builds on stakeholder engagement, solution scoping and community-building activities already underway within GeoLab, including contributions from senior domain experts and partners across the Swiss natural hazards community. /p pETH Swiss GeoLab is led by Prof. Dr Verena Griess as Director and Dr Felix Seidel as Managing Director. The GeoLab will grow into a project-based hub of around 100 experts over the coming years and will collaborate closely across the ETH domain, including WSL/SLF and the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), as well as other Swiss research institutions, public-sector stakeholders, natural hazard organizations, industry partners, start-ups and international partners. /p pThis position is offered as a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension. /p pAs Natural Hazards Mission Lead, you will lead the research and development portfolio and delivery of GeoLab's Natural Hazards Mission. Working within Switzerland's integrated natural hazard risk management framework, you will help define and evolve the mission portfolio, translate user needs into actionable programs and ensure that GeoLab activities create measurable value for practice and public decision-making. /p pYou will report to the Managing Director of ETH Swiss GeoLab and work closely with GeoLab’s existing Natural Hazards Community Solutions Lead, who supports stakeholder engagement, community building and solution scoping, as well as other GeoLab mission teams, domain experts, research institutions, public authorities, industry and other external partners. Within the approved mission charter, budget and governance framework, you will have the authority to prioritize, initiate, redirect, scale, pause or stop activities. /p pAs part of your role, you will: /p ul liOn behalf of the GeoLab leadership team, define and manage an ambitious and coherent RD and innovation portfolio for the Natural Hazards Mission /li liEngage with public authorities, practitioners, infrastructure operators, industry and expert communities to understand needs and identify opportunities /li liIdentify high-value operational challenges and translate them into measurable outcomes, research priorities and solution requirements /li liDefine mission roadmaps, milestones, decision points and success criteria, track progress and evidence, and recommend continuation, redirection, scaling or termination of activities /li liManage the delegated mission budget and ensure transparent performance and financial reporting /li liWork with GeoLab teams and external project teams to develop, test, validate and integrate promising solutions into operational workflows /li liBuild and mobilize strong partnerships across the ETH domain, research institutions, public agencies, consulting and engineering firms, technology companies and implementation partners /li liRepresent the Natural Hazards Mission and communicate its goals, progress and lessons learned to internal and external stakeholders /li /ul h3Profile /h3 pYou understand the needs of practitioners and decision-makers in natural hazards and are motivated to turn research, data and technology into practical solutions with measurable impact. /p pWe do not expect expertise across every natural hazard domain or technology. You should bring solid experience in one area of natural hazard risk management, together with strong methodological or technical expertise relevant to natural hazards and the curiosity and judgement to work effectively with experts from other fields. /p pWe are looking for someone with: /p ul liA Master's degree or PhD in natural hazards, Earth observation or remote sensing, geosciences, engineering, environmental sciences, geography, hydrology, meteorology, risk management or a related field /li liStrong expertise and several years of professional experience in at least one natural hazard domain, gained in practice, applied research, public administration, consulting, engineering or industry /li liExperience leading complex projects, programs or multi-partner initiatives /li liStrong communication and collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across disciplines and organizations /li liThe ability to manage priorities, resources and budgets in a transparent and structured way /li liExcellent written and spoken English and at least B2-level German or French are required /li /ul pAdditional experience that would be valuable includes: /p ul liExperience working with public authorities or the Swiss natural hazards community /li liExperience with Earth observation, geospatial data, modelling, monitoring systems or Geospatial AI /li liExperience with stakeholder engagement, communication and collaborations /li liExperience transferring research or technology into operational practice /li /ul pYou are mission-driven, pragmatic and comfortable working in a newly established and evolving organization. You combine scientific credibility with sound judgement, a focus on user needs and measurable value, and a willingness to pursue the best idea, not necessarily your own. /p h3We offer /h3 ul liA rare opportunity to help build ETH Swiss GeoLab from its early phase and shape its Natural Hazards Mission /li liA mission-driven role with substantial responsibility, autonomy and societal relevance /li liThe opportunity to work across natural hazard domains with leading research, public-sector and industry partners in Switzerland /li liAccess to a unique combination of domain expertise, Earth observation and geospatial data, AI, high-performance computing and real-world implementation environments /li /ul pIn 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 . /p #J-18808-Ljbffr