Head of Research Data Management Facility

1000scholars; Zürich; On-site; CHF 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public transport benefits

Car sharing

Childcare options

Pension benefits

Job summary

ETH Zurich seeks a Head of Research Data Management Facility to establish and develop the RDM unit strategically, aligning it with ETH-wide, national, and international developments.

You will manage software projects from requirements engineering to budgeting, ensure FAIR, secure, and sustainable systems, and actively help design open source infrastructures. You will lead a small team and represent the unit in ETH networks.

Qualifications

• PhD in natural sciences, engineering or CS.
• Experience in research data management.
• Knowledge of FAIR principles and open science standards.
• Experience designing and managing complex software projects.
• Strategic thinking and ability to translate visions into projects.
• Management experience or leadership potential.
• Excellent communication and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• High independence and sense of responsibility.
• Very good English; German a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Establish and develop the RDM unit strategically.
• Define and prioritize RDM strategy aligned with ETH-wide and international developments.
• Identify needs with research groups and translate into viable solutions.
• Design, plan, and manage software projects from requirements to budget.
• Ensure RDM systems are FAIR, secure, efficient, and sustainable.
• Participate in design and development of RDM infrastructures, preferably open source.
• Collaborate with IT Facility for rollout and operation.
• Build and lead a small team and develop internal competencies.
• Represent and position the unit within ETH and external RDM networks.

Skills

PhD degree

Research data management

FAIR principles

Open science standards

Software project leadership

Strategic thinking

Leadership experience

English proficiency

Independent and responsible

Education

PhD in natural sciences / engineering / CS

Job description

Head of Research Data Management Facility

100%, Basel, permanent

Job description

• You will take on responsibility – strategically, technically, and organizationally:
• You will establish the RDM unit and develop it strategically.
• In doing so, you will define and prioritize the departmental RDM strategy in line with ETH-wide as well as national and international developments.
• Together with research groups, you will identify specific needs and translate them into viable, sustainable system solutions.
• In addition, you will design, plan, and manage software projects from requirements engineering and stakeholder management to budget responsibility.
• You will ensure that the RDM systems used are FAIR-compliant, secure, efficient, and operated in a sustainable manner over the long term.
• Furthermore, you will actively participate in the design, prototyping, and further development of RDM infrastructures, preferably based on open source technologies.
• Together with the departmental IT Facility, you will be responsible for the rollout and reliable operation of the systems.
• You will build a small, specialized team and manage it both professionally and personally, promoting the targeted further development of the team's internal competencies.
• Finally, you will represent and position the unit visibly within the ETH environment and in national and international RDM networks.

Profile

• PhD in natural sciences, engineering, computer science, or comparable fields
• Several years of experience in research data management
• In-depth knowledge of FAIR principles, open science standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g. data security)
• Experience in designing and managing complex software projects
• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate visions into concrete projects
• Management experience or strong leadership potential
• Excellent communication skills and enjoyment of interdisciplinary collaboration
• High degree of independence, decisiveness, and sense of responsibility
• Very good English skills; German skills are an advantage

We offer

Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive change in society.

Creative freedom: You will take on a visible position with a high degree of personal responsibility and lasting impact.

Interdisciplinary environment: You will work closely with leading research groups and internal and external partners, actively helping to shape modern open science infrastructures.

Attractive employment conditions

• Numerous benefits, e.g. public transport subscriptions and car sharing
• Childcare options
• Attractive pension benefits

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.

Further information can be found on our website. For further details on the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Jörg Stelling, [e-mail] (no application documents).

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.