Tech Contracts Counsel - IP, Licensing & Deep Tech

ETH Zurich; Zürich; Hybrid; CHF 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Pension schemes

Public transport discounts

Campus facilities access (ASVZ)

Job summary

ETH Zurich is seeking a Legal Counsel / Contracts Specialist for its Deep Tech, Material Sciences & Engineering portfolio. You will negotiate complex research agreements, MTAs, and technology‑transfer arrangements, focusing on IP ownership, licensing, and risk management to protect ETH’s interests while enabling collaboration with industry and academia.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s degree in law and 3+ years in contract drafting, IP management, and negotiations within tech sectors.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Law (MLaw/LL.M./State Exam) or equivalent.
• 3+ years of contract drafting, negotiation, and IP management experience.
• Solid IP law, licensing, and liability knowledge with tech interests.
• Excellent negotiation and written English; German at B2/C1 level.
• Team-oriented with high service orientation and diplomacy.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate complex research agreements, MTAs, NDAs, and consortium contracts.
• Advise on IP allocation, foreground/background rights, and publication terms.
• Represent ETH in negotiations with industry partners and universities.
• Collaborate with compliance, export control, and licensing centers.
• Develop contract templates and run knowledge-transfer workshops.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract drafting

IP management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Master’s degree in Law (MLaw / LL.M. / State Examination or equivalent)

Job description

ETH Zurich is seeking a Legal Counsel / Contracts Specialist for its Deep Tech, Material Sciences & Engineering portfolio. You will negotiate complex research agreements, MTAs, and technology‑transfer arrangements, focusing on IP ownership, licensing, and risk management to protect ETH’s interests while enabling collaboration with industry and academia.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s degree in law and 3+ years in contract drafting, IP management, and negotiations within tech sectors.