Prof. Nicola Spaldin is recruiting a Scientific Collaborator to support her in her role as incoming Vice President of the European Research Council (ERC), where she will be responsible for the Physical Sciences & Engineering domain. As her Scientific Collaborator, you will help enable the ERC's mission to advance investigator-driven frontier research across all fields of research through competitive funding.
Job description - Maintaining membership in the proposal evaluation panels for the ERC funding calls: Guided by input from members of the Scientific Council (ScC), gather detailed information on prospective panel members (e.g. CVs, publication lists), brief the Vice President, and - following decisions - contact proposed members on her behalf. Once candidates accept informally, transmit details to the ERC Executive Agency's (ERCEA) team for formal invitation and contracting.
- Interface with the ERCEA and ScC: Serve as the operational link between the Vice President and ERCEA colleagues, especially the scientific officers for relevant panels. Facilitate timely information flow with ScC members in the Physical Sciences & Engineering domain and maintain accurate files and archives.
- Preparation for Scientific Council meetings: Coordinate inputs and prepare documents requiring the Vice President's contribution ahead of ScC meetings; ensure materials are complete, accurate and submitted on time.
- Support to Vice Presidential duties: Assist with drafting policy notes, reports and presentations as appropriate; organise preparatory meetings on funding policy topics within the VP's remit; coordinate information exchange among relevant ScC members and ERCEA staff; support the VP when representing the ERC President in committees and external fora.
- External liaison and events: Coordinate the VP's contacts with European and global academic institutions. Respond to ERC-related enquiries from national contact points and the research community. Manage the VP's ERC-related invitations and collaborate with her ETH administrative assistant on travel planning. Help prepare ERC presentations and briefings for discussions with external stakeholders.
Profile - Completed PhD in Physical Sciences or Engineering
- Demonstrated knowledge of research funding mechanisms and policy at national and European levels
- Excellent written English skills, particularly for concise memos, reports and meeting notes
- Excellent spoken English skills and strong interpersonal skills; poised, diplomatic communication with culturally diverse counterparts
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously with accuracy and discretion
- Experience in research or research funding administration/policy is preferred; international experience is an advantage
We offerYour workplace The position is based at ETH Zurich, within the Materials Theory group on the Hönggerberg campus, in close proximity to the Office of the Vice President. Teleworking (approximately one day per week) is permitted. The role involves around six business trips per year within Europe, mostly to Brussels, Belgium. Travel expenses outside Switzerland will be fully covered.
We offer An intellectually stimulating, international environment at the interface of research funding and policy. You will collaborate with leading researchers, research programme managers and policy experts and contribute directly to the effectiveness of the ERC's evaluation processes.
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