Resilience & Crisis Management Researcher
80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich is a center of competence for Swiss and international security policy. It offers security policy expertise in research, teaching, and consultancy.
Project background
The Think Tank of the CSS serves as a link between researchers and practitioners in the field of security policy and as a point of contact and reference for the wider public.
The Resilience and Crisis Management Team as part of the CSS Think Tank conducts research and provides policy consulting on a range of fields relating to risks and strategies to prevent, prepare, or respond to disasters and emergencies. The focus is on (a) risks (e.g., changes in the risk landscape, methods for risk assessments, natural hazards); (b) civil protection and crisis management including CBRN (e.g., processes and structures, adaptations, use of new technologies and approaches); (c) societal and socio-technical resilience (e.g., individual disaster preparedness, issues related to critical infrastructure).
Job description
As a researcher in the Resilience and Crisis Management Team, you focus on the issue areas outlined and related topics. Depending on your expertise and interests, you will build specialised knowledge and insights and help Swiss authorities address specific challenges. This also includes proactive engagement with different stakeholders, providing on-demand comprehensive policy advice, and presenting your expertise and knowledge clearly and concisely.
You will publish your findings in policy-relevant publications and disseminate your knowledge through dialogue with policymakers and other relevant stakeholders.
Ideally, you would be able to join as soon as possible.
Profile
At a minimum, you should have a MA/MSc degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Political Science, Risk Analysis, Resilience, Crisis and Disaster Management, Security Studies, Public Policy or Environmental Sciences). Recent MA graduates are encouraged to apply. We are particularly looking for researchers who have experience and/or interest in one or more of the following research topics: (a) natural hazards and disaster risk reduction; (b) socio-technical resilience; (c) anticipation and risk analysis methods as well as risk communication. An independent, well-organised working style, along with excellent communication skills and the ability to work in an international team are essential.
The CSS is a multilingual working environment, so proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of one Swiss national language – or the willingness to acquire German language skills on the job – is an asset. Work experience in relevant international organisations, think tanks, or government agencies is an advantage, as is knowledge of the Swiss political landscape.
We offer
We offer the opportunity to apply and develop research skills for resilience and crisis management topics, within the environment of a university-based think tank working on security and peace issues.
The term for the appointment is for two years, with the option of extension if there is funding and if there is mutual agreement to continue the cooperation.
We offer a workplace in the centre of Zurich with attractive working conditions. Further training and the ability to conduct applied research, publish the results in different formats and provide your own process support related to peace mediation are part of the career development and are central elements of our personnel policy.
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.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- CV
- Letter of interest explaining the skills and motivation you would bring to the position
- One to two single-authored writing samples (e.g. an academic article, policy brief, or thesis chapter – can be a draft version)
- Two references to be approached (in case you are invited to an interview).
- A copy of your master’s degree and any job references
Application deadline is 31 October 2026.
Further information about us can be found on our website. For questions about the position, please contact Simon Aebi, [email protected] (no applications).
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
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.