Legal Counsel / Contracts Specialist for ETH Zurich | Space

Eth Zurich │ Space Legal Counsel Role

Join a dynamic and innovative environment at ETH Zurich, recognized globally for excellence in science and engineering. The ETH Zurich │ Space initiative is expanding its contributions to space research and technology through strategic recruitment and collaborative partnerships across academia, space agencies, and industry.

Your Contribution

As a pivotal legal resource, you will serve as the primary legal contact for projects within ETH Zurich │ Space and ETH Swiss GeoLab. Collaborating with a robust team of legal professionals, your focus will be on managing a comprehensive space-related portfolio, facilitating contracts with diverse stakeholders, including industrial firms, startups, and international agencies. Your expertise will ensure that innovative projects are executed within a solid legal framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently review, draft, and negotiate complex national and international research contracts including Research Collaboration Agreements, Consortium Agreements, and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
• Manage collaborations with international space agencies, research institutions, and industry partners, especially within the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
• Advise researchers and project managers on legal matters concerning international collaborations, intellectual property, and contractual risks.
• Support compliance with export controls and dual-use goods regulations in collaboration with ETH Zurich compliance units.
• Provide proactive, solution-oriented guidance during all project phases, from initiation to successful completion.
• Enhance contract templates, guidelines, and processes for efficient project management.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders throughout project execution.
• Ensure that international contracts comply with legal standards while maintaining the research community's operational flexibility.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We seek an individual with a keen understanding of complex legal frameworks and a commitment to fostering innovation in an international research setting.

• Education: University degree in law or a related legal qualification with strong technical understanding.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in international contract law or research management, preferably in an international setting or within the tech/space sectors.
• Expertise: Proficient in Swiss and international contract law, with advantageous knowledge in intellectual property, technology transfer, and research law.
• Space Law: Familiarity with international space law and regulatory issues in the space sector.
• Export Control: Knowledge or experience with export control laws, particularly ITAR/EAR, is beneficial.
• Skills: Strong analytical and negotiation capabilities with a pragmatic approach to addressing legal challenges.
• Languages: Fluency in German and English, both spoken and written; business-level proficiency in English is required.
• Mindset: A service-oriented, pragmatic communicator who thrives in collaboration with researchers and regulatory bodies.

Benefits

• Opportunity to influence the evolution of ETH Zurich │ Space.
• An engaging international atmosphere bridging research, technology, and innovation.
• Collaborate with esteemed researchers and organizations globally.
• Diverse and challenging tasks with personal responsibility and creative freedom.
• Flexible work options and competitive employment terms.
• Generous benefits including public transport tickets, childcare services, and athletic activities.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture valuing equality and diversity. We strive to create a fair, supportive environment for all staff and students, ensuring their rights and dignity are respected. Sustainability is integral to our mission as we work towards a climate-neutral future.

Inquiry and Additional Information

Further details concerning the Research Contracts Group and ETH Zurich │ Space are available on our website. For questions, please reach out to the Head of Research Contracts Group.