Natural Hazards Mission Lead

Overview

ETH Zurich is proudly launching the ETH Swiss GeoLab, an innovative interdisciplinary unit within ETH Zürich I Space. Situated in Root, close to Lucerne, this groundbreaking initiative will leverage advanced Earth observation technologies and AI-driven analysis methods to address pressing societal and economic challenges. The GeoLab will focus on high-impact application areas, especially in the realm of natural hazards.

Core Mission

The focus of the GeoLab’s Natural Hazards Mission is to enhance early detection, monitoring, preparedness, and decision support concerning mass movements such as landslides and rockfalls. This mission aims to integrate Earth observation data into practical applications, thereby delivering tangible benefits to practitioners and authorities across Switzerland.

Key Responsibilities

• Define an ambitious research and development portfolio for the Natural Hazards Mission.
• Translate identified operational gaps into measurable outcomes beneficial for practitioners and decision-makers.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders, including local and federal authorities, industry experts, and communities related to natural hazards.
• Establish measurable mission outcomes and success criteria aligned with Swiss natural hazard needs.
• Manage the mission budget, including prioritization, tracking, and reporting on financial and success metrics.
• Collaborate with the Geo-Lab’s Intelligence team and external partners to conduct pilots and field tests.
• Represent publications and findings within Swiss natural hazard and scientific communities.
• Communicate mission goals and progress to various stakeholders effectively.
• Guide and mentor students and researchers as necessary for operational integration.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• A Master’s or PhD degree in natural hazards, geosciences, engineering, risk management, or related fields.
• Experience in practical applications related to natural hazards within public administration, industry, or research.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing tracking tools and dashboards for operational insights.
• A proven record of successful collaboration across diverse teams.
• Strong project management skills, including budget oversight and transparent reporting.
• Excellent stakeholder management capabilities with a strong command of English and German; proficiency in French is advantageous.
• A mission-driven mindset, adaptability, and a commitment to impactful work.

Opportunities

This role offers a unique chance to help establish the ETH Swiss GeoLab and contribute to shaping a national initiative focused on Earth observation. Candidates will engage with pressing challenges in natural hazards while being part of an active innovation ecosystem connected to ETH Zurich.