Legal Counsel in the field of Natural Sciences (m/f/d)

• 03 août 2026 • 100% • Indefinite period • Rämistrasse 101, 8006 Zürich • Log in to see the salary estimate from jobup.ch Legal Counsel in the field of Natural Sciences (m/f/d) # ETH Zürich is one of the world's leading technical and natural science universities. Within the Vice President for Knowledge Transfer and Relations with Industry, the Research Contract Group supports researchers in establishing their projects on a secure legal foundation with national and international partners. To strengthen our team, we are looking for a solution-oriented personality as Legal Counsel, starting immediately or by arrangement. Project Background ## Your role at the interface between research and law In this position, you are part of a small "Natural Sciences" team within the Research Contract Group and handle legal questions and contracts for research projects in selected subject areas of responsibility, particularly materials science, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. You advise researchers as well as central bodies of ETH Zürich and accompany projects at the interface of science, technology development, and application. In doing so, you regularly work on projects with technical and economic relevance, especially in connection with research cooperations, industrial partnerships, material and technology transfer, as well as project-related know-how issues. Your activity includes the independent drafting, examination, and negotiation of contracts with national and international partners as well as the legal accompaniment of complex project-related issues. Job Description ## Development, examination, and negotiation of contracts for research projects, particularly in the fields of materials science, chemistry, and mechanical engineering, with national and international partners (e.g., research cooperations, industrial cooperations, material transfer, technology transfer, and confidentiality agreements). Advising and supporting researchers on legal and contractual issues in connection with technology-oriented research projects, particularly in cooperations with industrial partners and other academic institutions. Close cooperation with central interfaces, particularly the Legal Service, ETH transfer, and other internal specialist departments, to ensure coherent legal solutions. Coordination with internal and external stakeholders, including researchers, industrial partners, universities, research institutions, and other project partners. Participation in the further development and standardization of processes for technology-oriented research projects within ETH Zürich, with a focus on efficient, legally secure, and practical processes. Conception and implementation of information events and training sessions for researchers on legal aspects of research contracts, industrial cooperations, and technology-oriented projects. Active shaping of the contract portfolio, particularly in the areas of materials science, chemistry, and mechanical engineering, within the Research Contract Group. Profile ## We are looking for an integrative personality who quickly penetrates complex matters and enjoys close cooperation in a diverse environment. • Education: You have a Swiss university degree in law. Experience: Experience in an industrial environment or at the interface between industry and university is an advantage. Ideally, you bring an understanding of how different interests in research cooperations can be brought together legally and practically. • Competencies: You possess excellent analytical and conceptual skills, negotiation skills and assertiveness, as well as the ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new topics and handle complex matters flexibly. A quick grasp and a high degree of personal responsibility characterize you as well as an efficient and exact way of working. • Languages: You communicate and negotiate confidently in German and English (spoken and written). Knowledge of French is an advantage. • Mindset: You work efficiently, exactly, and in a solution-oriented manner and possess a strong team spirit and high social competence. You possess the necessary intuition within the third-party funding system of a university regarding where scientists must be supported quickly and pragmatically. By formulating clear and unambiguous contractual regulations, you lay the basis for the subsequent practical implementation of the research results. You are able to independently organize a heterogeneous portfolio of business and complete it on schedule. By working quickly, solution-oriented, and prudently, you enable researchers to carry out their excellent projects. If you furthermore have an interest in natural scientific, technical, and economic contexts, you bring ideal prerequisites. Become part of ETH Zürich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive changes in society. We are committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university. We offer ## • A large, experienced team of lawyers; • Numerous benefits, such as public transport subscriptions and car sharing, a wide range of sports offers from ASVZ, childcare, as well as attractive pension benefits; • Flexible working and the possibility for home office. Working, teaching, and researching at ETH Zürich Diversity and sustainability are important to us ## In line with our values, ETH Zürich supports an ink