Legal Counsel / Contracts Specialist for ETH Zurich | Space

• 20 July 2026 • 100% • Indefinite duration • Rämistrasse 101, 8006 Zürich • Log in to see the salary estimate from jobup.ch Legal Counsel / Contracts Specialist for ETH Zurich | Space # ETH Zurich is one of the most prestigious universities in the world in the fields of science and engineering. Through its strategic initiative, ETH Zurich - Space is systematically expanding its activities in space research and technology. A unique environment of innovation is created by recruiting high-caliber researchers of international renown and expanding collaborations with leading partners from academia, space agencies, and industry. Within the Vice Presidency for Knowledge Transfer and Corporate Relations, the research contracts group supports researchers to ensure that their projects with national and international partners are based on a solid legal foundation. To strengthen our team, we are looking for a committed, solution-oriented, and strong negotiator to assume the role of Legal Counsel for ETH Zurich - Space, with immediate effect or by agreement. Job Description ## Your role at the interface between space research and law In this role, you will be the main legal point of contact for the research activities of ETH Zurich - Space and ETH Swiss GeoLab. You will be part of a strong team of approximately 20 legal professionals within the research contracts group, where you will benefit from their broad expertise and mutual exchange of ideas. Your personal focus will be on the autonomous management of the space-related portfolio. In a context of an increasing number of collaborations, you will facilitate and encourage the conclusion of contracts between ETH researchers and space-related organizations - ranging from industrial companies and start-ups to international space agencies, as well as academic and public institutions. You will advise researchers and management on the drafting and negotiation of complex research contracts and help ensure that innovative research projects are implemented in a legally sound and efficient manner. This encompasses both traditional space technologies (e.g., hardware) and Earth observation, geographic information processing, and the use of spatial data on Earth. In doing so, you also play a bridging role with Swiss stakeholders in government bodies and the economic sector. You will support scientists in their projects from the initial collaboration idea to the conclusion of a contract and lay the legal foundations for world-class international research in a highly dynamic environment. Your main responsibilities • You will autonomously review, draft, and negotiate complex national and international research and development contracts, particularly research collaboration agreements, consortium agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDA), and other research and cooperation agreements. • You will manage projects with international space agencies, research institutions, and industrial partners, notably within the framework of the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and other international space and research partners. • You will advise researchers and project managers on legal issues relating to international research collaborations, intellectual property, liability issues, and other contractual risks. • You will provide support on matters relating to export controls and dual-use goods, working closely with the relevant compliance units at ETH Zurich. • You will provide proactive and solution-oriented advice to researchers and project managers throughout the project life cycle - from initiation to project success. • You will further develop contract templates, guidelines, and standard processes for the efficient and legally compliant management of space and research projects. • You will work closely with ETH transfer, compliance units, and other internal and external stakeholders. • You will contribute significantly to ensuring that international research collaborations are legally sound, while preserving the agency of the research community. Profile ## We are looking for a person capable of quickly grasping complex issues, developing pragmatic solutions, and who enjoys supporting researchers in a leading international research environment. • Education: You hold a university degree in law (or equivalent legal qualification) combined with a solid understanding of technical contexts. • Experience: You have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in international contract law or research management - ideally acquired in an international organization, a technology/space sector company, a space-related authority, or a university. Experience with space agency contracts (e.g., ESA) or space companies is a major asset. • Expertise: You possess in-depth knowledge of Swiss and international contract law. Experience in intellectual property law, technology transfer, or research law is an advantage. • Space law: Knowledge of international space law and sector-related regulatory issues