Senior Researcher: Dual-Use Technologies and International Security

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 policy consultancy. We specialize in connecting academic insight with real-world applications, providing expertise to Swiss government agencies, international organizations, and the wider public.

The CSS Think Tank covers a range of critical areas, including Swiss and Euro-Atlantic security, risk and resilience, cyber defense, defense policy and armaments acquisition, and conflict resolution and mediation.

Job description

CSS’s think tank is seeking a Senior Researcher specializing in dual-use technologies, their implications for national and international security, and the governance frameworks needed for their responsible development and use. This role involves producing impactful, policy-relevant research, building networks across technology and government sectors, and contributing to CSS’s teaching and outreach initiatives.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Research and Publication: Conduct and publish high-quality, policy-oriented analyses on how technological advancements affect (inter)national security, with a focus on managing governance challenges and risks associated with dual-use technologies.
• Policy Engagement: Participate actively in policy discussions on critical topics such as technology transfer, defense innovation, and the governance of dual-use technologies.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Strengthen relationships among technological, governmental, and academic stakeholders by organizing and attending events, seminars, and international forums.
• Partnership Development: Build and expand strategic partnerships with CSS collaborators, including Swiss government agencies in Bern and international institutions.
• Teaching and Outreach: Support CSS teaching activities, bridging the gap between academic research and policy-making to inform and shape future leaders in security policy.

Profile

• Recognized Expertise: Established, internationally recognized expertise in technology and security.
• Experience: Several years of experience in policy consultancy within a think tank, academia, government, or an international organization.
• Educational Background: PhD or Master’s degree in security studies, international relations, or a related field.
• Analytical and Communication Skills: Exceptional analytical abilities and a proven track record of high-quality, policy-oriented writing.
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English; knowledge of German and French is an advantage.

Workplace

Workplace

We offer

We offer a unique opportunity to develop and showcase your expertise within a prestigious think tank at one of the world’s leading universities, closely connected to the tech-development and the policy-making environment. This position is a fixed-term appointment for three years, with the possibility of renewal. We provide competitive working conditions and a central workplace in Zurich, where your on-site presence will be required. Additionally, our commitment to professional growth means that training and career development are integral to our personnel policy, ensuring support for your ongoing advancement.

We value diversity

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.

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 post
• one to two single-authored writing samples (e.g. an academic article, or policy brief)

Application deadline is 19 December 2024. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about us can be found on our website. For questions about the position, please contact Daniel Moeckli, Head of CSS Think Tank, at moeckli@sipo.gess.ethz.ch (no application documents).

For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.