ETH Zurich (Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland), one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, stands for excellence in education, in pioneering fundamental and applied research, and in the application of scientific results for the benefit of society. ETH Zurich forms, together with EPFL and the four federal research institutes PSI, WSL, Empa and Eawag, the ETH Domain. The ETH Board, the strategic management and supervisory body of the ETH Domain, is advertising the position of

President of ETH Zurich

to succeed the current president, whose term of office will end in December 2026. In accordance with its mandate, the ETH Board is responsible for proposing a candidate for this position to the Swiss Federal Council.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. The university is renowned for its outstanding education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge to society. Over 37,000 individuals from more than 120 countries study, teach, carry out research and work at ETH Zurich in an entrepreneurial environment featuring state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Requirements

You have an internationally distinguished scientific track record in a core area of ETH Zurich. As an experienced leader in an academic or research organisation, you can shape and lead the strategic development of ETH Zurich, aiming to further strengthen its scientific excellence in research and education, reinforcing its position as a globally leading university, and nurturing a positive institutional culture. You are able to identify and foster outstanding individuals and visionary ideas, and set priorities on scientific, technological, sustainability-related, and societal issues. Additionally, you have proven participative management skills and fund-raising abilities. You are committed to developing ETH Zurich’s future and to jointly shape the entire ETH Domain.

You possess excellent social and negotiation skills, along with an inspiring presence that allows you to bring people together. You are committed to promoting respect and diversity as well as to creating an inclusive work environment. You champion integrity, build trust and constructively handle conflicts.

You understand Switzerland’s political structures, legislative processes and cultural diversity. You have a strong network both within the scientific community and outside of it. Moreover, you are interested in cooperating with Swiss and international academic, economic and philanthropic partners. You have a proven ability to communicate, supported by an excellent command of German and English, and preferably have working knowledge of French.

Ideally, you are willing to hold office for at least two terms (i.e. eight years), and could assume this position at the beginning of 2027.

Applications

Please submit your complete application to ETHZPresident@perrettlaver.com by 31 October 2025. Perrett Laver is assisting the ETH Board in the coordination of the selection process. The President of the ETH Board, Professor Michael O. Hengartner, will be happy to provide any additional information you need (michael.hengartner@ethrat.ch, +41 58 856 86 01).

We encourage women and those from underrepresented groups to apply.

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. Your data will be used only in connection with your application and in accordance with Swiss data protection laws. By submitting your application, you consent to your data being shared with and processed by Perrett Laver for this purpose.

To view this advert in German please visit https://ethrat.ch/de/eth-rat/offene-stellen/

To view this advert in French please visit https://ethrat.ch/fr/conseil-des-epf/offres-d-emploi/

To view this advert in Italian please visit https://ethrat.ch/it/consiglio-dei-pf/posti-vacanti/