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ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities 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 for innovation is being created through the recruitment of high-calibre researchers of international standing and the expansion of 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 in ensuring that their projects with national and international partners are built on a solid legal foundation. To strengthen our team, we are seeking, with immediate effect or by agreement, a committed, solution-oriented and strong negotiator to take on the role of Legal Counsel for ETH Zurich │ Space. Job description Your role at the interface between space research and law In this role, you will be the key 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 around 20 legal professionals in the Research Contracts Group, where you will benefit from their broad expertise and mutual exchange of ideas. Your personal focus will be on independently managing the space-related portfolio. Against the backdrop of a steadily growing number of collaborations, you will facilitate and promote the conclusion of contracts between ETH researchers and space-related organisations – 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 to 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, the processing of geo-information and the use of space data on Earth. In doing so, you also act as a bridge to Swiss stakeholders in government bodies and the business sector. You will support scientists with their projects from the initial idea for collaboration right through to the conclusion of a contract and lay the legal foundations for world-class international research in a highly dynamic environment. Your key responsibilities - You will independently review, draft and negotiate complex national and international research and development contracts, in particular Research Collaboration Agreements, Consortium Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and other research and cooperation agreements. - You will manage projects with international space agencies, research institutions and industry partners, particularly within the context 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 matters 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 entire project lifecycle – from project initiation to successful completion. - 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 make a significant contribution to ensuring that international research collaborations are legally sound, whilst at the same time safeguarding the research community’s ability to act. Profile We are looking for s