Research Center Development Advisor

The National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Separations, hosted by EPFL and funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, unites leading Swiss institutions to transform separation science for environmental and energy sustainability. A cornerstone of the NCCR's long-term vision is the creation of the Materials Centre for Advanced Separations (MCAS), a shared national platform that will provide academic, government, and industrial researchers with access to the infrastructure, tools, and databases developed within the NCCR, and will ensure the longevity of its activities beyond the funding period. MCAS is currently in its design and build-out phase, with the majority of its equipment to be installed from summer 2027 onwards. The successful candidate will therefore have the opportunity to shape the platform from its foundations.

To prepare the launch of MCAS, we are seeking a Research Center Development Advisor who will work directly with the NCCR Director to define and implement the centre's strategic roadmap.

• Develop the strategic plan for the launch of MCAS, intially focused on the EPFL Valais Wallis site, including its mission, governance structure, access model, service portfolio, and operating model.
• Design a financial sustainability model, including cost structures, pricing of services, and diversified funding streams from public and private sources.
• Conduct stakeholder mapping and needs assessments across academia, industry, and government, and translate findings into the MCAS value proposition.
• Coordinate with EPFL services (technology transfer, legal, finance, infrastructure) and with NCCR partner institutions to align the centre's setup with institutional frameworks.
• Map the landscape of related Swiss research infrastructures and identify opportunities for future strategic alignment and partnerships beyond EPFL.
• Establish a phased launch roadmap aligned with the equipment commissioning schedule, including clear milestones, resource requirements, and risk management.
• Support industry engagement and partnership development in coordination with the NCCR's knowledge and technology transfer activities.
• Prepare strategic documents, business plans, and presentations for the NCCR Management, EPFL leadership, and funding bodies.

• Master's degree or PhD in science, engineering, business administration, or a related field.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, business development, innovation management, or the setup of research infrastructures or technology platforms.
• Strong understanding of the Swiss research and innovation landscape; experience with academic-industrial collaboration is a significant asset.
• Excellent project management, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while engaging a broad range of stakeholders.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French or German is an asset.

• The opportunity to shape a national research platform from its inception.
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary environment within a leading technical university.