Legal Counsel in the Field of Human Research (m/f/d)

About the job

Legal Counsel in the Field of Human Research (m/f/d)

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading technical and natural science universities. Within the Vice Presidency for Knowledge Transfer and Economic Relations, the Research Contract Group supports researchers in establishing their projects with national and international partners on a secure legal foundation.

To strengthen our team, we are looking for a solution-oriented individual as Legal Counsel, starting immediately or by arrangement.

Project Background

Your role at the interface between research and law

In this position, you are the central point of contact for legal questions and contracts in the field of human research. You advise researchers as well as central units of ETH Zurich and accompany projects within the scope of the Human Research Act (HRA). You regularly work on projects with a technology-driven focus, especially in connection with digital health solutions, data infrastructures, or medical products. Your activities include the independent drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts with national and international partners as well as the legal support of complex project-related issues.

Job Description

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts for human research projects with national and international partners (e.g. clinical studies, research collaborations, data and material transfer).
• Advising and supporting researchers on legal and regulatory issues in the field of human research (especially according to the HRA).
• Close collaboration with central interfaces, in particular the Legal Service and the Human Research Act Advisory Group, to ensure coherent legal solutions.
• Coordination with internal and external stakeholders, including researchers and hospitals.
• Participation in the further development and standardisation of processes for human research projects within ETH Zurich, focusing on efficient and legally secure procedures.
• Designing and conducting information events and training sessions for researchers on legal aspects of research contracts and human research projects.
• Active shaping of the human research area within the Research Contract Group.

Profile

We are looking for an inclusive personality who quickly grasps complex issues and enjoys close collaboration in a diverse environment.

• Education: You hold a Swiss university degree in law.
• Experience: You bring solid experience in the field of human research and have knowledge of projects at the interface of science and application. Experience in the areas of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or software-based health solutions as well as in the legal or operational support of corresponding research projects in an academic or industrial environment is an advantage.
• Skills: You possess excellent analytical and conceptual skills, negotiation skills, and assertiveness, as well as the ability to quickly familiarise yourself with new topics and flexibly handle complex issues. A quick grasp and a high degree of personal responsibility characterise you, as does an efficient and precise working style.
• Languages: You communicate and negotiate fluently in German and English (spoken and written). Knowledge of French is an advantage.
• Mindset: You work efficiently, precisely, and solution-oriented and have a pronounced team spirit and high social competence. You have the necessary sensitivity in the third-party funding environment of a university to know when researchers need to be supported quickly and pragmatically.

By formulating clear and unambiguous contractual provisions, you lay the foundation for the later practical implementation of research results. You are able to independently organise a heterogeneous portfolio of transactions and complete them on time. By working swiftly, solution-oriented, and prudently, you enable researchers to carry out their excellent projects.

If you also have an interest in scientific, technical, and economic contexts and want to work in the exciting environment of cutting-edge research, you bring ideal prerequisites.

Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive changes in society. We are committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.

We offer

 

• A large, experienced team of lawyers;
• Numerous benefits, such as public transport subscriptions and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits;
• Flexible working and the possibility of home office.

Working, Teaching and Researching at ETH Zurich

Diversity and Sustainability are Important to Us

In line with our values , ETH Zurich supports an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunities, value diversity, and foster a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all employees and students are respected. On our Equal Opportunities and Diversity webpage , you can learn how we ensure a fair and open environment where everyone can develop and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Work certificates and diplomas

Further information about the Research Contract Group can be found on our website . For enquiries, Ms Alexa Mundy (alexa.mundy@sl.ethz.ch) (no application documents) will be happy to assist you.

Please apply exclusively via the online application portal. Applications by e-mail or post will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

For personnel placement, the ETH Zurich General Terms and Conditions apply.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the best technical and natural science universities in the world. We are known for our excellent teaching, pioneering basic research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. More than 30,000 people from over 120 countries find an environment here that promotes independent thinking and a climate that inspires top performance. Located in the heart of Europe and connected worldwide, we develop solutions together for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.