Head Human Resources
Empa, Materials Science and Technology
Dübendorf
Key information
- Publication date:26 August 2025
- Workload:100%
- Contract type:Permanent position
- Place of work:Dübendorf
Empa is an interdisciplinary research institution within the ETH domain that has been driving innovations in the field of materials science and technology for over 140 years. Around 1,100 employees from more than 50 nations conduct research at three locations (Dübendorf, St. Gallen, and Thun) on solutions that combine scientific excellence with societal relevance.
Head Human Resources
As an employer, Empa places great value on a responsible, future-oriented, and life-friendly work culture. To ensure this is lived at all levels and that the organization can continue to operate successfully in a demanding scientific environment, we are looking for an experienced, integral, and strong personality with a shaping influence.
Your tasks
You will take on the strategic, professional, and personnel overall responsibility for HR management in a dynamic, academic research environment. You position yourself as a central sparring partner for the management, strengthen strategic leadership work, modernize processes, and promote a forward-looking, innovation-friendly, inter- and transdisciplinary corporate culture. Together with your team, you accompany employees and managers throughout the entire employee lifecycle – in research, technology, administration, and management. At the same time, you contribute significantly to positioning Empa as an attractive, value-oriented employer in the international competition for the best talents. The HR team consists of around 15 well-trained HR professionals who work with modern IT applications in all disciplines.
Focus areas:
- Strategy & Governance
- HR Organization & Leadership
- Digitalization
- Personnel Development & Culture
- Employer Branding & Recruitment
- Collaboration within the ETH domain & with federal authorities
- Interface to the ETH Board, institutions of the ETH domain, and federal offices
- Representation of Empa in internal and external HR committees and projects
Your profile
You have completed your studies with a specialization in Human Resources Management and possess sound knowledge of labor law, preferably in the public law environment. You can demonstrate at least eight years of professional experience and have several years of experience as a leader in a comparable position. You bring proven expertise in transformation and process management, organizational development, and the implementation of personnel strategies, especially in the area of digitalization. Your very good German and English skills enable you to communicate fluently in an international, multicultural environment. French skills are an advantage.
You convince through:
- strategic thinking and implementation strength
- communicative sovereignty and integrity
- sense of responsibility and decisiveness
- social competence and willingness to shape
- ambiguity tolerance and solution-oriented action
Our offer
- An exciting position in a dynamic research environment
- Great scope for design
- Open, respectful corporate culture
- Contemporary employment conditions
- Cooperative working environment
We live a culture of inclusion and respect. Everyone who is interested in innovative, sustainable, and meaningful activities is welcome here – that is all that matters.
We look forward to receiving your complete online application. Please submit it exclusively via our application portal. Direct applications are preferred. Applications by e-mail or postal mail will not be considered.
