Risk Manager / Safety Officer (m/f/d) 80–100%

About the job

With an international network, Eawag is the water research institute of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology (EPF). It conducts research, is committed to education, and provides technical advice. It therefore pursues two parallel objectives: meeting the direct water needs of populations and preserving the functionality and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.

Safety requires people who take responsibility.

At Eawag, people from various disciplines work together on solutions to one of the major challenges of our time: the protection and sustainable use of the resource that is water. For research, laboratory work, technical facilities, and daily activities to operate safely and reliably, a professional and proactive culture of safety and risk management is essential. To take on this demanding and versatile role, we are looking for a motivated person to start as soon as possible for the position of

Risk Manager / Safety Officer (m/f/d) 80–100%

In this key role, you will actively participate in the management and improvement of safety and risk at Eawag. You will ensure early identification, assessment, and effective control of risks. In this context, you will combine strategic risk management with operational safety responsibility and work closely with management, line managers, as well as technical and safety officers.

Risk Management (40–50%)

• You coordinate and develop the institute-wide risk management system, including related processes, methods, and tools, and ensure their implementation.
• You advise management and risk owners on strategic and methodological issues and prepare decision bases for the competent bodies.
• You coordinate the annual risk management process and support the relevant research and support services in identifying, assessing, and managing risks.
• You are responsible for updating and quality assurance of the risk catalogue as well as for tracking risk management measures.
• You coordinate and prepare the annual risk report for management and the EPF Council.
• You are the contact person for all matters concerning audits and reviews of risk management and coordinate documentation and statements.
• You improve information, training, and awareness measures and represent Eawag in relevant expert committees within the EPF domain.

Operational Safety (40–50%)

• You assume operational responsibility for safety coordination at the Dübendorf (ZH) and Kastanienbaum (LU) sites and advise management on safety measures and concepts, as well as protection objectives.
• You coordinate the development and quality assurance of safety guidelines and training tailored to laboratory, field, and experimental work needs.
• Within your remit, you are responsible for occupational safety in general and health protection, including hazard identification, planning of measures, and monitoring of safety requirements.
• You ensure the application of safety measures within your area of responsibility and engage external specialists if necessary.
• You coordinate and control emergency organisation and drills, support the Internal Risk team in case of incidents, and deputise for the risk management department.
• You participate in the activities of the occupational health management team and the competent steering group, coordinating interfaces between occupational safety, health protection, and corporate health management.
• You coordinate and support audits, reviews, and inspections by authorities and ensure good collaboration with authorities, specialised services, and external partners in safety matters.
• You represent Eawag in safety bodies and working groups within the EPF domain.

Your profile

Several years of professional experience in risk management, safety, or quality, ideally in a complex environment with a strong research, academic, or technical component. Holder of a university degree or comparable qualification, ideally related to risk management, safety, natural sciences, engineering, or a related discipline. In-depth knowledge of risk management, ideally according to ISO 31000, and a good understanding of safety and health protection topics. STPS specialist or expert training. Extensive experience advising senior management and coordinating processes, projects, and interdisciplinary groups. Structured, independent, and solution-oriented working method, ability to make complex issues understandable. Fluent communication in German, another national language, and English. Confident and engaging attitude towards various stakeholders.

At Eawag we create a professional environment where men and women with different experiences, skills, and perspectives can engage and thrive. Here, you are a co-creator! We promote a sense of belonging, exchange, and mutual understanding. We create structures that allow a balance between professional and private life and continuously work to remove barriers.

Do you have specific requests regarding the application process or the position, or do you need additional information? Please do not hesitate to let us know: within our possibilities, we will help you find solutions for workplace, schedule, and position arrangements. More information is available online about Eawag and its employment conditions .

The application deadline is 15 October 2026. If necessary, the job offer will remain open until the position is filled. Your application dossier should include the following documents: curriculum vitae (CV), cover letter, work certificates, and relevant diplomas or qualifications.

For further information, Christian Stamm , Deputy Director, is available by e-mail.

Please submit your application only via our online application portal. To access the application form directly, click on the following link.

Risk Manager / Safety Officer (m/f/d) 80–100%