Job Description

Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

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

Safety requires people who take responsibility.

At Eawag, people from a variety of disciplines work together to find solutions to one of the key challenges of our time: the protection and sustainable use of water as a resource. To ensure that research, laboratory work, technical installations and day-to-day operations run safely and reliably, a professional and forward-looking safety and risk culture is required. For this challenging and varied role, we are looking for a committed individual to join us as soon as possible as a

In this key role, you will play an active part in shaping and further developing Eawag’s safety and risk management, and ensure that risks are identified, assessed and effectively managed at an early stage. In this role, you will combine strategic risk management with operational safety responsibilities and work closely with the Directorate, line managers as well as specialist and safety managers.

Risk management (40–50%)

• You will coordinate and further develop the institutional risk management system and the associated processes, methods and tools, and ensure their implementation.
• You will advise the Directorate and risk owners on strategic and methodological issues and prepare the basis for decision-making for the relevant committees.
• You will coordinate the annual risk management process and assist the relevant research and support departments in identifying, assessing and managing risks.
• You will be responsible for the maintenance and quality assurance of the risk catalogue, as well as monitoring risk mitigation measures.
• You will coordinate and author the annual risk reporting for the Directorate and the ETH Board.
• You will be the contact person for risk management audits and reviews, and will coordinate the necessary documentation and position statements.
• You will further develop information, training and awareness-raising measures and represent Eawag on relevant specialist committees within the ETH Domain.

Operational safety (40–50%)

• You will take operational responsibility for safety coordination at the Dübendorf (ZH) and Kastanienbaum (LU) sites and advise the Directorate on safety measures, protection objectives and safety concepts.
• You will coordinate the further development and quality assurance of safety guidelines and requirements-based training for laboratory, field and experimental work.
• As part of your responsibilities, you will be responsible for general occupational health and safety, risk assessments, planning measures and monitoring safety-related requirements.
• You will implement safety-related measures within your area of responsibility and consult external experts where necessary.
• You will coordinate and monitor emergency planning and drills, support the internal crisis management team in the event of an incident, and ensure deputy leadership for the crisis management team.
• You will be part of the occupational health management team or the relevant steering committee and will coordinate the links between occupational health and safety, and occupational health management.
• You will coordinate and accompany audits, inspections and regulatory site visits, and maintain close cooperation with regulatory bodies, specialist departments and external safety partners.
• You will represent Eawag on safety committees and working groups within the ETH Domain.

Your profile

• Several years’ professional experience in risk, safety or quality management, ideally in a complex research, academic or technical environment.
• A university degree or equivalent qualification, ideally in a field related to risk management, safety, natural sciences, engineering or a related discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of risk management, ideally in accordance with ISO 31000, as well as a good understanding of health and safety issues.
• Training as an ASGS specialist or ASGS expert
• Extensive experience in advising senior managers and coordinating cross-functional processes, projects and teams.
• A structured, independent and solution-oriented approach to work, as well as the ability to communicate complex issues clearly.
• Clear communication in German, another national language and English, as well as a confident and courteous manner when dealing with a range of different contacts.

At Eawag, we have a working environment in which people with different experiences, strengths, and perspectives can fully contribute and further develop. Here, you can help us advance! We promote genuine participation, exchange, and mutual understanding. We create structures that enable the compatibility of work and other areas of life, such as care work, and continuously make efforts to reduce barriers.

Do you have specific requirements regarding the application process or the position, or do you need additional information? Talk to us about it - we will be happy to support you with possible flexible workplace, working hours, and job design solutions. For further information please visit our website about Eawag as well as our conditions of employment.

The closing date for applications is 15 October 2026. If necessary, the vacancy will remain open until the post is filled. Please submit the following documents with your application: CV, letter of motivation, relevant employment references, and relevant diplomas and qualifications.

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to email Christian Stamm, Deputy Director.

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.

Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology