Legal Counsel / Contracts Specialist for ETH Zurich · Space

Overview In this role you act as the key legal contact for ETH Zurich Space and ETH Swiss GeoLab, guiding researchers through complex contracts and regulatory matters. You will manage an expanding portfolio of space-related collaborations with international partners, ensuring legally sound and efficient project execution. You contribute to the development of contract templates and processes, facilitating cross-border research while safeguarding compliance. This position offers impact at the interface of science, technology, and space policy in a dynamic team.

Leistungen / Benefits international working environment flexible working arrangements public transport season tickets car-sharing schemes sports activities organized by ASVZ childcare and pension schemes Verantwortungsbereiche Review, draft and negotiate complex national and international research and development contracts, including NDAs and collaboration agreements Manage projects with international space agencies and partners (ESA, NASA, JPL) Advise researchers and project managers on legal issues related to international collaborations, IP, liability, and contractual risks Provide guidance on export controls and dual-use goods in coordination with ETH Zurich compliance units Support projects from inception to completion with proactive, solution-oriented advice Develop and refine contract templates, guidelines, and standard processes for space and research projects Coordinate with ETH

transfer, compliance units, and external stakeholders Ensure international collaborations are legally sound while safeguarding researchers' ability to operate Zentrale Anforderungen University degree in law (or equivalent legal qualification) 5+ years of relevant international contract law experience Knowledge of Swiss and international contract law Experience with space agencies or space-sector contracts is advantageous Knowledge of IP, technology transfer or research law is advantageous Experience with export controls (ITAR/EAR) and dual-use regulation advantageous Fluent in German and English (business-level English essential) Strong analytical, negotiation, and risk-management skills Pragmatic, service-oriented mindset and strong communicator negotiation analytical thinking solution-oriented international contract law intellectual property law export controls/regulatory compliance