Job Description

Mission

The Vice-Presidency for Support to Strategic Initiatives (VPS) focuses on large-scale and interdisciplinary programmes in AI, Health and Sustainability (the strategic initiatives). We are looking for an experienced programme manager to lead the strategic coordination and execution of high-impact, cross-cutting health initiatives. This role acts as the primary bridge between EPFL's research excellence and the broader healthcare ecosystem, driving collaborative efforts across multiple health partners in Switzerland to accelerate the translation of scientific discovery into clinical reality.

Main duties and responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Vision:

Architect and maintain a comprehensive roadmap for the VPS health portfolio, aligning short-, medium-, and long-term goals with institutional priorities.

Institutional Alignment:

Coordinate and structure inputs from internal EPFL members to ensure that strategic initiatives reflect institutional needs and cutting-edge research.

Ecosystem & Partnership Management:

Cultivate and manage high-level partnerships with public and private health institutions, research centers, regulatory bodies and industrial partners to support the implementation of health initiatives.

Operational Implementation:

Work closely with EPFL central services to facilitate the seamless rollout of strategic initiatives and remove administrative roadblocks.

Strategic Communication:

Author reports, policy briefs, and strategic documents for institutional leadership, external partners, and international funders.

Governance & Risk:

Proactively manage risks, issues, and opportunities related to the health portfolio, ensuring systematic oversight of all strategic activities.

Resource Mobilization:

Support fundraising efforts to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of key strategic initiatives. Skills and aptitudes

Soft Skills & Mindset

Academic Diplomacy & Communication Systematic Thinking & Judgment Agility & High Stakes Delivery Entrepreneurial Drive

Language:

Fluency in English and French is essential for navigating both the local clinical landscape and the international research community. Knowledge of German is a plus.

Profile

Education & Experience

Advanced Degree:

PhD in Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related field preferred; MBA or Master's in Public Policy/Health is a significant advantage.

Sector Experience:

5 -10 years of experience in roles spanning both academic research environments and the healthcare/medtech industry.

Track Record:

Proven success in managing multi-stakeholder programs.

Technical & Professional Skills

Expertise in Translation:

Understanding of the translational pipeline, including regulatory pathways (Swissmedic/EMA/FDA), clinical trial structures, and Intellectual Property (IP) basics. Good understanding of health data best practices.

Transversal Programme Coordination:

Proven mastery of programme management methodologies applied to complex, non-linear environments. Demonstrated ability to lead transversal coordination, driving progress across diverse departments without direct hierarchical authority.

Analytical Writing and Fundraising:

Ability to distill complex scientific data into clear strategic briefs for non-specialist decision-makers, to write proposals, and to identify funding opportunities.

We offer

A stimulating, dynamic and multicultural work environment; Strong interactions with partner institutions of the ETH-Domain and with key stakeholders of the Swiss health sector; Excellent working conditions and remuneration according to the EPFL salary scale; An inclusive workspace and equal opportunities for all; Competitive salary and benefits package.

Informations

Job Location:

EPFL, Lausanne

Start date:

The position is available as soon as possible.

Terms of employment:

Fixed term (CDD).

Work rate:

100%.

Duration:

1 year (renewable)