Risk Manager / Security Officer (m/f/d) 80-100%

• 08 September 2026
• 80 - 100%
• Indefinite duration
• Dübendorf

Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an international network of aquatic research institutes within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, training, and advisory activities to achieve the dual objective of meeting direct human water needs and preserving the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

Risk Manager / Security Officer (m/f/d) 80-100% #

Security requires people who take responsibility.

At Eawag, people from various disciplines work together on solutions to face one of the major challenges of our time: the protection and sustainable use of this resource that is water. For research, laboratory work, technical installations, and daily activities to function safely and reliably, a professional and proactive culture of security and risk management is required. To undertake this both demanding and versatile mission, we are looking, with a start date as soon as possible, for a motivated person for the position of

In this key role, you will actively participate in the management of security and risks at Eawag, as well as its improvement. You will ensure that risks are identified at an early stage, evaluated, and managed effectively. In this context, you will combine strategic risk management with operational security responsibility and work in close collaboration with management, line managers, as well as technical and security managers.

Risk Management (40-50%)

• You coordinate and develop the risk management system at the institute level as well as the related processes, methods, and instruments, and ensure their implementation.
• You advise management and risk owners on strategic and methodological issues, and prepare decision-making bases for the competent bodies.
• You coordinate the annual risk management process and support the relevant research and support services in the identification, evaluation, and management of risks.
• You are responsible for the updating and quality assurance of the risk catalog as well as the traceability of risk management measures.
• You coordinate and prepare the annual risk report for management and the ETH Board.
• You are the interlocutor for all matters concerning risk management audits and reviews and coordinate documentation and positions.
• You improve information, training, and awareness measures and represent Eawag in relevant expert committees within the ETH Domain.

Operational Security (40-50%)

• You assume operational responsibility for the coordination of security at the Dübendorf (ZH) and Kastanienbaum (LU) sites, and advise management on security measures and concepts, as well as on protection objectives.
• You coordinate the development and quality assurance of security directives and tailored training for laboratory, field, and experimental work.
• Within the scope of your duties, you are responsible for occupational safety in general and health protection, as well as the identification of hazards, planning of measures, and monitoring of security requirements.
• You ensure the application of security measures in your area of responsibility and call upon external specialists if necessary.
• You coordinate and monitor the emergency organization and exercises, support the internal Risk team in the event of an incident, and ensure the substitution for the risk management department.
• You participate in the activities of the occupational health management team and the competent steering group, and coordinate the 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, specialized services, and external security partners.
• You represent Eawag in the security bodies and working groups of the ETH Domain.

Your profile

• Several years of professional experience in risk, security, or quality management, 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, security, natural sciences, technology, or a related discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of risk management, ideally according to ISO 31000, and a good understanding of topics related to security and health protection.
• STPS specialist training or STPS expert
• Extensive experience in advising senior management and coordinating processes, projects, and interdisciplinary groups.
• Structured, autonomous, and solution-oriented way of working, ability to make complex issues intelligible.
• Easy communication in German, in another national language, and in English. Confident and engaging attitude towards various stakeholders.

At Eawag, we create a professional environment in which men and women with different experiences, skills, and perspectives can engage and thrive. With us, you are a co-creator! We promote a sense of belonging, exchange, and mutual understanding. We create structures that allow for the reconciliation of life