Senior Researcher and Lecturer in the Area of Circular Economy and Sustainable Business Models (60 % - 100 %)

Transitioning to a circular economy is essential to addressing the sustainability challenges of today's world. Are you passionate about supporting companies, educating our future managers, and conducting research to drive this transition? Support our team with your knowledge and experience!

School: School of Management and Law

Starting date: September or by mutual agreement

We are seeking a Senior Researcher and Lecturer in the area of Circular Economy who understands the business implications of the circular economy and can translate this knowledge into impactful research and teaching.

• Research projects: You will apply for research grants (e.g., Innossuisse, SNSF, Repic) and lead research projects independently, supported by the team of the Center.
• Research and publication: You will carry out independent research and publish your findings in relevant journals. In your research, you will deal with current issues in the circular economy and contribute to the development of the field.
• Teaching and continuing education: You will teach and (co-) develop courses in the broader field of circular economy at the bachelor, master, and executive levels.
• Advice and expertise: You are available as an expert on circular economy issues and advise both internal and external stakeholders. You will contribute your specialist knowledge to discussion groups, specialist conferences, and consultations.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: You will work closely with colleagues from the Center and other specialist areas to develop innovative solutions for the complex issues of the circular economy.
• A PhD in management, engineering or natural sciences with practical and technical experience in the area of circular economy and/or sustainability (e.g., business model development, LCA calculations, material flow analyses, cascading, Scope 3, carbon neutrality, carbon capture, etc.)
• Proven track record in acquiring research grants (e.g., Innossuisse, SNSF, Repic)
• Ability to lead industry-academia partnerships, including collaborations with corporate partners on research projects or funding efforts, or an eagerness to build these capabilities.
• Experience in teaching to different audiences, demonstrated by excellent evaluations
• Leadership skills, communication skills, and entrepreneurial spirit
• Excellent communication skills in English are essential; a good knowledge of German is a plus

Candidates should send an electronic application, including an application letter, a curriculum vitae that ideally also shows their project funding success, a written sample of scientific work (e.g., journal article, PhD thesis, etc.), and the names of two referees. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The candidate will join a highly motivated and closely collaborating team of researchers and teachers. We offer an inspiring, dynamic, and collegial environment with a high degree of independence and many possibilities for bringing in one's own ideas and creativity. In addition to a competitive salary and favorable employment conditions, we offer an excellent location on our Winterthur campus in the canton of Zurich, a "green garden" environment with high living standards and good connections.

Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14'000 students and 3'400 faculty and staff.

The ZHAW School of Management and Law (SML) is one of the largest business schools in Switzerland with around 9,500 students. It is the only university of applied sciences in the country that is included in renowned rankings published by the business newspaper “Financial Times" and is accredited by AACSB and EQUIS – labels for high quality standards in teaching, research and further education. The internationally recognized bachelor's and master's degree programs, cooperative PhD programs and the numerous continuing education offerings are scientifically sound, interdisciplinary and practice oriented. The SML maintains numerous collaborations with over 190 selected partner universities worldwide.

You will join the Circular Economy Lab within the Zurich Center for Sustainability Leadership. The Center deals with questions relating to corporate responsibility and sustainability management from environmental, social, and strategic perspectives. Our purpose is to advance and disseminate knowledge that helps students, leaders, companies, and other stakeholders to become more ethical, responsible, and sustainable. We develop practically relevant strategies and tools, assist companies in their conception and implementation, and provide specialist training. In dealing with interdisciplinary topics, we cooperate with specialists from other departments and other ZHAW schools, as well as with partner universities and business partners in Switzerland and abroad.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams in order to promote equality, diversity and innovation. In order to increase the proportion of women in management positions, applications from women are particularly welcome.

Wir bieten hochschulgerechte Arbeits- und Anstellungsbedingungen an und fördern aktiv die Personalentwicklung unserer Mitarbeitenden und Führungspersonen. Eine detaillierte Beschreibung der Vorteile ist auf der Webseite «Arbeiten an der ZHAW» zu finden. Hier die wichtigsten Eckpunkte:

Prof. Dr. Marco Clemente

Co-Head Center for Corporate Responsibility

Tanja Schmid

Recruiting Manager