The Institutional Affairs Unit supports the EPFL Presidency in the national and international positioning of the School, contributing to its development and the promotion of its interests. This position aims to support efforts to valorise and apply academic knowledge in the field of public policy (science-policy) at the national level, highlighting its expertise and contributing to the Impact 2025-2028 strategy, notably within Axis 5 "Strengthening engagement for policy and diplomacy".

Establish an interface between the EPFL academic community and political actors

• Set up and manage a central institutional contact point within the Institutional Affairs Unit, in close collaboration with the Vice-Presidency for Innovation and Impact and Mediacom.
• Define and optimise standardised processes to facilitate researchers' access to support and resources.
• Maintain an up-to-date dynamic mapping of political actors and EPFL experts involved in "science-public policy" initiatives to facilitate interaction and collaboration.
• Contribute to EPFL's Impact strategy by coordinating and structuring feedback.
  
  

Strengthen knowledge transfer to policy by developing EPFL's internal capacities

• Based on monitoring federal and cantonal political developments, propose targeted support to the academic community for the valorisation of its research. This includes providing contextual information, drafting reports in coordination with relevant actors at EPFL (centres, faculties, vice-presidencies).
• Organise internal training and workshops in collaboration with Mediacom to develop the EPFL community's capacity to actively engage in dialogue with political actors.
  
  

Foster exchanges between the EPFL academic community and political actors by supporting networking

• Facilitate regular and structured exchanges between academic experts and political decision-makers, notably through meetings, seminars, and thematic events.
• Propose initiatives aimed at connecting EPFL researchers with political actors on emerging issues, to network actors and build trustful relationships.
• Ensure coherent representation of EPFL in exchanges with cantonal and national political actors, ensuring alignment with institutional messages, with the support of the Institutional Affairs Unit.
• Actively participate in working groups between different EPFL units for a coordinated approach to "science-public policy" initiatives.

• Significant professional experience in research valorisation, scientific communication, or political affairs, with in-depth knowledge of Swiss federal and cantonal institutions and the national political landscape.
• Mastery of institutional processes of a higher education institution, ideally acquired through academic experience or related sectors.
• Excellent understanding of cantonal and federal political dynamics, notably in energy, environment, health, and digital policies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in French and English, as well as professional proficiency in German.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate engagement actions, manage diverse stakeholders, and structure effective and coherent institutional processes.

• Master's degree or doctorate, complemented by at least three years of professional experience in research valorisation, scientific communication, or political affairs with confirmed competence in project management and strategic communication.

• A stimulating and inclusive working environment that values the quality and excellence of contributions from all members of our community.
• The opportunity to contribute to innovative projects aimed at strengthening EPFL's impact on public policies, highlighting the quality and excellence of our academic knowledge.
• Equal opportunities for all, within a working environment respectful of diversity and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

For readability, the generic masculine is used in this announcement; it applies to all gender identities.

Start date: 01/09/2026

Minimum workload: 80.00

Maximum workload: 100.00

Contract type: Fixed-term

Duration: 1 year

Reference: 2269