ABOUT UZH.AI
UZH.ai is the AI Hub of the University of Zurich — one of Europe's leading comprehensive universities, spanning 7 faculties from medicine and law to the natural sciences and social sciences. We connect over 200 researchers across disciplines, co-organize AI+X, support the growing UZH.ai community, and are building the UZH.ai Fellowship Program to support outstanding PhD researchers working at the intersection of AI and society.
The Hub is a one stop shop for everything AI at the University of Zurich. Teachers and staff find tools, courses and inspiration on the usage of AI, external partners find (research) collaborations through UZH.ai and the initiative promotes the safe and responsible use of AI in research, teaching and among UZH staff colleagues.
THE ROLE
We are looking for a Senior AI Engagement Lead to act as a highly credible, externally visible figurehead for UZH.ai in the Swiss AI ecosystem and key international fora. You will operate at the interface of academia, startups, industry, and policy-making, using your personal track record and network to open doors, build alliances, and help position UZH as a shaping voice in AI strategy, funding, and ecosystem development.
This is not a communications role. You will operate at the interface of academia, policy, and the AI ecosystem: building relationships with federal and cantonal actors, international AI initiatives, and funding bodies; preparing UZH's presence at key AI policy fora including the Global AI Summit 2027; and driving a pipeline of external grants and consortia. You are motivated by impact on the ecosystem and public good and will work closely with the UZH.ai Project Lead, the Digital Strategy Board, and UZH leadership.
Typical backgrounds we are particularly interested in:
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UZH (or other Swiss university) alumni who have founded, scaled, and successfully exited a tech startup, and now want to give back to the Swiss AI ecosystem.
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Senior ecosystem or policy leaders with 10–15+ years of relevant experience who wish to take on a strategic, part-time role alongside other activities.
Requirements
RESPONSIBILITIES
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Act as a high-credibility external representative of UZH.ai in the Swiss and European AI ecosystem (federal and cantonal actors, funding agencies, startup hubs, industry associations, international AI initiatives).
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Map and regularly update UZH.ai on strategically relevant AI policy processes, funding programmes, and large-scale infrastructure initiatives (Swiss, EU, international), highlighting concrete opportunities and risks.
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Map and regularly update UZH.ai on strategically relevant AI policy processes, funding programmes, and large-scale infrastructure initiatives (Swiss, EU, international), highlighting concrete opportunities and risks.
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Represent UZH and coordinate its presence at key AI policy events, working groups, and ecosystem fora (digitalswitzerland, federal AI groups, Geneva AI governance fora, etc.)
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Lead preparation and delivery of UZH's engagement at high-profile events such as the Global AI Summit 2027 (programme contributions, side events, delegation, and messaging), together with UZH leadership and the Digital Strategy Board.
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Identify and orchestrate UZH participation in large AI consortia and infrastructure initiatives (including “CERN-for-AI”-type proposals), coordinating faculty contributions internally.
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Drive 2–3 priority external funding applications per year, leading the political, ecosystem, and stakeholder-engagement components in collaboration with PIs, UZH.ai, DSI, and the UZH Research Office.
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Provide short, structured, and occasionally time-critical briefings to the Digital Strategy Board and UZH leadership, including clear recommendations.
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Support UZH.ai’s positioning in national and international AI collaborations with other universities, public bodies, and industry.
PROFILE
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Master's degree or PhD, ideally from UZH or another Swiss university, in a relevant field (e.g. computer science, data science, engineering, economics, law, political science).
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Either:
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You have founded and scaled a tech or AI-related startup and successfully exited (trade sale, IPO, or equivalent), or
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You have at least 10–15 years of experience in senior roles in AI-related policy, ecosystem development, strategic stakeholder engagement, or research/innovation funding.
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A strong personal network in Swiss and/or European AI policy, government, research funding, and/or startup and innovation circles, with a track record of using that network to get things done.
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Deep understanding of how government policies, regulation, and funding instruments influence startup and scale-up success, ideally based on your own founder or investor experience.
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Proven ability to operate in politically sensitive, multi-stakeholder environments: you can align interests, negotiate trade-offs, and quietly unlock solutions without damaging relationships.
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Credible independent voice: you are comfortable representing UZH in senior fora, shaping narratives, and saying “no” when needed.
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Strategic and structured working style: you prioritise for impact, communicate clearly in writing and speech, and deliver without micro-management.
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Familiarity with Swiss higher education and research funding structures is a strong asset.
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Genuine motivation to strengthen the AI ecosystem in Switzerland and to support excellent, responsible AI research.
Benefits
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A genuinely strategic role at the intersection of AI research, policy, and ecosystem building
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Direct access to UZH leadership and the Digital Strategy Board
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The chance to shape UZH's role in some of the most consequential AI policy and funding processes of the coming years, including the Global AI Summit 2027
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A collaborative environment that values initiative and impact over hierarchy
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Flexible, hybrid working arrangements based in central Zurich
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UZH employment conditions including pension, social insurance, and professional development support
UZH is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities, diverse gender identities, and varied professional paths. We actively support combining employment with care responsibilities.
