Professions that support research
Discover the diverse professional fields that contribute to our work to advance research.
Research Funding
You’ll bring your specific expertise to a wide variety of SNSF processes and projects related to research funding. Organising scientific evaluations, supporting funded projects and engaging with working groups or research policy-related topics will all be part of a varied daily routine.
Research Funding Support
Administrative work is the engine that drives the successful organisational and financial implementation and management of research funding. With your in-depth knowledge and multilingual expertise, you’ll be helping researchers to manage their projects optimally.
Information Technology
From business analysis and requirements engineering, to development and operations, to IT security – the fields of activity within the SNSF’s IT department vary widely. You’ll be working in interdisciplinary teams making use of agile methods with the necessary creative freedom.
Human Resources
Our multidisciplinary and innovative HR team is responsible for a modern, flexible and digital work organisation. You’ll keep your projects on track with your dedication and manage your day-to-day business proactively.
Finance
You’ll be dealing with the financial planning, monitoring and processing of research funding. This will involve working with your team to administer the SNSF’s budget, as well as ensuring that funding is used efficiently and that both honorary bodies and external experts are compensated.
Facility Management
As part of the Facility Management team, you’ll be responsible for managing and maintaining the SNSF’s buildings and infrastructure. In particular, the team ensures compliance with safety standards and environmental guidelines within the SNSF’s facilities. This diverse department also includes cleaning, reception and cafeteria roles.
Strategy and Data Team
Drawing on insights from the honorary bodies and SNSF employees as well as scientific findings, the strategy team, guides the SNSF’s constant evolution. As part of this team, you will help ensure that the SNSF pursues a forward-looking and innovative strategy. The Data Team is responsible for data analysis and data-driven communication. In this context, you’ll advise colleagues on data analyses and help manage the SNSF’s data, allowing us to perform successful analyses.
Communication
The Communication section is responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of the SNSF’s multilingual communications. You provide information on the research projects being funded, highlight the impact of research and draw attention to the significance of the SNSF as a public funding organisation. You use a range of internal and external channels – ranging from the SNSF website to social media, all the way to events for members of parliament.
Legal Service
Your job will be to ensure fair funding procedures. You’ll be responsible for the regulations and contracts regulating national and international cooperation. You will also provide advice in sensitive legal and appeals procedures and ensure good governance across the whole of the SNSF.
General Administration
You will work at the interface between SNSF leadership, administration and internal stakeholders. Your work combines organisational, administrative and coordination tasks with a strong sense of responsibility, discretion and service orientation within the SNSF.
Trainees
In collaboration with our partner SwissCore, based in Brussels, we support talented young researchers at the interface of research, innovation and European science policy.
As a graduate trainee in this area, you will be actively involved in current research and innovation related topics, contribute to ongoing projects and gain firsthand insights into the international research landscape. This traineeship provides valuable scientific and policy-related experience and helps lay the foundation for a future career in research management, science policy or related fields.
Working closely with experts at the SNSF and SwissCore, you will develop a deeper understanding of how research funding, innovation and education are connected at both national and European levels.
These traineeship positions are advertised according to current needs and available opportunities. If we are looking for graduate trainees in these areas, the respective positions will be published on our jobs page.
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Apprentices
At the SNSF, apprenticeships are more than an entry point. They are a meaningful first step into a professional environment shaped by responsibility, collaboration and purpose.
As an apprentice at the SNSF, you gain handson experience in a supportive setting, work alongside experienced professionals and develop skills that will be valuable beyond your training. We value curiosity, reliability and a willingness to learn. We aim to create an environment where young professionals can grow, gain confidence and contribute from the very beginning.
An apprenticeship at the SNSF means being part of an organisation that supports research in Switzerland and being entrusted with real tasks that make a difference.
