Operations Manager - EPFL AI Center

EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institution: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 17,000 people, including over 12,500 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Mission

The EPFL AI Center focuses on advancing research, education and innovation in AI at EPFL and beyond. It is at the core of a vibrant EPFL community and dynamic external ecosystem that includes a large number of partners and stakeholders in AI, including academia, industry, government, and international organisations.

To complement and lead our team, we seek a dynamic Operations Manager who will support the Directors in the practical implementation, operational management, and coordination of the activities of the EPFL AI Center. This role emphasizes hands-on execution, administrative oversight, financial management and effective coordination among internal and external stakeholders.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Finance management, including account and budget management, controlling and reporting
• Operational implementation of AI Center's strategic initiatives
• Day-to-day management of the AI Center's operations
• Workplace management
• Supervision of administrative tasks
• Supporting a broad and diverse fundraising strategy

Additional responsibilities in close collaboration with the AI Center team members:

• Support of research programs
• Support of industry partnership programs
• Support of public relationships, including events with partners

Profile

• Higher education in business administration, finance, accounting or equivalent through experience
• Proven experience in day-to-day operational management, including administrative, financial, and organizational processes
• A previous work experience in academia, or in the Swiss higher education system is an asset
• Strong numerical skills, particularly in preparing financial reports and forecasts, as well as audits
• Project management experience is an asset
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Practical, solution-oriented mindset with a strong sense of responsibility
• Experience in small team supervision ideally in a dynamic and agile environment
• Interest in AI-related topics and innovation
• Fluency in both English and French.

We offer

• Excellent working conditions
• An opportunity to develop in a multicultural and stimulating environment
• A very dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international working environment

Informations

• Contract Start Date: October 1, 2026
• Activity Rate: 80%
• Contract Type: CDD
• Duration: 1 year, renewable
• Reference: 2271 jpidff5574ejm jpit0625jm jpiy26jm