• 05/06/2025
• UniDistance Suisse · Jobs

Located on a modern campus in Brig, UniDistance Suisse is an accredited university institute in accordance with the Swiss Higher Education Act (HEdA), which been offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees programmes and continuing education and training programmes in the faculties of Law, Psychology, Mathematics and Computer Science, Economics and History for over 30 years. These programmes meet highest quality standards and can be attended in parallel with family life, professional or sporting career, in a flexible distance learning model. The university institute is aiming for accreditation as a «University of Valais» in 2027, marking a historic milestone.

With nearly 2,400 students and 500 employees of whom more than 450 are involved in teaching and research activities, UniDistance Suisse has a strong academic community. We are consistently committed to diversity, equality and inclusion to create an inspiring and supportive working environment for all.

To strengthen and further develop our scientific research activities, UniDistance Suisse is looking for a committed personality as  

Head of Grants Office (80-100%)

The open position is part of the Rectorate’s Office and reports to the Vice-Rector for Research. As the central point of contact for all matters relating to the acquisition of third-party funding, you will help  researchers at all career stages to find suitable funding opportunities, advise them on the application process and support them in the administration of ongoing grants. Together with the Office of the Vice-Rector for Research, you will use your knowledge of funding policy, evaluation and valorisation of research to help create framework conditions that strengthen excellence and visibility for our institution.

Your tasks

• Establish a Grants Office and corresponding services for UniDistance Suisse.
• Consult personally and administratively support researchers in the acquisition of third-party funding and the use of internal research funds, as well as the implementation of research projects. Closely cooperate with the Finance department.
• Promote research and networking at national and international level.
• Gather information on public and private funding programmes and corresponding research policies (e.g. Open Science). Communicate to researchers. Organise information events. 
• Support young researchers and consult them in their career development.
• Network at institutional, national and international level.
• Contribute to the valorisation of funded research.
• Set up and manage an internal project database.

Your profile

• Academic qualification: Doctoral degree (or equivalent experience in a research-intensive environment), ideally in one of UniDistance Suisse's areas of expertise.
• Experience: Proven experience in the higher education sector, specifically in the field of competitive funding acquisition, funding policy and valorisation of research.
• Skills: Analytical thinking, strong organisational and communication skills, initiative and team spirit, stress resistance.
• Languages: Fluent in spoken and written English; excellent knowledge of German or French with good knowledge of the other language.
• Leadershipcompetencies and team management experience, or willingness to acquire them.
• Additional: Statistical and programming skills are a plus.

We offer

• Plenty of room for manoeuvre: You are taking up an exciting, newly created position.
• Stimulating work environment: You will work in a dynamic and constantly evolving academic environment with diverse projects that leave room for creativity and innovation.
• Attractive employment conditions: UniDistance Suisse offers numerous benefits, such as contribution to travel expenses, generous social benefits and an attractive continuing education policy.
• Flexibility: We guarantee a hybrid working model with a high degree of organisational flexibility that supports your work-life balance.
• Dedicated team: At UniDistance Suisse, you will be part of a dedicated, multidisciplinary team that is committed to innovation and the success of our projects.
• Modern and pleasant working environment: Our campus is just a few minutes' walk from the charming old town of Brig and the SBB railway station, close to beautiful natural areas and well-known mountain regions. It therefore offers a unique and inspiring working environment.

Your application 

We look forward to receiving your complete application (letter of motivation max. 2 pages, CV including list of publications, proof of academic degrees, copies of diplomas and titles, work references, indication of two reference contacts) by e-mail in one single PDF document by 13^th July 2025 at the latest to Human Resources: jobs@unidistance.ch. 

Applications will be considered from people who are resident in Switzerland or are considering doing so in the future.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr Anthony Strittmatter, Full Professor of Economics and Vice-Rector for Research ad interim: anthony.strittmatter@unidistance.ch.