Assistant to the Head of Research (80–100%)
Posted on May 22, 2026 (2 days ago)
About Swiss TPH
The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) is a globally renowned institute in the field of global health with a special focus on low- and middle-income countries. Associated with the University of Basel, Swiss TPH combines research, teaching and services at the local, national and international levels. Around 1,000 people from 96 countries work at Swiss TPH in areas such as infectious and non-communicable diseases, environment and health, society and health, and health systems and programmes.
Role overview
We are looking for an Assistant to the Head of Research to start on 1 August 2026 or by agreement. In this 80–100% role you will provide administrative and organisational support to the Head of Research (responsible for ~400 staff), coordinate central processes and help ensure that global health projects advance efficiently. You will also hold personnel responsibility for the seven assistants in the Research Admin Team.
Main responsibilities
- Coordinate appointments with internal and external partners, manage the Head of Research's agenda, and organise meetings, events, workshops and smaller functions
- Handle general administrative tasks: minute-taking, correspondence, expense management, invoicing and maintenance of address databases
- Prepare and obtain decision-making documents for briefings, reports, structured overviews, budgets and monitoring
- Coordinate support for 35 research group leaders
- Organise, prepare and follow up on research meetings and conferences (Research Council and Senior Research Council) and the weekly Research Plenary
- Coordinate collaboration with other departments within Swiss TPH
Profile / Requirements
- At least 5 years of experience as an assistant, preferably at executive/directorate level
- 3–5 years of leadership experience and strong delegation skills
- Excellent spoken and written German and English; good French is an advantage; strong intercultural competence
- Highly independent work style, strong sense of responsibility, excellent prioritisation skills and flexibility to respond to short-term requests while maintaining high quality
- Service-oriented, critical, innovative and proactive personality with excellent manners, utmost reliability and discretion, high resilience and a team-oriented attitude
- Excellent MS Office skills and quick aptitude for new IT tools
We offer
- Contribution to the meaningful mission of a renowned international institute for global health
- A supportive, collegial and multicultural working environment
- A modern workplace at our headquarters in Allschwil, in the centre of a leading life-sciences and biotech cluster
- Opportunities to collaborate with specialists across disciplines and career stages
- Various offers for professional and personal development
- Attractive working conditions that, depending on the role, may include remote work and flexible working hours
Conditions
- Start date: 1 August 2026 or by agreement
- Contract duration: permanent
- Working percentage: 80–100%
- Workplace: Allschwil, Switzerland
- Travel: none
- Internal job title: Administrative Officer
How to apply
Please submit the following documents via our online application platform:
- CV
- Motivation letter including the names and contact details (email and/or telephone) of 1–2 referees
- Certificates and references
Application process and contact
Swiss TPH values an inclusive and diverse working environment and is committed to equal opportunities. We only accept applications submitted through our online platform. As long as the vacancy is listed on our website, we welcome new applications. Applications by email or via agencies will not be considered.
If you have content-related questions, please contact Sonja Bühler, Lead Recruiting Partner, at +41 61 284 87 78.
Apply online: https://jobs.swisstph.ch/Vacancies/1160/Application/CheckLogin/1?lang=deu