Partnership and Business Developer

Are you passionate about driving positive impact in our society through AI? Are you motivated to help EPFL unleash its enormous potential in AI and position the institution at the forefront of AI in Switzerland and  worldwide? Do you have experience in establishing and managing excellent collaborations between researchers and industry partners? 

Apply now

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 supplement our team, we seek a dynamic Partnership and Business Developer with a can-do mindset. The Partnership and Business Developer builds, supports and nurtures a trustful relationship between industrial partners and the research, education and innovation ecosystem of the EPFL AI Center and the Swiss National AI Institute. You will be able to identify needs and requirements to develop industry-academia collaboration. You will be a privileged point of contact for multiple collaboration models in the various EPFL AI Center initiatives. 

Your mission will be to develop and execute strategic industry partnership programs in the EPFL AI Center and the Swiss National AI Institute, as well as support and manage the whole lifecycle of different partnership programs. In the course of this, you will interact with a large number of stakeholders in- and outside EPFL, and collaborate tightly with ETHZ AI Center. You will also work closely with the EPFL Vice-Presidency for Innovation and Impact (VPI), developing a solid knowledge of the EPFL Innovation ecosystem, including research laboratories, students and startups, to become a privileged point of contact for a portfolio of companies in the AI industry and a trusted point of contact for researchers in the EFPL AI Center.

• Build relationships with new industry partners, identify new potential industry partners in AI (prospection, networking, market research,…)
• Be proactive in proposing new potential collaboration opportunities by following EPFL research activities
• Resolve any issues and problems the partner faces and deal with complaints to maintain trust and enrich existing collaboration
• Serve as the communication link between companies, researchers, EPFL AI Center, Swiss National AI Institute, as well as EPFL & VPI teams and services, for industry partnerships in AI
• Represent the EPFL AI Center and the Swiss National AI Institute, and  organize industrial visits and meetings.
• Prepare regular reports of progress and forecasts using key account metrics.
• Acquire a thorough understanding of companies and professors' needs and ensure appropriate collaboration models and services are developed and delivered. Link to other EPFL entities depending on the needs.
• Acquire a strong knowledge and understanding of EPFL AI ecosystem for helping companies to identify the right partners for their innovation projects

• Degree in science or engineering (Master or Doctorate), demonstrating in-depth understanding of entrepreneurial or project management  processes and solid scientific expertise, ideally in AI.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience, ideally in a dynamic environment.
• Former experience in product development and/or innovation management in a technology company, or comsulting. Experience in providing solutions based on customer needs.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, and thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with aptitude in building relationships with professionals of all organization levels and different cultures.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability in problem-solving and negotiation.
• Desire to create wider impact through your work. Passion for the field of AI.  
• Team player, autonomous, curious with a strong commitment to results.
• Familiarity with research and education sectors.
• Proficiency in English and French.

Please note that only applications meeting the criteria of the advertisement will be considered.

• Collaborative and innovative work environment
• Access to a diverse and dynamic community of researchers, entrepreneurs and industry experts
• A stimulating and friendly work atmosphere with excellent working condition
• An inclusive workspace and equal opportunities for all

Contract Start Date : as soon as possible

Activity Rate Min : 80.00 

Activity Rate Max :

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year, renewable 

Reference: 1960