Innosuisse promotes science-based innovations for tomorrow's Switzerland and helps start-ups and SMEs to seize opportunities of the future and be internationally competitive.

Scientific Advisor / Program Manager (m/w/d) 80-100%

In this position, you will be responsible for the operational implementation, further development, and strategic coordination of Innosuisse’s innovation support instruments—specifically the Innovation Booster and Entrepreneurship Training programmes. You will play a key role in enabling the effective funding of innovative ideas and strengthening Switzerland’s innovation ecosystem.

You will work closely with internal departments, external partner organisations, the Innovation Council and its subgroups, and actively represent Innosuisse in national and regional networks.

Your responsibilities:

• Operational management and further development of the Innovation Booster and Entrepreneurship Training programmes
• Coordinating application and selection processes, monitoring of funding decisions, and ensuring effective project tracking
• Advising and supporting applicants and project leads throughout the entire funding lifecycle
• Close collaboration with expert panels, Booster managers, training providers, and external stakeholders to ensure quality and monitor the impact of funded activities
• Helping to design and maintain community structures within the programmes and supporting the onboarding of new experts and council members
• Promoting synergies across different funding instruments and contributing to the strategic development of Innosuisse’s innovation support offerings
• Contributing to communication efforts and activities of Innosuisse, including participation to events, content creation, and representation in relevant platforms

Our requirements:

You hold a Master's or PhD in a relevant field such as engineering, natural or social sciences, economics, innovation management, or science and technology policy, ideally complemented by further training in project or programme management or public administration. You have several years of experience managing innovation programmes or complex multi-stakeholder projects, with proven skills in process and quality management, collaboration with advisory bodies, and navigating regulatory frameworks.

You are a strategic thinker with strong analytical and communication skills, capable of coordinating diverse actors in the innovation ecosystem and continuously improving impact-oriented funding instruments. You work in a structured, solution-oriented, and independent manner, possess strong interpersonal skills, and enjoy shaping and improving processes. You are confident in interacting with diverse stakeholders and motivated to take responsibility. In addition to a perfect command of two national languages (German, French, or Italian), you have passive knowledge of a third national language and a very good level of English.

What Innosuisse offers:

• An exciting and dynamic work environment in which you contribute to the promotion of science-based innovation in Switzerland in the interest of the economy and society.
• A varied range of tasks at the cutting edge of Swiss innovation, where your knowledge and experience contribute to successfully promoting highly innovative products and services.
• Flexibility and attractive employment conditions with excellent social benefits.
• A motivated, committed and professional team is waiting for you.

Would you like to help move the world forward with Swiss innovation? If so, we look forward to receiving your application. Emile Dupont, Head of knowledge and technology transfer (Tel. 058 468 65 00 or email emile.dupont@innosuisse.ch) will be happy to provide you with any further information you may require.

Innosuisse takes into account the different needs and life experiences of its employees and promotes diversity. People from the French- and Italian-speaking communities are still underrepresented at Innosuisse. Their applications are therefore particularly welcome. Equal opportunities are a top priority and we are committed to promoting the professional integration of people with disabilities.