Industry Liaison Officer

The Industry Liaison Officer at EPFL manages partnerships with industrial accounts, fostering trust and facilitating collaboration between companies and the EPFL research ecosystem.

This position acts as the primary liaison between EPFL and its industrial partners, building and sustaining long-term relationships across various collaboration models. The role promotes the institution's research capabilities and innovation strengths while serving as a key contact for all partnership activities.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with a portfolio of existing industrial partners.
• Identify and establish connections with new industry collaborators.
• Contribute to the design, implementation, and enhancement of the Open Innovation Program to ensure high value for participating companies.
• Understand the specific needs of companies and academic researchers to develop and deliver suitable collaboration models.
• Gain deep knowledge of the EPFL ecosystem to help companies find the right partners for their innovation projects.
• Proactively identify and propose new collaboration opportunities by tracking EPFL research activities.
• Address partner issues and complaints to maintain trust and improve existing collaborations.
• Act as the communication bridge between companies, researchers, and internal EPFL teams.
• Represent the Vice-Presidency for Innovation and Impact (VPI) and organize industrial visits.
• Prepare regular progress reports and forecasts using key account metrics.

Requirements

• Scientific or engineering background (Master's degree, Ph.D. preferred), with a specialization in Life Sciences.
• Three to five years of relevant experience and/or training or equivalent combination.
• Former experience in product development and/or innovation management in a technology company.
• Experience in providing solutions based on customer needs.
• 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.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Fluency in English and French is required, and other languages (e.g., German/) would be a plus.

Nice to have

• Ph.D. degree.
• Knowledge of other languages such as German.

What the company offers

• 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 conditions.
• An inclusive workspace and equal opportunities for all.

About the company

EPFL is a leading research university located in Lausanne, Switzerland. The role is part of the Industrial Liaison Office and works closely with all the units of the Vice-Presidency for Innovation and Impact (VPI). The role contributes to the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of EPFL Open Innovation Program.

• 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 conditions.
• An inclusive workspace and equal opportunities for all.