Zurich Hub for Drug and Device Development

Director Clinical Trial Operations 80 - 100 %

Start of employment Preferred start date: 1 November 2026, or as mutually agreed.The position is initially offered on a project basis and is fixed term until the end of 2028. Continued employment beyond this date is intended.

Founded in 2025 at the University of Zurich, the Zurich Hub for Drug and Device Development (ZH3D) supports the development of medicinal products and medical devices through regulatory expertise, quality assurance and specialised GxP services.

For the University Animal Hospital Zurich, we are seeking a highly organised veterinarian to establish and lead the clinical trial operations under GxP. The role involves planning, coordinating and delivering academic and industry-sponsored clinical trials, collaborating with researchers, clinical teams and external partners, and ensuring compliant, high-quality study conduct through effective processes and documentation.

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will have professional and operational responsibility for clinical trial activities at the University Animal Hospital, including:

• Planning, coordinating and conducting academic and industry-sponsored clinical trials from feasibility assessment and study set-up through completion and reporting.
• Serving as the primary contact for researchers, sponsors, industry partners and other external clients, while building and maintaining collaborative partnerships.
• Assessing study feasibility, timelines, resources and budgets, and supporting proposal development.
• Coordinating clinics, nursing staff, laboratories, administrative units and external partners involved in study delivery.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory, ethical, quality and study-specific requirements, including complete and audit-ready documentation.
• Establishing and continuously improving study processes, SOPs and quality systems, including the management of monitoring visits, audits, inspections, deviations and corrective actions.
• Managing the clinical trial portfolio, monitoring milestones and resources, and reporting progress to management and governance bodies.
• Recruiting, supervising and supporting the development of a veterinary nurse dedicated to clinical trial activities.
• Contributing to the strategic development and expansion of clinical trial services.

Your profile

• We are seeking a veterinarian with a strong interest in clinical research and experience managing complex projects and collaborations. The ideal candidate will have:
• A degree in veterinary medicine; a doctorate or specialist qualification is an advantage.
• Several years of clinical veterinary experience, ideally combined with experience planning, managing or conducting clinical trials.
• Knowledge of clinical research standards and requirements (e.g. GCP/VICH GCP, GxP, ethics, study documentation and audit readiness) or a willingness to develop expertise in these areas.
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams and, ideally, with academic researchers and industry partners in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical technology or animal health sectors.
• Strong project management, organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, service-oriented and resilient working style with proficiency in digital documentation and collaboration tools.
• Fluent in German and English.

Information on your application

What We Offer:

• A leadership role in a highly specialised university and clinical environment.
• Significant opportunity to shape and expand clinical trial services.
• Close collaboration with academic researchers, clinical specialists and industry partners.
• The opportunity to further establish the University Animal Hospital as a preferred partner for academic and industry-sponsored clinical trials.
• Attractive employment conditions within the University of Zurich environment.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
• Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

Food

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

Healthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions

Conditions of Employment

• Policies of the UZH
• Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

Campuses

• Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
• Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

Location

Zurich Hub for Drug and Device Development

Kurvenstrasse 31, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job

Maurice Brozzo, PhD Business Developer - ZH3D +41 44 636 54 67

Questions about the application procedure

Biljana Nikic HR & Finance - ZH3D

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!