Executive Assistant (70-100%)

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

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Presentation

The Administrative and Finance Office of the Department of Fundamental Oncology at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) is seeking to recruit an Executive Assistant (70–100%).

If you are looking to grow in a dynamic, stimulating and fast-paced environment, we invite you to join our team. You will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations and strategic development of a department dedicated to excellence in fundamental cancer research.

The Department of Fundamental Oncology (DOF) is a recently established department at UNIL, providing a distinct identity and strategic focus to one of Europe's leading cancer research communities. Co-directed by Professors Tatiana Petrova and Johanna Joyce, the department hosts 14 research groups.

The DOF is also home to the Lausanne Branch of Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR), a global, non-profit network of research institutes and laboratories dedicated to understanding and controlling cancer. The Executive Assistant will additionally support the Ludwig Lausanne Director and LICR groups.

The research groups of the DOF are based at two proximal sites: the AGORA Translational Cancer Research Center, located next to the CHUV Hospital, and the new SE-C Oncology Building in Epalinges.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.09.2026 or upon agreement

Contract length : Fixed-term contract (2 years)

Employment rate : 70 – 100 %

Workplace : Agora / Bugnon, Lausanne

Your responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Provide administrative support to the DOF research groups based at Agora.
• Organise meetings, seminars and events for the Department's research laboratories.
• Provide executive, organisational and administrative support to the Lausanne branch of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR), including direct support to the Branch Director.
• Coordinate institutional visits and events, including professorial recruitment interviews and onboarding activities.
• Ensure seamless administrative follow-up of the LICR Lausanne branch's activities.

Your qualifications

We are looking for an experienced administrative professional with the following qualifications and skills:

• Excellent written and spoken English and French. Fluency in both languages is essential in our international environment.
• Outstanding organisational and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively.
• Proactive approach, resilience under pressure and sound judgement.
• Strong anticipation and planning skills.
• Collaborative mindset with a strong team spirit and willingness to support colleagues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in an administrative role, preferably within an international and/or research environment.
• CFC in Commercial Business Administration (or equivalent qualification) together with an Executive Assistant diploma.

What the position offers you

Joining the University of Lausanne means benefiting from:

• A multicultural and internationally recognised academic environment.
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities.
• Partial remote working possibilities.
• Excellent social benefits, including 20 days of paternity leave and 4 months of maternity leave (with the possibility of an additional month of breastfeeding leave).
• Regular salary progression in line with responsibilities.
• A 13th-month salary and 25 days of annual leave.
• A minimum of three training days per year with access to a wide range of courses offered by the CHUV Training Centre and partner institutions.
• Attractive mobility benefits, including discounts on public transport subscriptions, Mobility car-sharing services and electric bicycle purchases.