Staff Mobility Program Info
Are you seeking to add an international dimension to your research? Do you want to learn how your colleagues across the globe operate? Apply to the ZHAW Staff Mobility Program through Swissnex!
Swissnex is a global network connecting Switzerland to the world in research, education, and innovation. Swissnex partners with ZHAW to host university staff at its six locations. ZHAW staff apply to the program with a specific project and destination. If accepted, ZHAW staff then travel to one of the destinations listed below. Flights and hotels (up to an allowable maximum) are paid for by ZHAW. Through these mobilities, ZHAW staff can foster intercultural competencies and increase the international network of the ZHAW departments. All programs are competitive and positions are limited.
- Research and project-based mobility (2 weeks): You wish to connect with several other faculty or staff that are working in your focus area, in order to foster mutual learning, as well as longer-term collaboration and exchange. Swissnex works with you to establish up to six local contacts in university or research settings.
- Peer learning (2 weeks): You wish to learn and exchange practices with international colleagues who perform a job similar to yours. This program is especially suitable for administrative and technical staff. Swissnex works to establish up to six local contacts among university or other relevant staff in the local ecosystem to exchange best practices or to follow them (as allowed) in their everyday job. Only available in Boston, India, and Brazil. Positions limited.
- Long-term mobility (1-2 months): You wish to embed yourself more deeply in the local ecosystem and work on a longer-term project. Swissnex collaborates with you to help create a final product for your project (ex. workshop, blog post, online event) that is relevant to ZHAW staff and the wider Swissnex community. Additionally, Swissnex will provide office space and up to five relevant contacts in the local university or research community.
Target Audience
- All ZHAW staff can competitively apply for this program.
More Information
- Read the program brochure for more details and rules
Costs
- The International Affairs Unit (Stab Ressort Internationales) administers the funding. It covers flights to and from the destination and accommodation during the stay up to a defined amount (CHF 4000 for 2 weeks, CHF 5000 for 1 month, CHF 7000 for 2 months). Please note: Other costs and expenses and the work of the participants are not funded through the project (no hourly billing).
Questions
- Do not hesitate to get in contact with Swissnex
Where youcan travel:
ZHAW staff members have the choice between a diverse set of destinations spread out across three different continents.
Boston & New York City
In addition to its unparalleled media, business, and international ecosystems, New York also features a thriving tech sector, with a focus on Fintech, the digital economy, and creative industries.
San Francisco
Swissnex in San Francisco sits at the forefront of where culture and design meet technology, leveraging its strategic positioning to enhance interdisciplinarily through the exchange of ideas and networks.
Rio de Janeiro & Sao Paulo
Agtechs and Fintechs are booming in Brazil, with São Paulo classified as the fourth largest fintech market in the world. Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are among the top 10 Connected Smart Cities in Brazil, with São Paulo at the top of the ranking and Rio de Janeiro leading in Technology and Innovation. The city has invested in innovative solutions in areas such as pollution, mobility and natural disaster prevention, seeking to become smarter and more sustainable.
China
Osaka
Application Instructions
Before You Apply:
- Decide which program you wish to apply for: research mobility, peer learning, or long-term mobility. (You may only apply for one program each cycle.)
- Discuss the possibility with your supervisor. You should work out a plan for how you will take the time abroad, and whether you will still have to carry out any regular responsibilities at ZHAW remotely while traveling. Also, make sure that costs not borne by the ZHAW International Affairs Unit will be covered by your department or institute.
- Prepare all materials in English. This includes a CV, ZHAW profile page with bio, and application materials.
- Conduct research on your location of choice. In the application, you will be asked to name three institutes or individual faculty/staff that you may wish to connect with.
- Select dates: You should prepare possible date ranges for your application. You are encouraged to complete your project between March and November 2025. Special occasions such as public holidays and semester breaks in the host location should be taken into consideration. Final dates must be negotiated with the Swissnex location based on local priorities.
After Applying:
- Your application will be submitted for review to your supervisor (Vorgesetzte:r).
- Swissnex will review your application as relevant and reasonable for the location.
- If approved by 1 and 2, the International Conveyer (Mitglied Kommission Internationales) on your faculty will rank your application relative to others.
- Pending the available budget, a final decision will be made based on this ranking.
- All applicants will be notified at the conclusion of the process (estimated January 2025).