Swissnex in China is seeking a Program Associate to join our academic engagement and innovation programs team. The role is suited to an early career professional who wants to take ownership of real programmes, contribute to measurable outcomes and build a strong foundation in the Switzerland and China education, research and innovation landscape. The Program Associate will work with Swiss universities, researchers, startups and companies to better understand China’s rapidly evolving ecosystem, identify relevant trends and opportunities, and support a wide range of projects, exchanges and collaborations between Switzerland and China.

The position is hands on and project driven. It includes supporting innovation scouting, Startup Camps, academic and innovation sabbaticals, delegation visits and other mandates between Switzerland and China. The Program Associate will contribute to both programme delivery and research, working closely with Swiss stakeholders and Chinese partners.

We are looking for someone with a strong interest in China’s evolving education, research and innovation landscape and ideally with some understanding of current trends in areas such as health, medtech, biotech, green technologies, robotics and automation.

Program Execution & Management:

• Take ownership of and drive Swissnex programs across innovation and academic engagement, including Startup Camps, startup cohorts,  innovation scouting, sabbaticals, delegation visits and thematic projects.
• Manage specific workstreams and ensure the excellent delivery of program activities and milestones.
• Support the preparation and delivery of programme weeks, tailored delegation visits and exchanges between Swiss and Chinese partners.

Research, Ecosystem Mapping & Partner Identification:

• Conduct focused and high-value research in China on emerging trends, relevant sectors and innovation developments, translating insights into concrete opportunities and useful outputs for Swiss stakeholders.
• Identify and map suitable companies, startups, universities, research institutes and other partners in China.
• Support Swiss stakeholders in areas such as health and medtech, biotech, green technologies, robotics and automation.

Communication & Outreach:

• Prepare briefings, presentations, proposals and other programme materials.
• Organize events, workshops and delegation visits, including agenda development, speaker identification and logistics.
• Work closely with Swiss and Chinese stakeholders and represent Swissnex in meetings and external events.
• Collaborate with other internal program teams and support the communications team when needed. 

• Chinese citizen
• Excellent written and spoken Chinese and English
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as international relations, innovation, science and technology, public policy, business, engineering or a related discipline
• 1–3 years of relevant experience, including internships, in programme management, research, innovation, academia, consulting or a related field
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to conduct focused research in China and translate findings into clear recommendations and identifiable opportunities for Swiss stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines and stakeholders at the same time
• Interest in China’s education, research and innovation landscape and in topics such as health and medtech, biotech, green technologies, robotics and automation

• Proactive, reliable and detail oriented
• This role is suited to an early career professional looking for a role with real ownership, visible outcomes and high expectations, offering the opportunity to build a strong foundation for the next stage of their career.
• Comfortable working across different sectors and topics, from universities and research to startups, corporates and government
• Strong team player, but also able to take ownership of an independent workstream
• Thrives in an international and fast paced environment and is motivated to actively shape and advance collaboration between Switzerland and China.

• A dynamic role within an international network focused on science, education and innovation.
• Broad exposure to cross-sector programs and international collaboration.
• Significant responsibility from an early stage, with strong opportunities for professional development through learning by doing
• This role is best suited to someone who enjoys taking initiative, working across different topics and operating in a dynamic environment, rather than someone looking for purely academic research or narrowly defined tasks.
• 20 days of paid leave per year and up to 13 days of a mix of Chinese and Swiss public holidays.
• An exciting opportunity for an initial one-year contract with the expectation of extension, allowing you to build a long-lasting and rewarding career with us.

Swissnex in China fosters collaboration between Switzerland and China in education, research, and innovation. We identify trends, organize events, and facilitate partnerships across industries to promote knowledge exchange and active engagement. Working closely with universities, startups, innovation hubs, and the private sector, Swissnex in China supports global outreach and helps shape the future of science, technology, and innovation. 

To Apply

Please submit:

• Resume / CV
• Motivation letter

Application Deadline: 20th of April 2026