Programs Associate | Swissnex in Boston and New York

Location: Boston, MA
Starting date: April 1, 2026 or June 1, 2026
Status: Full-time (40 hrs/week)
Application Deadline: December 31, 2025

Swissnex in Boston and New York (www.swissnex.org/boston) creates opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, designers, and other future-makers to expand their reach and make meaningful, collaborative connections with the top innovators in Switzerland and North America. Our mission is to support the visibility of Swiss institutions and individuals and to bring the very best in Swiss tech, research, art, and design to the US. 

Our activities include:

• Working closely with universities and research labs to promote global exchange and collaboration through events, partnerships, and network-building
• Accelerating startups and assisting entrepreneurs in entering the North American market
• Advising corporations, non-profits, and international organizations on market trends and best practices
• Collaborating with artists and designers on innovative projects at the intersection of art and science
• Supporting Swiss innovators and thought leaders in expanding their North American presence

With offices in Boston and New York, we are part of the global Swissnex network, an initiative of Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation with other locations in Brazil, China, India, San Francisco, and Japan.

In the role of Programs Associate, you will be a generalist responsible for supporting our Academic Engagement and Innovation teams on an ongoing basis, as well as helping the Arts and Creative Industries, Communications, and Operations teams on a project basis. Your main tasks will include:

• Executing programs and events in our focus areas that create value for Swiss and American stakeholders. In consultation with the Swissnex team, you will engage in all aspects of project creation and implementation.
• Conducting background research and identification of relevant contacts for clients and events. Supporting daily operations, logistics, hospitality, and administrative tasks.

You will support the Academic Engagement team by managing academic exchange programs and tailored services for Swiss universities, developing networks in American and Swiss higher education, hosting partners, and conducting research on specific topics of interest to academic partners.

The Innovation team provides services and programs to support Swiss startups exploring and expanding in the US. You will support the team through researching relevant partners, clients, and startups that meet our stakeholders’ needs, as well as executing events and projects that support the team’s mission.

You will support the Arts and Creative Industries, Operations, and Communications teams as needed related to specific events or projects.

Our Ideal Candidate Demonstrates

• Academic background from any discipline
• Evidence of program or event management, either individually or on a team
• Experience working in a team environment
• Independent research and structured presentation skills
• Ability to complete deadline-oriented tasks
• Flexibility to juggle multiple projects and tasks, and adapt to changing circumstances
• Strong interpersonal skills to relate to diverse stakeholders
• Strong orientation to client-focused hospitality and service
• International experiences and experience working with startups a plus

• This internship requires that the candidate studies in a university or university of applied sciences in Switzerland towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or has graduated within one year before the start date of the internship.
• The candidate must not yet have professional experience in the field of his/her studies.
• The total period of internships in the federal government (including this one) may not exceed 12 months.
• Applicants must be Swiss citizens. Those with a Permit B, C or any other status are not eligible for this position.
• Excellent written and spoken English is expected.

Note: applicants must fit all of these requirements to be considered.

• A full-time position (40hrs/week) for 6 months with possibility of extension for an additional 3 months. Students without a Bachelor’s degree will be limited to a 6-month maximum internship.
• Location: Boston, USA
• Desired starting date: April 1, 2026 or June 1, 2026
• Four weeks of vacation per year (pro rata temporis) and select Swiss and US holidays
• A multicultural, creative, inspiring, stimulating and team-oriented work environment
• Continuing education possibilities and a platform to grow your skills, professional experience, and network.
• Experience in an international and highly dynamic environment (English as official working language), with ample networking opportunities.
• Limited domestic (US) travel may be undertaken to support projects and events.

Please apply on our website. Please visit https://swissnex.org/boston/about-us/careers/ and look for the ‘Programs Associate’ position. Please submit your letter of motivation and CV in English. Emailed applications will not be considered.

Please apply by December 31, 2025. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until then. Questions may be directed to [email protected].

Location: Swissnex in San Francisco
Status: Full-time, 40 hours/week
Start Date: March 1st, 2026, or by agreement
Reports to: Startup Ecosystem Lead

Do you want to join the global Swissnex network and build meaningful connections across startups, science, education, the arts, and innovation in both Silicon Valley and Switzerland? This is your chance!

As Startup Program Manager, you are responsible for managing and continuously improving Swissnex’s startup and entrepreneurship programs. You lead the end-to-end execution of the quarterly startup bootcamps and serve as the primary point of contact for startups, investors, partners, and startup ecosystem stakeholders.

You work closely with the Startup Ecosystem Lead and the Startup Program Associate, other Swissnex colleagues, and a broad network of Swiss and Bay Area founders, investors, and subject-matter experts. Your role combines program management, ecosystem engagement, operational coordination, and community building in a fast-paced, international environment.

• Execution of Startup Camps and Development of Startup Programs (60%)
• Startup Program Operational and Communications Support (20%)
• Network and General Support (20%)

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1–3 years of relevant professional experience
• Experience managing projects and working with project management and CRM tools
• Ability to identify, research, and proactively engage founders, experts, mentors, and partners through targeted outreach
• Proven interest in entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Mandatory: Due to our legal status as an annex of the Swiss Consulate, we can only hire candidates who are Swiss or US citizens or permanent residents. There can be no exceptions.

• For U.S. applicants, subject to U.S. taxes
• For Swiss applicants, who are not subject to U.S. taxes, the salary range will be adjusted to reflect an equivalent purchasing power (i.e., a lower range)

• 20 days of vacation, 12+ annual holidays, sick leave, health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexibility to work remotely for 1 week each year from anywhere in the U.S. or Switzerland and option of working from home 2 days a week
• Opportunities for professional development, including dedicated funding for continuing education and training
• Opportunity to work at the heart of the Bay Area, embedded in one of the world’s most dynamic startup and innovation ecosystems
• Business travel as needed to Switzerland to engage with partners and strengthen cross-border collaboration.

Swissnex in San Francisco connects the dots between Switzerland and the West Coast of the USA in education, research, innovation, and the arts. We foster international collaboration and empower next generation innovators to create futures in which the planet and society thrives. In service of this goal, our dynamic and international team produces academic, corporate and creative industry programs, startup bootcamps, events and much more.

As an employer, we established a collaborative and purpose-driven team culture and care about an environment that encourages innovation, experimentation, and creative problem-solving. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for fostering creativity and achieving our organizational goals.

Learn more about Swissnex in San Francisco: https://swissnex.org/sanfrancisco

We look forward to receiving your application. Please apply through this link and include both your resume (CV) and a cover letter tailored to this position that details your qualifications and interest in the position. Please see the instructions regarding your cover letter on the application page.

Deadline to apply: January 11, 2026
We follow up with every applicant

Location: Swissnex in San Francisco
Status: Full-time, 40 hours/week
Ideal Start Date: March 1st, 2026, or by agreement
Reports to: Head of Programs

Do you want to join the global Swissnex network and build meaningful connections across startups, science, education, the arts, and innovation in both Silicon Valley and Switzerland? This is your chance!

As Startup Ecosystem Lead, you own the strategic direction, quality, and impact of Swissnex’s entrepreneurship and startup activities. You are the senior in-house expert on startups, entrepreneurship, and venture capital, and you translate ecosystem insights into high-quality programs, partnerships, events and experiences.

You lead the Startup & Entrepreneurship team (consisting of 1 FTE and 1 intern), oversee the global coordination of the startup camps across multiple Swissnex locations, and ensure coherence and consistency for all outputs.

In addition, you work closely with the Head of Programs, as well as communications and operations colleagues, to develop new programs and formats. Externally you collaborate with senior stakeholders in Switzerland and the U.S., representing Swissnex and strengthening its position within the startup and venture capital ecosystem.

• Strategy, development & implementation of new programs in the Startup Ecosystem (50%)
• Global coordination of the startup camps across the Swissnex network (20%)
• Management of the Startup Ecosystem Team and internal collaboration (20%)
• Startup Ecosystem Representation & Network Development (10%)

• Master’s preferred or equivalent work experience
• 5+ years of relevant work experience (startup support, VCs, etc)
• Experience in creating partnerships and fundraising in the startup ecosystem
• Demonstrated leadership or management experience, including responsibility for both people and programs
• Strong existing network with Swiss Startup Ecosystems (preference given to those who also have a strong, relevant network in the Bay Area)
• International work experience
• Proven success in entrepreneurship, innovation, and connecting people across ecosystems

Mandatory: Due to our legal status as an annex of the Swiss Consulate, we can only hire candidates who are Swiss or US citizens or permanent residents. There can be no exceptions.

• For U.S. applicants, subject to U.S. taxes.
• For Swiss applicants, who are not subject to U.S. taxes, the salary range will be adjusted to reflect an equivalent purchasing power (i.e., a lower range).

• 20 days of vacation, 10+ annual holidays, sick leave, health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexibility to work remotely for 1 week each year from anywhere in the U.S. or Switzerland and option of working from home 2 days a week
• Opportunities for professional development, including dedicated funding for continuing education and training
• Opportunity to work at the heart of the Bay Area, embedded in one of the world’s most dynamic startup and innovation ecosystems
• Business travel as needed to Switzerland to engage with partners and strengthen cross-border collaboration.

Swissnex in San Francisco connects the dots between Switzerland and the West Coast of the USA in education, research, innovation, and the arts. We foster international collaboration and empower next generation innovators to create futures in which the planet and society thrives. In service of this goal, our dynamic and international team produces academic, corporate and creative industry programs, startup bootcamps, events and much more.

As an employer, we established a collaborative and purpose-driven team culture and care about an environment that encourages innovation, experimentation, and creative problem-solving. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for fostering creativity and achieving our organizational goals.

Learn more about Swissnex in San Francisco: https://swissnex.org/sanfrancisco

We look forward to receiving your application. Please apply through this link and include both your resume (CV) and a cover letter tailored to this position that details your qualifications and interest in the position. Please see the instructions regarding your cover letter on the application page.

Deadline to apply: January 11, 2026
We follow up with every applicant

Programs Associate | Swissnex in Boston and New York

Location: Boston, MA
Starting date: April 1, 2026 or June 1, 2026
Status: Full-time (40 hrs/week)
Application Deadline: December 31, 2025

Swissnex in Boston and New York (www.swissnex.org/boston) creates opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, designers, and other future-makers to expand their reach and make meaningful, collaborative connections with the top innovators in Switzerland and North America. Our mission is to support the visibility of Swiss institutions and individuals and to bring the very best in Swiss tech, research, art, and design to the US. 

Our activities include:

• Working closely with universities and research labs to promote global exchange and collaboration through events, partnerships, and network-building
• Accelerating startups and assisting entrepreneurs in entering the North American market
• Advising corporations, non-profits, and international organizations on market trends and best practices
• Collaborating with artists and designers on innovative projects at the intersection of art and science
• Supporting Swiss innovators and thought leaders in expanding their North American presence

With offices in Boston and New York, we are part of the global Swissnex network, an initiative of Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation with other locations in Brazil, China, India, San Francisco, and Japan.

In the role of Programs Associate, you will be a generalist responsible for supporting our Academic Engagement and Innovation teams on an ongoing basis, as well as helping the Arts and Creative Industries, Communications, and Operations teams on a project basis. Your main tasks will include:

• Executing programs and events in our focus areas that create value for Swiss and American stakeholders. In consultation with the Swissnex team, you will engage in all aspects of project creation and implementation.
• Conducting background research and identification of relevant contacts for clients and events. Supporting daily operations, logistics, hospitality, and administrative tasks.

You will support the Academic Engagement team by managing academic exchange programs and tailored services for Swiss universities, developing networks in American and Swiss higher education, hosting partners, and conducting research on specific topics of interest to academic partners.

The Innovation team provides services and programs to support Swiss startups exploring and expanding in the US. You will support the team through researching relevant partners, clients, and startups that meet our stakeholders’ needs, as well as executing events and projects that support the team’s mission.

You will support the Arts and Creative Industries, Operations, and Communications teams as needed related to specific events or projects.

Our Ideal Candidate Demonstrates

• Academic background from any discipline
• Evidence of program or event management, either individually or on a team
• Experience working in a team environment
• Independent research and structured presentation skills
• Ability to complete deadline-oriented tasks
• Flexibility to juggle multiple projects and tasks, and adapt to changing circumstances
• Strong interpersonal skills to relate to diverse stakeholders
• Strong orientation to client-focused hospitality and service
• International experiences and experience working with startups a plus

• This internship requires that the candidate studies in a university or university of applied sciences in Switzerland towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or has graduated within one year before the start date of the internship.
• The candidate must not yet have professional experience in the field of his/her studies.
• The total period of internships in the federal government (including this one) may not exceed 12 months.
• Applicants must be Swiss citizens. Those with a Permit B, C or any other status are not eligible for this position.
• Excellent written and spoken English is expected.

Note: applicants must fit all of these requirements to be considered.

• A full-time position (40hrs/week) for 6 months with possibility of extension for an additional 3 months. Students without a Bachelor’s degree will be limited to a 6-month maximum internship.
• Location: Boston, USA
• Desired starting date: April 1, 2026 or June 1, 2026
• Four weeks of vacation per year (pro rata temporis) and select Swiss and US holidays
• A multicultural, creative, inspiring, stimulating and team-oriented work environment
• Continuing education possibilities and a platform to grow your skills, professional experience, and network.
• Experience in an international and highly dynamic environment (English as official working language), with ample networking opportunities.
• Limited domestic (US) travel may be undertaken to support projects and events.

Please apply on our website. Please visit https://swissnex.org/boston/about-us/careers/ and look for the ‘Programs Associate’ position. Please submit your letter of motivation and CV in English. Emailed applications will not be considered.

Please apply by December 31, 2025. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until then. Questions may be directed to [email protected].

We are looking for a young professional with strong research skills, and excellent Chinese and English command, ready to support Swissnex in China with reporting and innovation scouting.

As Junior Project Manager you will conduct research and innovation scouting and take a deep dive into emerging trends while gaining real-world experience at an official representation of Switzerland. We are looking for a bright, self-driven and ambitious team player with exceptional research, writing, and organizational skills. The ideal candidate can work across disciplines, can embrace change, and is ready to help us bring Swiss excellence to the next level. You will join a dynamic and supportive team and work in an international, creative, and collaborative environment at our Shanghai office.

• Scouting and Research: Under the supervision of the innovation lead, conduct market research and ecosystem mapping to facilitate Swiss startups’ validation and entry in China. Contribute to our diverse mandates and agreements by identifying trends and key players in various science and technology fields, by conducting research, innovation and academic scouting, and by writing and editing reports for our partners and stakeholders. Act as point of contact for external partners.
• Event and Project Management: Assist in the planning, execution, and follow-up of science, technology and innovation-related events (tech fairs, webinars, conferences, study trips, workshops, etc.), including helping manage project logistics and documentation.
• Startup Relations: Assist the startup manager and colleagues with the promotion of our startup programs and building rapport and follow-up with Swiss startups and entrepreneurs. Identify and engage with relevant partners, clients, and stakeholders in China and support the coordination of meetings and visits.
• Communications: In collaboration with the communications team, assist with content for social media posts as well as tech-related articles.
• Outreach and Networking: Identify and engage with relevant partners, clients, and stakeholders in China and support the coordination of meetings and visits. Proactively cultivate and develop a network of partners and stakeholders. Attend relevant events and conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Chinese citizenship, with legal eligibility for full-time employment in China under the terms of the PRC labor law.
• Strong command of English (spoken and written) is required.
• Ideal for young professionals or recent graduates with 1–2 years of experience, particularly those with stakeholder engagement skills—such as supporting outreach to Chinese partners—or familiarity with industry networks, preferably in cleantech or healthcare.
• Strong research skills with a willingness to immerse yourself in various tech- and innovation-related topics.
• Interest in startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem as well as in science, technology, and innovation.
• Fast-thinking, organized, reliable, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.

• Cover letter (letter of motivation) and CV
• Copies of university diplomas, transcript of records, work certificates, and letters of reference if available