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Published: 01 September 2026

ISSI invites applications for a staff position of Accountant (60%)

Job Opportunity

ISSI Staff

Job Posting: Accountant (60%)

The International Space Science Institute (ISSI) is an Institute of advanced studies in the space sciences (Astrophysics, Heliophysics, Planetary Sciences and Earth Science), located in Bern, Switzerland.

ISSI invites applications for a staff position of

Accountant (60%)

We are seeking a motivated professional to take the role of Accountant, as soon as possible and ideally no later than November 1st, 2026.

Job Duties

The Accountant has responsibility for the budget of the ISSI foundation. Duties include, but are not limited to:

Managing the foundation budget, including balancing the previous year’s budget, tracking the current year’s budget, and providing budget projections for future years.
Managing and tracking in real time the institute’s expenditures and the individual scientific initiative expenditures.
Managing the legal obligations of the ISSI foundation related to accounting and reporting.
Supporting the interface with the funding agencies: supporting preparation of funding proposals and yearly status reports.
Supporting the Executive Director and the Directorate in the budget reporting to the ISSI stakeholders.
Supporting the interface of ISSI with its legal and accounting company.
Managing contracts for Staff and Discipline Scientists.

This is a staff position under Swiss law, up to 60% of time effort, negotiable. The salary is commensurate to qualifications and experience. Employment conditions are similar to those of the University of Bern.

Qualification

Applicants for this position must have at least two years’ experience in financial and administrative departments of organisations with significant annual budgets (> 1 million Swiss francs). Experience with non-profit organisations and a proven knowledge of Swiss laws governing non-profit foundations as well as familiarity with scientific institutions are additional assets.

Applicants should have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively in a small but diverse team and with the senior management in the Institute’s Directorate.

Excellent English speaking and writing skills are indispensable for this position, together with excellent communication skills. Experience in programme management will be highly valued.

The working language of ISSI is English. German language skills are required; proficiency is considered an asset.

Having experience of using Abacus Business Software is a major asset.

Interested individuals should submit their applications, including a motivation letter and curriculum vitae in one single pdf file to Dominique Fuchs dominique.fuchs@issibern.ch, no later than September 23, 2026.

We request applicants to provide the names of three references, who will be contacted by ISSI at a later stage of the recruitment. Inquiries about this position should be sent to the ISSI Executive Director, Antonella Nota antonella.nota@issibern.ch.

ISSI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Credits ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, A. Martel