Wikipedian-in-Residence 80 % - 100 % (m/w/d)

Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.
Wikimedia CH is a not-for-profit association, serving as the Swiss chapter of the global Wikimedia Movement. Our mission is to unite individuals in the pursuit of disseminating free knowledge to foster an informed and inclusive society, with a particular focus on advancing the Wikipedia encyclopaedia and affiliated projects. We operate in a collaborative and transparent manner, defending the interests of our diverse multilingual communities across Switzerland.
To strengthen and further develop our services, we are jointly seeking a
Wikipedian-in-Residence 80% - 100% (m/w/d)
The position holder
will play a central role in a project to identify knowledge gaps in Wikipedia compared to Lib4RI's digital repository DORA. A quantitative computational workflow is being developed to identify these gaps and to prioritise them according to public interest. The Wikipedian-in-Residence (WiR) will establish and coordinate events and workflows that enable 4RI researchers to address the gaps by improving existing Wikipedia articles and creating new ones.
This project is a pilot to establish a new, sustainable methodology to bring more high-quality scientific content to Wikipedia. The workflows developed by the WiR are intended to be transferable to other libraries, research institutions and Wikimedia chapters. The position is initially offered as a 12-month fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of extension. The successful candidate will be employed by Eawag. The preferred start date is as soon as possible.
What can you expect?
Collaboration with researchers and AI-supported tools to identify content gaps in Wikimedia platforms that can be closed with the existing expertise at the 4 RIs
Content creation and community engagement to close these content gaps
Outreach and communication with a variety of stakeholders to implement lasting workflows at the 4 RIs to improve coverage of scientific topics in the Wikiverse
What do you bring to the table?
Academic background in science, engineering or in science communication (applicants with MSc or PhD welcome)
Demonstrated experience contributing to Wikimedia projects (e.g. Wikipedia, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons), ideally in connection with scientific topics or institutional collaborations
Familiarity with quantitative, computational workflows and data-driven decision making is appreciated.
Fluency in English is required; any additional language is welcome and considered an asset in a multilingual, international research context
At Eawag
, we have a working environment in which people with different experiences, strengths and perspectives can fully contribute and further develop. Here, you can help us advance! We promote genuine participation, exchange and mutual understanding. We create structures that enable the compatibility of work and other areas of life, such as care work and continuously make efforts to reduce barriers.
Do you have specific requirements regarding the application process or the position, or do you need additional information? Talk to us about it - we will be happy to support you with possible flexible workplace, working hours and job design solutions. For further information please visit our website about
Eawag
as well as our
conditions
of employment.
The application deadline is 30 September 2026
or when the position is filled. The application should include your CV, a cover letter highlighting your experiences with science communication and Wikimedia projects, two references and relevant certificates.
For further information, please contact
Dr Michael Bachmann
, group leader in publication services. For information about Lib4RI, please visit the
library webpage
.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.
Apply now
Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology