Head of Central Services

About the job

Head of Central Services

Start of work

01.01.2027 or by arrangement

Employment relationship

limited to 2 years, option to extend

Institute / Workplace

Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine

About us

The Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) at the University of Bern is actively engaged in research, services and teaching in the fields of public health, clinical epidemiology, biostatistics and international environmental health (www.ispm.unibe.ch). With around 180 employees, we are a diverse and dynamic institute with a wide range of research and teaching activities.

We are looking for a committed and experienced leader for the role of Head of Central Services from 01.01.2027 or by arrangement. The position is initially limited to 2 years with the option of extension.

In this varied leadership role, you will take overall responsibility for the areas of personnel, finance, and IT with a team of around 10 employees. Together with your team, you will ensure the professional and efficient organisation of the institute's central services.

As a central interface between the research groups and the directorate, you actively shape the exchange and collaboration between the areas you lead. You bring together the different requirements of the institute, advise the institute management on cross-cutting issues and support the implementation of strategic decisions.

A key task is also the financial and organisational management of the institute. You keep an eye on the overall budget and financial developments and ensure forward-looking and reliable planning even in constantly changing conditions. In doing so, you set priorities and develop sustainable solutions for the institute.

What you can achieve:

• Lead and further develop the areas of personnel, finance, and IT
• Responsible for the operational day-to-day business with the aim of a scientifically appropriate modern administration and the management of administrative staff
• Ensure the strategic preparation, control and monitoring of the institute's budget and management of documentation and reporting
• Develop and help shape transparent and reliable communication between the various stakeholders
• Monitor and prepare agreements with external service providers
• Responsible for quality management as well as compliance with and further development of the internal control system (ICS)
• Responsible for facility management

What we expect:

• University degree or comparable higher education, preferably in business administration, management, finance, public management or a related field
• Several years of experience as a member of executive management or comparable leadership experience, ideally in a university or academic environment
• Understanding of the special features of the higher education and research environment as well as complex institutional structures
• Sound knowledge of personnel, finance and IT matters
• Strong result-oriented and audience-oriented communication skills and a respectful and professional approach to different stakeholders within the university
• Ability for conceptual-strategic thinking as well as a solution-oriented and committed working style
• High organisational talent, as well as flexibility and openness to new topics and the ability to quickly adapt to changing situations
• Very good oral and written expression in German and English, adapted to different interlocutors; knowledge of French is an advantage

Your benefits

Responsible work in a socially relevant field

Collaborative environment and ambitious team

Healthy corporate culture and good working atmosphere

Central location in the heart of Bern

Working at UniBE

The University of Bern offers not only exciting tasks but also an environment that actively promotes development, diversity and equal opportunities. Discover what distinguishes us as an employer and how you can progress with us.

Application and contact

Are you curious? Please send us your online application by 01.11.2026 at the latest to HR Administration: hr.ispm@unibe.ch

Questions will be gladly answered by Prof. Dr. med. Angèle Gayet-Ageron, Director of ISPM, in English by e-mail: angele.gayet-ageron@ispm.unibe.ch.

Questions about the position?

Prof. Dr. med. Angèle Gayet-Ageron
angele.gayet-ageron@ispm.unibe.ch
(Please send enquiries in English)

Questions about the application?

HR Administration
hr.ispm@unibe.ch