Vice-Rector / Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at the University of Bern 50%
Universität Bern
Bern
Key information
- Publication date:17 October 2025
- Workload:50%
- Place of work:Bern
Job summary
The University of Bern is seeking a new Vice Rector for Research and Innovation. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape research strategies and lead innovative projects.
Tasks
- Oversee strategic direction of research initiatives.
- Manage research funding and international collaborations.
- Lead the Innovation Office and ensure quality in research.
Skills
- Strong research background and experience in project leadership.
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
- Proficient in German, French, and English.
Is this helpful?
As of August 1, 2026, or by agreement, the position of Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at the University of Bern is to be newly filled. The employment rate is 50% initially for a term of 4 years, with the possibility of re-election.
The Vice-Rector is a member of the University Management, which, under the chairmanship of the Rector, bears overall responsibility for the leadership of the University of Bern. The focus of this vice-rectorate is on research and innovation. Individual areas of responsibility may change by agreement with the University Management.
The tasks include in particular:
- Strategic orientation of research
- Responsibility for research funding, SNSF / Euresearch, international research cooperation, research platforms, quality assurance in research
- Responsibility for innovation and the Innovation Office
- Responsibility for animal welfare issues in research
- Leadership and coordination of various projects across the entire university
- Representation of the University of Bern towards other universities, scientific and political bodies
Applicants meet the following requirements:
- Outstanding achievements in research
- Experience in leading large research projects and their funding
- Leadership and organizational skills as well as teamwork ability
- Good knowledge of the structures of the entire university and the different faculty cultures
- Experience in national and international research policy
- Interest and experience in university politics and dealing with political bodies
- Language skills: German, French and English
Interested?
As part of measures to increase the proportion of women in all university bodies, women are explicitly invited to apply. To ensure balanced representation of the disciplinary cultures in the University Management, an in-depth understanding of the methodology and issues of biomedical and natural science research is desired.
Applications with CV, letter of motivation and list of publications must be submitted electronically by November 28, 2025 to the email address of the Chair of the Election Committee, Rector Virginia Richter (virginia.richter@unibe.ch).
