Head of Research & Development as a Member of the University Management

About the job

Who are we?

The Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training EHB is the Swiss centre of expertise for vocational education and training. We train and further educate those responsible for vocational education, research vocational education, develop professions, and support international vocational education cooperation. Our locations are in Zollikofen near Bern (headquarters), Lausanne and Lugano, with external sites in Olten and Zurich.

For the Research and Development division in Zollikofen, we are looking for a

Head of Research & Development as a Member of the University Management

Your area of responsibility

• You lead the Research & Development division strategically, professionally, organisationally, in terms of personnel and finances, and develop it according to the strategic priorities of the EHB. In doing so, you set impulses for forward-looking research and development fields and strengthen the scientific profile and visibility of the EHB.
• You ensure the scientific quality and connectivity of the research, promote a high-quality publication culture, interdisciplinary approaches and methodological diversity, as well as a research environment that strengthens scientific integrity and academic freedom.
• You ensure the acquisition and implementation of competitive research and third-party funded projects and are also personally involved in securing third-party funding.
• You promote young researchers and create an environment in which researchers can develop and flourish professionally and scientifically.
• You strengthen the transfer of knowledge and innovation between research, vocational education practice and education policy, address questions from practice and politics for research, and promote the development and testing of solutions. Together with the university management, you strengthen the connection between research, teaching and professional development.
• As a member of the university management, you bring the perspective of Research & Development into the strategic further development of the EHB and share responsibility for the development and positioning of the EHB as a university. You represent the EHB and its research interests to relevant actors in the vocational education, higher education and research landscape at national and international levels.

Your profile

• You have proven leadership experience in a university or research environment, especially in leading scientific teams, developing staff, as well as strategic prioritisation and resource management. You promote collaboration across locations and language regions.
• You combine scientific expertise with strategic thinking, communication skills and a participative leadership style, shaping strategic developments by involving the expertise of staff.
• You are a recognised research personality in the field of vocational education research or in a research area relevant to vocational education research. You hold a doctorate in a relevant discipline, have an excellent scientific track record and are highly regarded in the scientific community and in (vocational) education practice.
• You have in-depth knowledge of vocational education, its current scientific, societal and education policy issues, as well as the Swiss vocational education system.
• You have experience in developing and leading research projects as well as successfully acquiring third-party funding.
• You have an established national and international scientific network and are familiar with the vocational education, higher education and research landscape as well as their relevant actors and funding institutions.
• You have very good knowledge of German, French or Italian as well as good knowledge of another national language; in addition, you have very good English skills.
• You are willing to be present at the various EHB locations.

We offer

We offer you a responsible leadership role with great scope for design at the interface of research, vocational education practice and vocational education policy. As a member of the university management, you will be directly involved in the strategic further development of the EHB and shape the future direction of Research & Development.

You will take over an established division with a committed team, broad scientific and professional expertise as well as national and international cooperations.
If you meet the requirements for a professorship at the EHB, there is the possibility of appointment as a professor.

As a university, we are particularly committed to diversity and equality, participation and sustainability. The working conditions and social benefits at the EHB are correspondingly progressive.

For enquiries, Dr Barbara Fontanellaz, Director, will be happy to assist you (barbara.fontanellaz@ehb.swiss).

We look forward to receiving your complete application via our recruiting tool.

Swiss Federal Institute
for Vocational Education and Training EHB
Kirchlindachstrasse 79
CH-3052 Zollikofen
www.ehb.swiss