Head of Research & Development, Member of the University of Applied Sciences Management

About the job

Who are we?

The Swiss Federal University of Vocational Education and Training SFUVET is the Swiss expert organisation for vocational education and training. We offer training and continuing education for vocational education and training managers, conduct research projects on vocational education and training, contribute to the development of professions, and support international cooperation in vocational education and training. Our locations are in Zollikofen near Bern (head office), Lausanne and Lugano, with external sites in Olten and Zurich.

For the Research and Development sector in Zollikofen, we are looking from 1 January 2027 or a date to be agreed for a:

Head of Research & Development, Member of the University of Applied Sciences Management

Your responsibilities

• You lead the Research & Development sector strategically, professionally, organisationally, financially and in terms of personnel and develop it in accordance with the strategic priority areas of SFUVET. In this capacity, you provide impetus for future-oriented research and development fields and strengthen the scientific profile and visibility of SFUVET.
• You ensure the scientific quality and continuity of research, promote a culture of high-quality publication, 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 projects and third-party funded projects, and you personally engage in obtaining third-party funding.
• You encourage the next generation of scientists 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, integrate practical and policy-related issues into research, and promote the development and testing of solutions. In collaboration with the university management, you strengthen the link between research, education and professional development.
• As a member of the university management, you bring the perspective of the Research & Development sector into the ongoing strategic development of SFUVET and share responsibility for the development and positioning of SFUVET as a university of applied sciences. You represent SFUVET and its research interests to relevant stakeholders in the vocational education landscape, universities of applied sciences and research at national and international levels.

Your profile

• You have proven leadership experience in the university or research environment, particularly in leading scientific teams, personnel development, strategic prioritisation and resource management. You promote collaboration between sites and language regions.
• You combine scientific expertise, strategic thinking, dialogue skills and a participative understanding of leadership, shaping ongoing strategic developments by involving the expertise of colleagues.
• You are a recognised figure in vocational education research or a research field relevant to it. You hold a doctorate in a corresponding discipline, have an excellent scientific track record and enjoy high recognition within the scientific community and the (vocational) education sector.
• You possess 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 managing research projects and successfully obtaining third-party funding.
• You have an established national and international scientific network and are well acquainted with the landscapes of vocational education, universities of applied sciences and research, as well as their main actors and funding institutions.
• You are fluent in German, French or Italian and have good knowledge of another national language; you also have very good knowledge of English.
• You are willing to be present at the various SFUVET sites.

We offer

We offer you a leadership position with responsibility, providing considerable scope at the interface between research, vocational education practice and vocational education policy. As a member of the university management, you participate directly in the ongoing strategic development of SFUVET and shape the future direction of research and development.

You will take over an established sector with a committed team, broad scientific and professional expertise, as well as national and international cooperations.

If the requirements are met, an appointment as professor at SFUVET is possible.

As a university of applied sciences, we are particularly committed to diversity and equal opportunities, participation and sustainability. This commitment is reflected in the working conditions and social benefits at SFUVET.

Director, Dr Barbara Fontanellaz, is happy to provide any information (barbara.fontanellaz@ehb.swiss).

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

Swiss Federal University
of Vocational
Education and Training SFUVET
Kirchlindachstrasse 79
CH-3052 Zollikofen
www.hefp.swiss