Empa Director

As an interdisciplinary research institute of the ETH Domain, Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, conducts cutting-edge materials and technology research and develops innovative solutions to meet the key challenges facing industry and society. Empa has research facilities in Dubendorf, St. Gallen and Thun (Switzerland) and employs over 1000 staff.

The ETH Board is the strategic management and supervisory body of the ETH Domain, which also includes ETH Zurich, EPFL and three further federal research institutes: PSI, WSL and Eawag. Due to the upcoming retirement of Empa's current director, the ETH Board is advertising the position of

Empa Director

in line with its mandate. The ETH Board is responsible for proposing a candidate for this position to the Swiss Federal Council. It is planned that the person appointed will hold a joint professorship at ETH Zurich and EPFL.

Requirements
You are an internationally renowned leader with a broad scientific background, a recognised scientific record in materials science and technology, and a deep understanding of their impact on sustainable solutions in areas in which Empa is active. You are experienced in managing a public or private research-oriented institution, a large research group, or large interdisciplinary projects. You have experience working in or with industry and in translating scientific knowledge into innovation and applied technologies through demonstration platforms or spin-offs, or together with private companies, public authorities or practitioners. You are respected by industry leaders and will continue to develop Empa’s bridging function between research and application. You are a dynamic, widely interested personality and show a strong interest in collaborating with other research institutions, in particular with institutions of the ETH Domain. You are interested in joining forces with other actors in the ETH Domain to strengthen its ability to dynamically respond to new challenges and perform mission-driven, impact-oriented research. To that end, your ability to lead and inspire change is a prerequisite. You have strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills and have proven your ability to interact with the public, the academic world and industry. You have a track record in empowering your team members and collaboration partners and in promoting an inclusive and ethical work environment. Your familiarity with the Swiss and European political and legislative processes, your international experience and a good understanding of Switzerland’s cultural diversity are an asset to successfully interacting with the various stakeholders, which is supported by your command of German, French and English.

Applications
Please send your complete application to dir.empa@ethrat.ch by 15 September 2021. Empa is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer, values diversity, strives to increase the number of women in leadership positions, and is responsive to the needs of dual career couples. The President of the ETH Board, Prof. Michael O. Hengartner, will be pleased to provide additional information (michael.hengartner@ethrat.ch, phone +41 58 856 86 01).