Head of Research and Development to join the Executive Committee

Eidgenössische Hochschule für Berufsbildung

3052 ZollikofenFestanstellungVeröffentlicht 24.9.2026

Über den Job

SFUVET is Switzerland's expert organisation for vocational education and training, offering basic and continuing training to VET professionals, conducting VET research, and contributing to the development of occupations. The position reports to the Executive Committee and shapes the future at the intersection of research, VET practice and VET policy. Start date: 1 January 2027 or by arrangement.

Aufgaben

Lead the Research and Development division strategically and academically, with overall responsibility for operations, staff and finances; shape its development in line with SFUVET's strategic priorities; advance forward-looking areas of research and development to strengthen SFUVET's academic profile and visibility
Safeguard the academic quality and relevance of SFUVET's research; promote a culture of high-quality publishing, interdisciplinary approaches and methodological diversity; foster a research environment that supports academic integrity and academic freedom
Secure and deliver competitive research projects and externally funded projects; play an active role in attracting external funding
Support early-career researchers and create an environment in which researchers can develop and flourish professionally and academically
Strengthen knowledge and innovation transfer between research, VET practice and education policy; bring issues from practice and policy into the research agenda; promote development and testing of solutions
Bring the Research and Development perspective to SFUVET's strategic development as a member of the Executive Committee; share responsibility for shaping SFUVET's continued development and positioning as a university; represent SFUVET and its research interests with key stakeholders nationally and internationally

Profil

Proven leadership experience in a higher education or research environment, particularly in leading academic teams, developing staff, setting strategic priorities and allocating resources; ability to foster collaboration across locations and language regions
Academic expertise combined with strategic thinking; strong communication skills; participative approach to leadership
Established research profile in VET research or related field; doctorate in a relevant discipline; excellent academic track record; strong reputation within research community and among education and VET practitioners
In-depth knowledge of VET, current academic, societal and education policy issues in the field, and the Swiss VET system
Experience in developing and leading research projects; successful track record in securing external funding
Established national and international academic network; familiarity with the VET, higher education and research landscape and its key stakeholders and funding bodies
Very good command of German, French or Italian; good command of another Swiss national language; very good command of English
Willingness to maintain a presence across SFUVET's various locations

Rahmenbedingungen

Start: 1 January 2027 or by arrangement
Locations: Zollikofen near Bern (main campus), Lausanne, Lugano; presence required across SFUVET's various locations
Contact: Dr. Fontanellaz, Director General
Address: Kirchlindachstrasse 79, CH-3052 Zollikofen
Application: via recruitment tool

Benefits

Senior leadership role with considerable scope to shape the future
Member of the Executive Committee with direct role in SFUVET's strategic development
Responsibility for an established division with committed team, broad academic and professional expertise, and strong national and international partnerships
Possible appointment as professor (for candidates meeting SFUVET's professorship requirements)
Progressive employment conditions and benefits
Commitment to diversity and equality, participation and sustainability

Skills

F&E-DivisionsleitungStrategische PlanungPersonalführungFinanzmanagementBerufsbildungsforschungakademisches Management

Head of Research and Development to join the Executive Committee

Über den Job

Über den Job

Aufgaben

Profil

Rahmenbedingungen

Benefits

Skills

Weitere offene Stellen