Director of Science

The ELI ERIC is offering an exceptional opportunity for a world-leading, innovative and recognised scientist to take up the role of Director of Science (DoS). Reporting to the Director General, the DoS will provide strategic leadership, direction and management for ELI ERIC, as well as being a part of the ELI Management Board. The DoS will represent and serve as the leading scientific spokesperson for ELI ERIC.

The Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) ERIC is the leading European science facility for physical sciences based on laser sources. As an international user facility, ELI has the broadest portfolio of scientific lasers in the world, from high-intensity to ultra-short pulse high repetition rate lasers. ELI’s lasers produce pulses of high-energy photons which can drive the production of particles in the (sub-) atto-second regimes on demand.

About the Role

The DoS will develop, coordinate and manage the integrated scientific user programme with the ELI Facilities. In consultation with the funding agencies, the ELI ERIC International Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (ISTAC), and the user community, the DoS will define the scope and aims of the programme, as well as the process for the scientific evaluation of its performance according to agreed scientific and organisational indicators.

Key responsibilities and experience include:

• Develop a world-leading scientific user programme;
• Provide leadership and coordination for the scientific direction of the ELI ERIC Facilities and scientific teams in a unified research programme;
• Lead a career development programme for the scientific staff of the company;
• Plan, develop, and implement a long-term operational scientific programme in support of company objectives;
• Lead development of ELI-related projects for scientific facilities and instruments;
• Manage and develop direct reporting and other staff;
• Develop and manage organisational budgets;
• Prepare and contribute to regular operational reports and annual scientific reports for governance.

The work includes regular travel and will take place mainly at the laboratories in Dolní Břežany and Szeged. It may also include regular international travel to conferences and to stakeholders in member countries and potential member countries.

About the Candidate

The successful candidate can demonstrate a proven record of scientific achievement in the physical sciences at the European and international level, along with significant senior leadership experience from within a complex scientific environment.

The successful candidate can present significant knowledge of the European Research Area, the scientific community, with the ability to represent ELI externally, to Member Countries, various stakeholders, industry, and other bodies.

The successful candidate has demonstrated the ability to encourage collaboration, teamwork, and innovation, and the ability and scientific standing necessary to gain and retain the confidence of the ELI scientific and technical staff across a range of subject areas and of scientific and managerial issues. Specialized knowledge in laser science is appreciated, but not a requirement.

The successful candidate will demonstrate experience in:

• Developing scientific strategies for a national or international organisation;
• Leading and line-managing in a major scientific organisation with the vision required to advance scientific planning and development of broad research;
• Facilitating user research and beamline development;
• Working with European and national funding agencies to prioritize research programmes;
• Delivering to deadlines and within funding constraints.

The successful candidate will display exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including the confidence and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in academia, industry, and government. Experience living and working in a diverse, international context is considered essential.

The full job description is available to download HERE

Candidates should send a letter of interest, including a concise description of experience relevant to the position, as well as their CV and at least two references to michaela.kacrova@eli-laser.eu. Application deadline is 28 February 2025. The selection committee will begin evaluating qualified candidates from March 2025. Position is open until filled.