Head of Research & Development as a Member of the Executive Board

Who are we?

Die Eidgenössische Hochschule für Berufsbildung EHB is the Swiss expertise organization for vocational education and training. We train and further educate vocational education and training professionals, research vocational education and training, further develop professions, and support international vocational education and training cooperation. Our locations are in Zollikofen near Bern (headquarters), Lausanne, and Lugano, with external locations in Olten and Zürich.

For the Research and Development division in Zollikofen, we are looking for, starting from 1 January 2027 or by arrangement, a

Head of Research & Development as a Member of the Executive Board

Your area of responsibility

• You lead the Research & Development division in strategic, technical, organizational, personnel, and financial respects 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 continuity of 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 also personally engage in securing third-party funding.
• You promote scientific young talent and create an environment in which researchers can develop professionally and scientifically.
• You strengthen the knowledge and innovation transfer between research, vocational education practice, and education policy, pick up questions from practice and politics for research, and promote the development and testing of solutions. Together with the Executive Board, you strengthen the connection between research, teaching, and professional development.
• As a member of the Executive Board, 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, particularly in leading scientific teams, developing employees, as well as strategic prioritization and resource management. You promote cooperation across locations and language regions.
• You combine scientific expertise with strategic thinking, ability to dialogue, and a participatory leadership understanding, and shape strategic developments by involving the expertise of the employees.
• You are a proven 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 corresponding discipline, an excellent record of scientific achievement, as well as high recognition in the scientific community and in (vocational) education practice.
• You have sound knowledge of vocational education, its current scientific, social, and educational policy issues, as well as the Swiss vocational education system.
• You have experience in the development and management of research projects as well as in the successful acquisition of 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 its relevant actors and funding institutions.
• You have very good knowledge of German, French, or Italian as well as good knowledge of another national language; additionally, you have very good English skills.
• You are willing to be present at the various locations of the EHB.

We offer

We offer you a responsible leadership function with great creative freedom at the interface of research, vocational education practice, and vocational education policy. As a member of the Executive Board, you participate directly 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 dedicated team, broad scientific and technical expertise, as well as national and international cooperations.
If the requirements applicable to a professorship at the EHB are met, there is the possibility of a Er j4id10411332a j4it0939a j4iy26a