Head of Research and Development to join the Executive Committee

About SFIVET

The Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training SFUVET is Switzerland's expert organisation for vocational education and training. It offers basic and continuing training to VET professionals, conducts VET research, contributes to the development of occupations and supports international cooperation in vocational and professional education and training. It has regional campuses in Zollikofen near Bern (main campus), Lausanne and Lugano as well as off-campus space in Olten and Zurich.

From 1 January 2027 or by arrangement, we are looking to appoint a

Your activities

• Leading the Research and Development division strategically and academically, with overall responsibility for its operations, staff and finances; shaping its development in line with SFUVET’s strategic priorities; and advancing forward-looking areas of research and development to strengthen SFUVET’s academic profile and visibility
• Safeguarding the academic quality and relevance of SFUVET’s research, promoting a culture of high-quality publishing, interdisciplinary approaches and methodological diversity, and fostering a research environment that supports academic integrity and academic freedom
• Securing and delivering competitive research projects and externally funded projects, while playing an active role in attracting external funding
• Supporting early-career researchers and creating an environment in which researchers can develop and flourish professionally and academically
• Strengthening knowledge and innovation transfer between research, VET practice and education policy; bringing issues arising from practice and policy into the research agenda; promoting the development and testing of solutions; and working closely with the Executive Committee to strengthen the links between research, teaching and the development of occupations
• Bringing the Research and Development perspective to SFUVET’s strategic development as a member of the Executive Committee; sharing responsibility for shaping SFUVET’s continued development and positioning as a university; and representing SFUVET and its research interests in dealings with key stakeholders across the VET, higher education and research landscape, both nationally and internationally

Requirements

• Proven leadership experience in a higher education or research environment, particularly in leading academic teams, developing staff, setting strategic priorities and allocating resources, together with the ability to foster collaboration across locations and language regions
• Academic expertise combined with strategic thinking, strong communication skills and a participative approach to leadership, with the ability to involve staff and draw on their expertise in shaping strategic developments
• An established research profile in VET research or a related field, together with a doctorate in a relevant discipline, an excellent academic track record and a strong reputation both within the research community and among practitioners in education and VET
• 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, together with a successful track record in securing external funding
• An established national and international academic network, along with familiarity with the VET, higher education and research landscape and its key stakeholders and funding bodies
• A very good command of German, French or Italian, a good command of another Swiss national language, and a very good command of English
• A willingness to maintain a presence across SFUVET’s various locations

What we offer

We are offering a senior leadership role with considerable scope to shape the future at the intersection of research, VET practice and VET policy. As a member of the Executive Committee, you will play a direct role in SFUVET’s strategic development and help shape the future direction of research and development.

You will take responsibility for an established division with a committed team, broad academic and professional expertise, and strong national and international partnerships.
Candidates who meet SFUVET’s requirements for a professorship may also be appointed as a professor.

As a university, SFUVET is firmly committed to diversity and equality, participation and sustainability, and offers progressive employment conditions and benefits.

For further information, please contact Dr. Barbara Fontanellaz, Director General (barbara.fontanellaz@ehb.swiss).

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

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