Head of Research & Development as a member of the Higher Education Management

Who are we?

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

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 future-oriented research and development fields and strengthen the scientific profile and visibility of the EHB.
• You ensure the scientific quality and connectivity of the 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 engage yourself in the acquisition of third-party funds.
• You promote young scientific talent and create an environment in which researchers can develop professionally and scientifically.
• You strengthen the transfer of knowledge and innovation between research, vocational education practice, and education policy, take up issues from practice and politics for research, and promote the development and testing of solutions. Together with the Higher Education Management, you strengthen the connection between research, teaching, and professional development.
• As a member of the Higher Education Management, 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 higher education institution. You represent the EHB and its research interests to relevant actors in the vocational education, higher education, and research landscapes at national and international levels.

Your profile

• You have proven leadership experience in a higher education 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, the ability to engage in dialogue, and a participatory leadership understanding, and you 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 field relevant to vocational education research. You hold a doctorate in a corresponding discipline, have an excellent record of scientific achievement, and enjoy high recognition in the scientific community and in (vocational) education practice.
• You have profound knowledge of vocational education, its current scientific, social, and education 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 funds.
• 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 EHB locations.

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 Higher Education Management, you participate directly in the strategic further development of the EHB and shape the future orientation 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 for a professorship at the EHB are met, there is the possibility of an appointment as a Professor.

As a higher education institution, we are committed in a special way to diversity and equality, participation, and sustainability. The working conditions and social benefits at the EHB are correspondingly progressive.