Head of Research and Development / Head of Research and Development

About SFUVET

The Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET) is Switzerland's premier organization dedicated to vocational education and training. We specialize in providing both basic and continuing training for VET professionals, conducting impactful VET research, contributing to occupational development, and fostering international collaboration in vocational and professional education and training. Our regional campuses are located in Zollikofen near Bern (our main campus), Lausanne, and Lugano, as well as off-campus facilities in Olten and Zurich.

Your Activities

• Lead the Research and Development division strategically and academically, overseeing operations, staff, and finances while aligning its development with SFUVET's strategic priorities.
• Ensure the academic quality and relevance of SFUVET's research by promoting a culture of high-quality publishing, interdisciplinary approaches, and methodological diversity, while fostering an environment that supports academic integrity and freedom.
• Secure and deliver competitive research projects and externally funded initiatives; actively pursue external funding opportunities.
• Support early-career researchers by creating an environment conducive to professional and academic growth.
• Enhance knowledge and innovation transfer between research, VET practice, and education policy; address practice and policy issues in the research agenda; advocate for the development and evaluation of solutions; and collaborate closely with the Executive Committee to strengthen ties between research, teaching, and occupational development.
• Integrate the Research and Development perspective into SFUVET's strategic progression as a member of the Executive Committee, sharing responsibility for the university's development and representation 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 context, focused on leading academic teams, developing staff, establishing strategic priorities, and resource allocation while encouraging collaboration across locations and language regions.
• Strong academic expertise combined with strategic thinking, exceptional communication skills, and a participative leadership style that engages staff in shaping strategic developments.
• An established research profile in VET research or related fields, with a doctorate in a relevant discipline, an excellent academic track record, and a solid reputation within the research community and among VET practitioners.
• In-depth understanding of VET and familiarity with current academic, societal, and education policy issues, particularly regarding the Swiss VET system.
• Experience in developing and leading research projects, with a proven track record in securing external funding.
• A well-established national and international academic network, including familiarity with the VET, higher education, and research landscape, as well as key stakeholders and funding bodies.
• Excellent command of German, French, or Italian, proficiency in 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 offer a senior leadership role with significant opportunities to shape the future at the intersection of research, VET practice, and VET policy. As a member of the Executive Committee, you will be directly involved in SFUVET's strategic development, contributing to the future direction of research and development.

You will oversee a well-established division with a dedicated team, extensive academic and professional expertise, and robust national and international partnerships.

Candidates who fulfill SFUVET's requirements for a professorship may also be appointed as a professor.

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

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.