Vice President e-Research (m/f/d)

Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen / Mobiles Arbeiten

Full or part-time

Permanent employee

We are looking for a Vice President e-Research (m/f/d) to join our team at our headquarters as soon as possible.

In our e-Research unit, our team of 37 employees currently develops and operates infrastructure-oriented services in the digital humanities and research data management. What sets us apart is our ability to combine an interdisciplinary understanding of academic requirements with professional software development and the efficient operation of services in a collaborative environment. Our users and partners include research institutions, universities, memory organizations, as well as academic societies and publishers. Of particular note are the German Digital Library (DDB) and the research data repository RADAR, which serve as central research infrastructures around which other services are organized.

Your responsibilities:

Personnel management and development, particularly supporting department heads in their duties
Cross-functional coordination and planning for the unit, also in consultation with other Vice Presidents within the organization
Strategic development of the e-Research unit in consultation with the CEO
Strengthening the transfer of research findings into practical applications, particularly in the field of AI
Evaluating technological trends with regard to their applicability to digital research infrastructures and e-research services, particularly in the field of AI
External representation and negotiations with cooperation partners; overall responsibility for projects and services
Participation in FIZ Karlsruhe‘s Executive Management Team

Your qualifications:

University degree or equivalent qualification; a Ph.D. is a plus
Excellent knowledge of the national and international e-research landscape, comprehensive knowledge of e-research services (including research infrastructures), and of business and legal frameworks
Several years of professional experience in an executive position in software development and information technology; knowledge of the design and operation of services in hybrid environments is desirable
Understanding of the principles of open source, open science, and FAIR data
Proven expertise in managing change processes
Extensive experience in successfully acquiring and executing large, distributed projects, as well as in establishing and maintaining strategic collaborations and partnerships
Experience in transitioning project results into long-term, sustainable, and productive operations
Excellent project management skills and knowledge of relevant methods
Ability to negotiate independently and confidently with partners and clients
Strong communication and presentation skills
Excellent command of German and English
Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, ability to handle high-pressure situations, a drive to innovate, and creativity

Why FIZ Karlsruhe is a good employer for you:

You will work in a highly dynamic scientific and technical environment with a supportive workplace culture.
Performance-based career and advancement opportunities
Flexible work schedules and remote work options of up to 80 percent
Compensation in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement for the public sector (TVöD (VKA)), including a company pension plan through VBL
Good work-life balance, certified by the berufundfamilie audit
Access to company bicycle leasing and a €25 employer subsidy for the Deutschland-Ticket

This is a full-time, permanent position with the option of working part-time (at least 80%). Compensation is based on pay grade 15 TVöD (VKA), with possible additional allowances depending on professional and personal qualifications.

Contact

If you have any technical questions, please contact Mr. Andreas Schwartz (andreas.schwartz@fiz-karlsruhe.de)
or Mr. Matthias Razum (matthias.razum@fiz-karlsruhe.de).

Have we sparked your interest?

Please send us your application through our career portal online.
Reference number: 06/2026
Deadline: June 29, 2026
Applications from persons with severe disabilities will be given preference, provided they are equally qualified.

About us

FIZ Karlsruhe – Leibniz Institute for Information Infrastructure is one of the leading provider of scientific information and services and a member of the Leibniz Association. Our core tasks are the professional provision of research and patent information to science and industry as well as the development of innovative information infrastructures, e.g. with a focus on research data management, knowledge graphs and digital platforms. For this purpose, we conduct in-house research, cooperate with renowned universities and research associations and maintain an international network. FIZ Karlsruhe is a GmbH (a limited liability company) with a non-profit character and one of the largest non-university institutions of its kind in Germany.