Chief Core Facilities Officer (m/w/d)

Job advertisement no. 589

The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), is offering a position for

Chief Core Facilities Officer (m/w/d)

The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) is dedicated to infection research. HZI is a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest research organization.

To optimize and reshape the existing core structures in line with the needs of our scientists and the centre's future strategy, the HZI is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to take on the role of Chief Core Facilities Officer. This is a senior leadership position, responsible for the strategic development, integration, and operational excellence of our core technology platforms supporting cutting-edge research across the center. The postholder consults and reports directly to HZI management.

Your Responsibilities:

• Management and coordination of all HZI core facilities and technology platforms at the interface with HZI research groups and executive administration
• Strategic guidance and implementation of core facilities to tailor and improve the cores to research needs
• Ensure cost-effective and sustainable service delivery, including budgeting, billing, accountability, and resource allocation
• Lead strategic planning for acquisition, development, and implementation of new technologies
• Evaluate emerging scientific trends to guide investments in instrumentation and methodologies
• Stay up to date with advancements in relevant technologies and methodologies
• Identify funding opportunities, including internal Helmholtz support and external grants
• Prepare reports, metrics, and presentations for the executive management and stakeholders
• Represent HZI within the Helmholtz Health Core Facility Network, liaise with partner institutions, and promote awareness and visibility, both internally and externally
• Foster a culture of collaboration, service excellence, and continuous learning in close cooperation with core facility heads, administration and researchers

Your Qualifications:

• PhD or an equivalent degree in a relevant scientific discipline
• Several years of professional experience with core facility operations with both personnel and financial responsibility
• Experience in an international biomedical research environment
• Strong leadership and project management skills with proven ability to supervise, motivate, and develop divers, international staff
• Familiarity with research operations, grant funding processes, budget development, financial monitoring, resource allocations, and compliance
• Problem-solving and analytical skills to manage complex projects and prioritize interests
• Ability to foster collaboration across disciplines and establish effective relationships with research groups as well as with academic, government, and industry partners
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English as well as interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and consult with diverse research fellows and other professionals; German language skills are recommended

We offer you:

• An attractive and varied job in a future-oriented research institute with an international environment at the Science Campus South in Braunschweig
• Flexible working hours, part-time models, home office options
• A corporate culture of appreciation and promotion of equal opportunities
• Extensive training and continuing education opportunities to develop professional knowledge and personal skills
• A family office to support family and career as well as childcare offers
• Interesting additional public service benefits
• Option of an additional employer subsidy for the job ticket

People with severe disabilities and equivalent professional qualifications who are suitable for the position are given preference. In order to protect your rights, we ask you to provide us with a clearly recognizable reference to the existence of a degree of severe disability in your cover letter or resume.

The HZI is actively committed to equality, diversity and integration. For this reason, the HZI pursues the goal of professional equality between women and men and expressly welcomes applications from qualified women. The position is suitable for part-time work.

Starting date: As soon as possible.

Duration: Initially limited to 5 years. Long-term employment, whether full-time or part-time, is desired.

Salary: E 15TV EntGO Bund

Working time: 39 hours per week

Place of work: Braunschweig

Probation period: 6 months

Closing date: 02/03/2026

Please include with your application a cover letter, a CV, a separate outline of previous professional achievements (max. 2 pages), and 2 reference names we may contact. Please refrain from sending a photo.

For further information about the job, please contact Allan Koch, phone +49 (0)531 6181-1007, allan.koch@helmholtz-hzi.de

We look forward to receiving your application!