The Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL is one of the world's leading research institutions in the field of organic agriculture and employs around 300 people in Switzerland. FiBL's strengths are interdisciplinary research, joint innovations with farmers and the food industry as well as rapid knowledge transfer. FiBL Switzerland's expertise is also in demand beyond the country's borders. It is therefore involved in numerous international projects, research, extension and training, as well as development cooperation.
The Department of Food System Sciences is looking for a qualified
Head of Department Food System Sciences (80–100%)
The department focuses on analysing and evaluating system innovations along the entire value chain in terms of their ecological excellence, economic viability and social acceptance as well as analysing current food systems and developing concepts for system transformation. Its key features are a high level of systems expertise and an interdisciplinary approach.
Our expectations
- Operational management of the department with budget and personnel responsibilities for approx. 50 employees
- Strategic further development of the department's research fields within the framework of the overarching FiBL strategy
- Participation in the FiBL management board, of which the Head of Department is a member
- Acquisition and implementation of research, development and consulting projects at national and international level
- Representation of FiBL and participation in national and international expert committees
Your profile
- Completed academic education (diploma/M.Sc.) as well as a PhD
- Excellent scientific expertise with a record of relevant publications and project acquisition
- Experience in leading a scientific working group or department as well as comprehensive management skills
- Good knowledge of food systems and relevant stakeholders in Switzerland and the EU
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Identification with the objectives of organic farming
- Ability to present complex issues in an understandable way, both in written and oral form
- Excellent written and spoken English and German skills, good knowledge of French is an advantage
What we offer
FiBL promotes equal opportunities and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. FiBL offers a work culture characterised by efficient, uncomplicated work and numerous opportunities to help shape the institute thanks to flat hierarchies. As a research institute with a great global network, we consider training opportunities and further education for our employees highly important. Arrangements for working from home, flexible annual working hours and the possibility of part-time work create a good work-life balance. FiBL employees also enjoy excellent organic food at our in-house restaurant and a workplace surrounded by a lush and green landscape. In principle, co-management of the department is an option. The place of work is Frick / Aargau.
Contact
Does this position interest you? Dr. Jürn Sanders, Chairman of the Management Board FiBL Switzerland, Tel. +41 62 865 72 72, will be happy to answer any further questions.
We would be pleased to receive your application documents via the application form.