Applications are invited for the post of

Director General, HCEMM Non-profit Zrt.

Job description

HCEMM Non-profit Zrt. (HCEMM) is a future Hungarian Centre of Excellence for molecular medicine research, services and training. The centre will have its headquarters in Szeged (Hungary) with partner organizations in Debrecen, Budapest, and Szeged.

HCEMM has the mission to become an internationally recognized institute of excellence having a leading role in renewing the Hungarian research and innovation landscape, providing scientists with cutting edge technologies and autonomy to conduct innovative research, offering multi- and inter-disciplinary training for the next generation of scientists, promoting cooperation with industry by translational projects and engaging in the wide-ranging social debate on the scientific and technological aspects of molecular medicine.

The centre will be developed in cooperation with the University of Szeged, the Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the Semmelweis University, the University of Debrecen and the National Research, Development and Innovation Office and professionally supported by the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), one of the highest ranked scientific research organisations in the world. The organisation development process is supervised and the recruitment is organised by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office and the EMBL. The establishment and the operation of the centre are supported by the Hungarian government and by the Teaming excellence programme within the Horizon 2020 programme, the research and innovation programme of the European Union.

HCEMM seeks an experienced, inspirational and dynamic leader to serve as its first Director General (DG)/CEO. The position is initially contracted for 5 years with a possibility of a max 3 years extension. The DG is responsible for building up the institutional framework of the organisation, the development and execution of the short and long-term research strategy of the centre, including recruitment of new research groups in accordance with the research strategy, and for aligning the strategy with the corresponding funding frameworks. The DG reports to HCEMM supervisory bodies. The DG consults with and follows the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Panel, the external advisory body of acknowledged professionals from across Europe.

Key activities

The Director General/CEO of HCEMM will:

• be responsible for overall leadership, strategic direction and resource planning;
  
• provide intellectual leadership for the multidisciplinary and international community of HCEMM staff and fellows;
  
• lead his/her own research group and select, lead and mentor younger faculty members;
  
• ensure the attainment of world-class standards of research;
  
• lead the preparation for regular Programme reviews;
  
• ensure financial sustainability of the institute by fundraising from relevant national and international funding agencies and by exploring alternative research funding sources, such as private foundations or industrial partners;
  
• have overall responsibility for the HCEMM’s day-to-day operations and the performance of all parts of the organisation;
  
• ensure the international visibility of HCEMM.
  

The tasks are not limited to the above and a flexible approach and ability to adapt to evolving situations in a dynamic organization is required.

Key requirements

The chosen candidate will have:

• a PhD in the biomedical sciences and a proven record of scientific leadership;
  
• at least 10 years' experience in international scientific collaboration;
  
• an excellent overview of the European molecular medicine research and policy landscape, as well as short- and long-term scientific visions in molecular medicine;
  
• substantial management and leadership experience within a scientific organisation, preferably international;
  
• preferably experience in world-leading institutional environments, interfacing with different scientific and social cultures;
  
• a demonstrated record of successful fundraising, programme development, faculty recruitment and mentoring, and organisational management;
  
• a leadership style that is both inclusive (participatory) and directive;
  
• excellent communication and mediation skills;
  
• ability to negotiate productively at different levels, both inside and outside HCEMM;
  
• a good understanding of the EU Research funding mechanisms and of the Hungarian research environment is an advantage;
  
• excellent organisational skills and fluent written and spoken English.
  

Application instructions 

Applications should be submitted as a single pdf-file containing a letter of motivation, a CV, evidence on the required leadership skills and a list of key research publications to hcemm-dg@nkfih.gov.hu before 31 July, 2017.

Additional information 

The creation of HCEMM is based on a successful Horizon 2020 project. Description of the mission, ambitions, and operational framework of the Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine available in the following document: HCEMM Project Executive Summary.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to a personal interview consisting of one scientific presentation, one strategic presentation and interactive interview sessions during September.

Expected start of work is October 2017. 

HCEMM is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits. The remuneration comprises a competitive salary and a relocation package.

In case of any questions, please contact Mr. Gyula Szigeti, Vice-President of the NRDI Office at peter.gyula.szigeti@nkfih.gov.hu.