Head of Research and Innovation Support for Excellence

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) Group/Unit: Research and Innovation Support for Excellence Number of Vacancies: 1 Employment Type: Full time Contract Duration: 48 months Open Date for Applications: November 25th, 2024 Closing Date for Applications: February 5th, 2026, 23:00 Lisbon Time Key words: #strategicvision #R&Dprogrammes #advisorysupport #researchexcellence #projectcoordination #stakeholderengagement #sustainability #innovati Overview: The Head of Research and Innovation Support for Excellence (RISE) will play a pivotal management role in leading the operational efforts to secure and manage competitive research funding, foster innovation, and promote scientific excellence across INL’s Research and Innovation ecosystem. This function oversees activities spanning INL’s three grand thematic areas of research (Life Sciences, Energy and Environment and Information and Technologies) and innovation, including project management support for core facilities and industrial contracts. The Head of RISE will lead a large team of project managers whose focus is to provide strategic and operational guidance to Researchers and Engineers in identifying, developing, and pursuing high-quality research and innovation projects aligned with INL’s strategic objectives and international levels of excellence in benefit of society. Responsibilities Strategic Leadership and Institutional: Lead and implement the RISE team to enhance INL’s participation and success in competitive research and innovation funding programmes. Develop and implement institutional strategies to promote scientific excellence, international collaboration, and innovation-driven growth. Collaborate with senior management to ensure R&I support services are aligned with INL’s mission, strategic priorities, and research roadmap. Lead the strategic repositioning of the current Grants-related function within the new organisational structure, ensuring its strong contribution to INL’s research and innovation objectives. Partner with the Strategy Unit to conduct forward-looking analyses and implement strategic alignment initiatives that advance INL’s long-term R&D&I goals. Research and Innovation Development: Promote a culture of excellence in R&D&I through proactive leadership, mentoring, and capacity-building within the RISE team. Provide strategic guidance and support to the Research and Engineering Group Leaders (REGLs), Core Facilities, and the Innovation Board across the three Grand Thematic Areas (GTAs) and the Transversal Research Lines. Drive and coordinate initiatives beyond funding acquisition, ensuring that personnel, infrastructure, and expertise are effectively leveraged to achieve impactful, high-quality R&D&I outcomes. Support and empower researchers and engineers to dedicate more time to creative and strategic research, promoting innovation and the development of new project concepts. Oversee and steer project lifecycles from ideation to completion, ensuring efficient monitoring, resource optimisation, and timely corrective action. Operational Management and Process Improvement: Ensure operational excellence across research and innovation activities through effective coordination, quality assurance, and continuous improvement. Develop and implement bespoke methodologies and tools that integrate project management and financial management best practices to enhance efficiency, accountability, and decision-making. Drive continuous improvement of internal processes, systems, and tools that support project development, financial control, and resource management. Monitor and report on key performance indicators, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, funding agency requirements, and international standards. Collaboration, Communication, and External Standards: Foster collaboration and effective communication among internal stakeholders (i.e., REGs, GTAs, Core Facilities, and the Innovation Board) and external partners, including funding agencies, research institutions, and industry. Build and maintain strategic partnerships and networks to expand INL’s visibility and participation in international research and innovation initiatives. Represent INL strategically in national and international meetings, partnerships, and collaborative networks related to research and innovation. Qualifications Education: MSc degree in Research Planning, Business Administration, Industrial Management, Finance, Economics, or other related fields. PhD is an advantage. Experience: Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in research management, innovation support, or R&D funding environments. Proven senior-level experience in strategic planning, implementation, portfolio management, preferably in international research, academic, or intergovernmental environments. Demonstrated success in leadership positions, managing complex strategic initiatives across multiple sites or teams. Extensive experience advising senior management and coordinating diverse stakeholders. Strong skills in strategic planning, execution, and programme management. Exceptional analytical and conceptual thinking skills, with demonstrated proficiency in data analysis and financial reporting. Outstanding verbal and written communication abilities, with a diplomatic approach and a proven capacity to influence senior-level stakeholders. High political acumen and the ability to navigate complex organisational environments with sound judgement and discretion. Additional Skills: PhD in Research Planning, Business Administration, Industrial Management, Finance, Economics, or other related fields. Formal Certification and/or advanced training in strategic management and/or project management methodologies. Previous experience in strategic roles within intergovernmental or international research organisations. Language Proficiency: English (mandatory). Knowledge of Portuguese and/or Spanish is necessary. German and French are valued. Personal Skills: Strong leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement skills. High standard of professionalism and integrity. Results oriented, collaborative mindset and problem-solving abilities. Empathetic and approachable. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Leadership and motivational skills. Strategic thinking. Adaptability to change. Decisiveness. Strong negotiating skills commensurate with an international organisation. Benefits Competitive salary package. Tax benefits and other diplomatic privileges. Private health insurance. Family allowances (accordant to family situation). Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability). Support for education fees. How to Apply The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents: Cover letter Curriculum Vitae Academic and/or research-related documents required for the position Applications are made online by clicking the “Apply” button. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form and submit the mandatory documents in PDF format in the “Additional files” section. Selection Process A. Eligibility Check – Assessment of mandatory requirements, education, experience, and technical skills. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria move forward. B. CV Assessment – Evaluation of eligible applications based on CV and other submitted documents. Best-ranked candidates are shortlisted for interview stage(s). C. Interview(s) – Interviews may be conducted in different formats: video recording, online or onsite. Candidates may be requested to prepare a short presentation. D. Nomination – Selected candidate is nominated and formally offered the position. Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle. No candidate can be privileged, benefited, or deprived of any rights whatsoever. The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr