Vice-President for Innovation and International Affairs

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) − The Research University in the Helmholtz Association creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is our goal to make significant contributions to mastering the global challenges of humankind in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,300 employees and 24,400 students of KIT cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in research, academic education, and innovation. KIT is one of the German Universities of Excellence. We are looking for dedicated people to shape the future together with us!

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) invites applications for the position of

Vice-President for Innovation and International Affairs (f/m/nb)

as of January 1^st, 2022.

The Vice-President for Innovation and International Affairs, together with the President and the four other Vice-Presidents, represents the highest management level of KIT. The Executive Board is responsible for all matters that are not covered by other competent bodies specified by law or the Joint Statutes of KIT.

We welcome applications from candidates who work at KIT as full-time professors or executive scientists according to Article 14, par. 3, cl. 1, No. 1, KIT Act or who have a university degree and are expected to cope with the tasks of the post thanks to several years of executive professional activities in science, research, or industry.

The size and special mission of KIT as well as close cooperation with universities, non-university research institutions, and industrial companies on the national and international levels require a person with proven competencies in the organization and management of complex structures. Highly developed leadership and communication skills also in the international context are indispensable. Candidates are expected to have an established network of international contacts, in particular to universities and research institutions abroad. Expertise in the university sector and/or trans-regional non-university research organization is expected, as is professional qualification or main professional activity in the areas of engineering or natural sciences. Proven success in knowledge or technology transfer or in the startup scene is expected. Success in launching international collaboration projects is required.  Affinity to one of the important profile-building topics of KIT, ideally reflected by the candidate’s previous professional career, is of particular advantage. Extended stays at universities or research institutions abroad and further experience on the international level are highly welcome.

The Vice-President for Innovation and International Affairs is expected to give the strategic field of action of innovation focusing on the key topics of KIT a standing that is equivalent to those of research and academic education. Work will focus on innovation management, cooperation and business models with industry, also in the international context, and on fund raising. The scope of responsibility also includes further development of knowledge and technology transfer, of the patenting and licensing strategy, and of the innovation process and management of relations to industry, science, politics, and administration on both the national and international levels.

The Vice-President for Innovation and International Affairs is equally responsible for the successful international positioning and networking of KIT. For this purpose, she/he advances the internationalization strategy of KIT and provides for its rapid implementation. The goal is to increase the international visibility and to pool and strengthen international activities of KIT.

The appointment will be made for the duration of six years. A reappointment is possible.

Payment will be based on salary group W3. The present holder of the post will reapply.

KIT wishes to increase the proportion of female executives and to enhance diversity on the executive level. Handicapped applicants (f/m/nb) having the same qualification will be preferred.

In case you are attracted by this responsible task with a wide sphere of influence at a unique science organization, send your application with all relevant documents to AR-Geschaeftsstelle@kit.edu (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Supervisory Board Office, Kaiserstraße 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany) by August 15^th, 2020.

Further information on KIT can be found on the internet at: www.kit.edu

For the privacy policy relating to this application procedure and the valid legislation (KIT Act and Joint Statutes of KIT, in German), click: s.kit.edu/fiko-dse

KIT – The Research University in the Helmholtz Association