Visionary Scientific Director & CEO — Plant Biology

Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften; Wien; On-site; EUR 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology (GMI), part of Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, seeks a visionary Scientific Director to lead one of Europe’s premier plant biology institutes.

The role combines executive leadership with active scientific engagement; the Director also serves as CEO in a dual leadership model and reports to the Presiding Committee of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. English is the working language and the position is open to all nationalities.

Qualifications

• Seminal contributions to basic molecular plant biology.
• Active engagement in high-impact research with transformative potential.
• Proven track record of securing substantial third-party funding from public and/or private sources.
• Outstanding leadership and ability to grow a dynamic research team.
• Strong international connections and commitment to collaborative science.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership of the institute and shape its research agenda.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and ensure continued excellence as a global leader.
• Dual-role CEO and Administrative Director to shape strategy and execution.
• Lead with strategic vision and inspire the research community to high attainment.
• Represent the institute in national and international scientific networks.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Strategic vision

International network

Collaboration

Job description

The Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology (GMI), part of Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, seeks a visionary Scientific Director to lead one of Europe’s premier plant biology institutes.

The role combines executive leadership with active scientific engagement; the Director also serves as CEO in a dual leadership model and reports to the Presiding Committee of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. English is the working language and the position is open to all nationalities.