Director, Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP)

Helsingin normaalilyseo - Helsinki Normal Lyceum; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Helsinki Institute of Physics seeks a Director on a fixed-term basis for five years to lead HIP from 1 February 2027, appointed by the Rector on the Board's proposal. The director will manage operations and finances, oversee personnel and assets, and guide strategic planning in line with HIP regulations.

The candidate should hold a doctoral degree, demonstrate international research merit, and possess strong leadership and collaboration skills with fluency in English.

Qualifications

• PhD required with research merit and international standing.
• Proven leadership experience in a research or academic setting.
• Strong ability to foster collaboration and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Manage, develop and supervise HIP operations and finances.
• Oversee personnel, finances and assets of the department.
• Prepare the department's target program and budget for the board.
• Present matters to the HIP Board and implement board decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

International collaboration

English proficiency

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

Helsinki Institute of Physics invites applications to the post of

DIRECTOR

to a fixed term position for 5 years starting 1.2.2027 or as agreed. The director is employed by the University of Helsinki and is appointed by the Rector of the University of Helsinki on the proposal of the Board of the Research Institute.

The role of the director is to manage, develop and supervise the operations and finances of the research institute. The director has an overall responsibility for the department's personnel, finances and assets. The director is responsible for the general operation of the department and decides on internal matters in line with the HIP regulations. The director prepares the department's target program and budget and is responsible for the preparation and presentation of the matters to the board, as well as for the implementation of the board's decisions.

The director is required to have a doctoral degree, familiarity with the field, and proven leadership skills. The applicant is expected to have research merits and international experience, as well as the ability to collaborate. The task requires a good command of English.

The candidates are invited to write a short plan (1-2 page) on the development and reformation of the HIP activities in coming years.

Application period closes 5 October 2026.

More information: Chair of the HIP Board, vice rector Kai Nordlund ([e-mail], puh. [phone]) and vice director, research coordinator Antti Väihkönen ([e-mail], puh. [phone]).

If you have any questions regarding the application system, please contact [e-mail].

The Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP, www.hip.fi) is a physics research institute that is operated jointly by the University of Helsinki, the University of Jyväskylä, Aalto University, Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology (LUT), and Tampere University. In addition, the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) is a fixed-term interim member. The mandate of the institute is to carry out and facilitate research in basic and applied physics, technology development at accelerator laboratories as well as participate in the researcher education in the field. The institute is responsible for the Finnish research collaboration with CERN. Also, the institute coordinates the Finnish contribution to the FAIR laboratory (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) and participates in international research collaboration. The institute also carries out collaboration projects with universities in the field of particle physics.

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions.