ICFO is a leading research center in the field of photonics, dedicated to advancing the science and technology of light and its applications.
Located in the Mediterranean Technology Park in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, ICFO is at the forefront of groundbreaking research and innovation in areas such as quantum technologies, biophotonics, clean tech, and photonic integrated circuits.
ICFO employs 500 people, including researchers, PhD students and staff personnel.
In its area of specialization and category, the institute is consistently ranked among the highest-quality research institutions worldwide.
Our mission is to contribute to scientific knowledge, foster technology transfer, educate of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and promote the responsible engagement of science in society.This senior leadership position plays a crucial role to ensure ICFO can offer outstanding education and training programs for master's students, PhD students and Postdoctoral researchers passing through the institute, and in coordinating the PhD in Photonics program and ICFO's engagement in several master's programs in collaboration with local universities.POSITION OVERVIEWICFO is seeking a highly motivated and experienced leader for the role of Head of Academic Affairs (HAA) responsible for ensuring the ongoing academic excellence and continual improvement of programs offered in-house and with local and international academic partners, and fostering collaboration among researchers, faculty, and external institutions.Reporting to the Vice-Director of People, Education and Culture, the HAA will lead the Academic Affairs team responsible for development and implementation of academic programs, policies, and partnerships to support the center's research and educational objectives.The chosen candidate will be appointed as a Staff Academic Scientist (SAS) and an ICFO faculty member.Depending on seniority, the appointment will be as a tenured SAS and Head of Academic Affairs, or as a tenure-track SAS and Coordinator of Academic Programs, with the appointment to HAA expected upon successful tenure evaluation.A Staff Academic Scientist conducts scientific, educational and managerial activities related to Academic Programs and Academic Affairs at ICFO, and may participate in all types of educational programs, teach and lecture in eligible programs, conduct research in collaboration with ICFO group leaders, supervise students and apply to external grants.
Tenured and tenure-track appointments for Staff Academic Scientists are possible.
Tenure is approved by the ICFO Board after a recommendation by the ICFO Director.
Performance is evaluated after 3 and 5 years by an ad hoc committee, appointed by the ICFO Director, based on written reports and oral presentations.A competitive salary within ICFO's academic salary ladder will be offered, depending on the seniority of the applicant.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESTeam Management: Lead the Academic Affairs Unit, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.Education & Training: Ensure that ICFO continues to position itself as a leading institution for graduate education and postdoctoral training benchmarked against leading European and international graduate schools, and the continual improvement of the Plus+ Training and Development ProgramAcademic Programs: Coordination of the PhD in Photonics program offered in partnership with the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, ICFO's participation in master's programs, and the Frontiers Research Schools program.Mentoring: Active mentoring of students and post-doctoral researchersAcademic Governance: Chair internal academic committees, and ensure the implementation of best practices, ethical codes in research and in student supervision.Grants & Partnerships: Secure national and international grants to support educational and training objectives, and foster relationships with local and international academic partners to support strategic institutional objectives.In addition, the Head of Academic Affairs may participate and teach in eligible educational programs, conduct research in collaboration with ICFO group leaders, supervise students and apply to external grants.WHY JOIN US?At ICFO, you will have the opportunity to lead innovation and engagement at a globally renowned research institution.
This role offers a platform to make a meaningful impact by transforming groundbreaking photonics research into solutions that benefit society.
ICFO provides an intellectually stimulating and inclusive environment, dedicated to fostering professional growth and advancing the frontiers of science and technology.REQUIREMENTSThe candidate should have:PhD in a relevant field of Science or Engineering.International experience in academic and/or research institutions.Experience in supervision of PhD students and Master's students.We will also value demonstrable experience in:A strong track record in securing competitive funding and managing partnerships in education and training at the regional and European level.Experience in academic governance at a research institution or university.Experience in mentoring and conflict resolution, including mediation of disputes between PhD students and/or postdoctoral researchers and supervisors.Senior management experience in research-driven organizations.Expertise in coordination of graduate education programs at the PhD and/or master's level.A record of coordinating and delivering training and career development programs for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and/or management staff.Experience in developing and delivering programs to foster diversity and inclusion, institutional culture and/or alumni engagement.Ability to manage and lead multidisciplinary teams, including strategic planning and reporting.Personal Characteristics & Skills:Strong leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to inspire trust, credibility and collaboration.Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving abilities.Exceptional negotiation and communication skills, both oral and written.Fluency in English; additional languages (especially Spanish and Catalan) are a plus.CONDITIONSWe offer:The opportunity to become a member of a dynamic and internationally recognized research institution.Full-time permanent position.Salary according to the institutional salary scales.ICFO is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employeesTo apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your experience and vision for the role and contact information for three professional references.For updated information about ICFO, please visit http://www.icfo.eu.