Managing Director Centre Development and Environment; CDE; and Professor Sustaina

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Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant field of sustainable development and demonstrate international recognition in research for sustainability transformations. The successful candidate brings a strong record in the management of complex inter- and transdisciplinary research organizations and has proven skills in organizational and strategic leadership. The position requires the ability to build on the Centre's profile in sustainability sciences and practice and to maintain and further develop its standing as an academic partner for policy, society, private sector and administration.

Applicants are expected to have extensive experience in shaping transnational research partnerships, particularly with countries in the Global South, and a proven track record in securing third-party funding for both academic research and research-based implementation. A cooperative leadership style, intercultural competence, experience in knowledge transfer, outstanding management and communication skills, and the ability to inspire and lead interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams complete this demanding profile.

We expect the future position holder to be familiar with Swiss and international science and development policy, and to be recognized as a trusted partner for national and international implementation agencies. Command of at least one of Switzerland's national languages and familiarity with its academic system are an advantage. Fluency in English is required. The professorship will be hosted at CDE and affiliated with one of the departments or institutes of the Faculty of Science.

Expected starting date: 1 January 2028 or a different date upon agreement. Working place:
University of Bern, with regular travel to CDE's partnership regions in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Salary of this permanent position will be defined in accordance with the personnel law of the Canton of Bern.

Applications are expected to be submitted electronically as a single PDF file no later than 31 August 2026 to the Dean's office of the Faculty of Science, University of Bern dek. In addition to the application, candidates are required to complete this form. Further information regarding the required application documents can be found here.

For further information on this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Ben Jann, President of the CDE Board n.

In line with its commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment, the University of Bern actively seeks to increase the proportion of women and other underrepresented groups in leadership positions. We warmly encourage such candidates to apply. Applications involving job sharing will be considered. As a signatory of the DORA declaration, the University of Bern applies the declaration's principles to ensure fair and transparent recruitment.