Scientific Director; f, m, d

Leibniz
- Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT)

Organisation/Company Leibniz
- Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) Department Human Resources Research Field Biological sciences » Other Environmental science » Other Geography » Other Geosciences » Other Sociology » Other Mathematics » Other Political sciences » Other Physics » Other Other Researcher Profile Other Profession Positions Other Positions Final date to receive applications 30 Oct 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 39,2 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2028 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) is an independent research institute within the Leibniz Association, based in Bremen and closely connected to the University of Bremen. The ZMT mission is to provide the scientific basis for the protection and sustainable use of tropical coastal ecosystems through research, capacity development and policy advice. Through its inter- and transdisciplinary approach to studying tropical coastal ecosystems and societies, ZMT seeks to fulfil its mission by building bridges between the natural and social sciences and pursuing both scientific excellence and societal impact.

ZMT thus plays an important role in research collaboration between Germany and more than 45 partner countries in the field of coastal research. The diverse ZMT community comprises around 150 scientists, international guest researchers and research support staff; its annual budget amounts to around €10 million.
In the coming years, ZMT aims to further strengthen its position as a tropical research institute in Germany and in the international scientific community through inter- and transdisciplinary partnerships to investigate coastal transformation processes in a multipolar world and help shape them in an advisory capacity.
The institute is headed by a Scientific and an Administrative Director. The Scientific Director holds the chair. The current Scientific Director is due to retire in 2028.

We are therefore seeking a Scientific Director (f, m, d). In connection with this position, ZMT plans to establish a joint W-3 level professorship with the University of Bremen. The disciplinary affiliation with the relevant faculty will be determined as part of the appointment process, based on the profile of the successful candidate.

Your responsibilities

As Scientific Director, you provide overall leadership for the institute and, in close cooperation with the Administrative Director, shape its strategic development within a dynamic, international and interdisciplinary environment. In particular, you will be responsible for the scientific development of the institute, research planning and performance monitoring, as well as its positioning within the national and international research community, the Leibniz Association and the marine sciences in the state of Bremen and beyond.

• You will define an academic and institutional vision for ZMT as an internationally visible centre of expertise that plays a key role in shaping tropical coastal and marine research.
• You will develop and implement an interdisciplinary research programme in consultation with ZMT's governing bodies, fostering collaboration within a diverse, international team.
• You will represent the institute as a trusted voice at the nexus of research, policy, business, and civil society.
• You will develop international partnerships, with a particular focus on collaboration with institutions in the tropics and subtropics, and integrate the perspectives of these…