Director General HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre Physics

Position

Director General of the HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary.

31 May 2026 (expected start no later than 1 January 2027).

• Formulates, coordinates and implements the research centre’s scientific strategy, research objectives and plans;
• Ensures research and innovation activities;
• Contributes to HUN-REN’s mission and objectives;
• Prepares and implements the centre’s business plan and budget;
• Provides lawful, efficient, and transparent management of the Centre;
• Represents the research centre, exercises employer’s rights, and manages assets and contractual obligations;
• Aims at securing additional funding through national, EU, and international sources and industry relations;
• Promotes innovation, IP management, industry relations;
• Supports researcher career development, training of the next generation, and attraction of young researcher;
• Strengthens national and international scientific relations and expands cooperation with research, industry, and higher education sectors;
• Enhances international visibility and partnerships;
• Actively contributes to HUN-REN governance, supports decision-making bodies, and implements their decisions.

• The position is a full-time appointment for a four-year term, extendable by a further two years following comprehensive evaluation.
• Employer is the President of HUN-REN. Employment conditions are governed by Hungarian law.
• A competitive remuneration and allowance package will be offered, commensurate with international standards.

• HUN-REN is committed to diversity, equal opportunity and an inclusive work environment.
• All applications are handled with strict confidentiality.

• Strategic leadership: defining the scientific strategy and research priorities of the centre; identifying and developing forward-looking research directions.
• Research programme management: identifying and nurturing outstanding research projects and initiatives; overseeing their scientific progress.
• Research excellence and career development: supporting the professional growth of the research community; managing performance evaluation systems; ensuring a high-quality research culture.
• International engagement: strengthening the centre’s international visibility; developing partnerships with leading universities, research institutes and scientific consortia; active participation in international scientific environment.
• Operational and financial management: overseeing the financial, human resources and operational processes of the centre; preparing and implementing the annual business plan and budget; supporting the acquisition of national and international funding.
• Network collaboration: maintaining active cooperation with HUN-REN’s leadership; enhancing synergies within the network; supporting joint development initiatives.
• Representation and communication: representing the centre’s scientific interests; promoting its research achievements and societal relevance.

• Demonstrated capacity to define and deliver a clear, forward-looking scientific vision and strategy aligned with the HUN-REN framework, with a strong track record of leading complex research organisations or programmes.
• Proven excellence in research, evidenced by internationally recognised achievements, high-impact outputs, and scientific credibility, combined with experience in fostering research excellence and talent development.
• Strong ability to secure and manage competitive funding (national, EU, international) and oversee large, multidisciplinary research portfolios; proven track record of securing major national and/or international research grants.
• Established record in building high-level international partnerships, networks, and collaborations, enhancing institutional visibility and integration into global research ecosystems.
• Active engagement in innovation, technology transfer, and intellectual property management, ensuring societal and economic impact of research.
• Solid experience in strategic, financial, and operational management, including budgeting, resource allocation, and organisational…