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The Fraunhofer – Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF in Jena conducts applied research in the field of photonics and develops innovative optical systems to control light – from its generation and manipulation to its application. The services offered by the institute cover the entire photonic process chain ranging from opto-mechanical and opto-electronical system design to the manufacturing of customer-specific solutions and prototypes.

At the Fraunhofer Center Erfurt, the core institutes Fraunhofer IOF, Fraunhofer IPMS and Fraunhofer IZI have been pursuing joint research activities since 2018. We are looking for a committed and experienced leader and manager who will actively shape the development of the site and represent application-oriented research on photonic and electronic systems, particularly in the areas of consumer electronics, information and communication, medicine and mobility.

What you will do

• You coordinate the scientific and technical development and design of the Fraunhofer Center Erfurt into a lively research and development facility.
• To do this, you will coordinate the strategy processes and research activities of the Fraunhofer Center closely with the institute management and the specialist departments of the leading Fraunhofer IOF as well as the partner institutes IZI & IPMS.
• Responsible for the technical-administrative coordination of the Fraunhofer Center, you will shape the successful operation of the facility, in particular the coordination of financing structures, the coordination of construction measures, etc. In this context, you will coordinate and moderate the exchange between the employees at the center and the institute management the core institutes and the Fraunhofer central administration.
• The activity offers the opportunity to carry out your own research and development activities as part of a scientific group management. The technical focus is particularly on aspects of closed process chains of hybrid construction and connection technologies, including the integration of modern knowledge management systems.
• You represent the Fraunhofer Center Erfurt externally to partners and stakeholders from research, industry, politics, and society, coordinate communication and networking measures and track the acquisition of industrial and research projects.

What you bring to the table

• You have completed a scientific university degree in physics, natural sciences, engineering, or comparable disciplines, ideally in combination with several years of professional experience and a completed doctorate.
• You have in-depth knowledge in the field of photonics, preferably with a connection to assembly and connection technology.
• Ideally, you have several years of experience in project acquisition, employee management as well as personnel and budget planning at a research institute or in industry.
• You are characterized by creativity, initiative and scientific and economic thinking.
• You are interested in setting up and expanding a research center with network structures administratively, technically and scientifically and in vitalizing the center.
• Due to the international orientation of the Fraunhofer IOF and the project center, we require very good written and spoken German and English skills.

What you can expect

• A very varied and interesting job with a high degree of independence and responsibility
• A highly innovative, dynamic and international working environment
• Structured training and a variety of qualification opportunities
• Good conditions for combining family and career through flexible working in terms of time and location
• An extensive Fraunhofer network
• A collegial and appreciative working atmosphere

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. The position is limited initially until Dec 31, 2028. We look for a long-term cooperation. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF

Requisition Number: 70169 Application Deadline: 01/02/2024

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