Head of Research
80-100%
The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) is a world-leading institute in global health with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries. Associated with the University of Basel, Swiss TPH combines research, education and services at local, national and international level. Around 1000 staff and students from 96 nations work at Swiss TPH focusing on climate change, environment and health, infectious and non-communicable diseases, societal and cultural context, and health systems and policies.
We are seeking a collaborative and strategic leader to join our Executive Team as:
Head of Research (80-100%)
In this senior management role, you will guide and represent the newly formed Department of Research, uniting 400 employees, formed by a merger of 20-25 existing research groups. Your focus will be on shaping the department's strategy and strengthening the interdepartmental collaboration of research groups, covering basic research into translational and implementation science, with limited own research activity possible.
You will interact closely with the General Research Council (all research group leaders) and the Senior Research Council of Swiss TPH (comprising structural full and associate professors as well as titular professors of the University of Basel within the department of Research) not only to support early-career group leaders and enhance research capacity, but also to promote knowledge exchange across all levels of the organization.
As a permanent member of the Swiss TPH Executive Team, you will contribute to executing the institute's strategy and ensure alignment with Swiss TPH's mission, values and long-term goals.
Your responsibilities
- Guide the strategic development of the department, set and manage departmental goals, allocate resources, and shape a strong, purpose-driven research portfolio, spanning epidemiology and public health to medical parasitology and infection biology
- Contribute to the implementation of the department's new governance in alignment with the evolving needs, opportunities and challenges of Swiss TPH's local, national and international research activities; foster the integration, collaboration and cohesion of all research groups, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment
- Manage the department's finances with regular evaluations of the research portfolio in compliance with institutional policies and ethical standards
- Collaborate effectively with the Director and all department heads to support the three pillars of Swiss TPH (research, education and services), ensuring alignment with the institute's value chain; actively engage in institutional working groups as discussed in the Executive Team, encouraging open dialogue and cross-departmental exchange
- Strengthen strategic partnerships with key national and international stakeholders, including University of Basel, funders, sponsors, academic institutions, industrial partners, multilateral organisations, and Swiss TPH partner institutions in countries outside of Switzerland; represent the department at scientific conferences and professional meetings
- Collaborate closely with all departments across the institute, including the Education, the Implementation, the new Platforms and the Operations departments; nurture a culture of mutual respect, inclusivity and shared purpose across discipline
Your experiences and skills
- PhD in public or global health, life sciences, or a related discipline, a strong research background supported by a solid track record of academic publications and/or successful fundraising
- At least 10 years of management experience, with a people-centered, inclusive leadership style with strong ability to delegate and empower employees throughout their professional development as well as to promote transparent communication and foster a culture of mutual trust and respect. Experience in change management is a strong asset.
- Profound networking capabilities and in-depth knowledge of the international funder landscape, including large philanthropic organizations, industrial partners and multilateral institutions. Familiarity with the Swiss academic landscape and national funding mechanisms is an advantage.
- A collaborative, strategic thinker with demonstrated success in strategic, operational and financial planning
- Highly structured, independent and efficient work style, with goal-driven and solution-oriented decision-making skills, pragmatic and resilient under pressure
- Excellent command of English (written and verbal), fluency in or willingness to improve German or French
- Flexibility to travel internationally, including to remote locations as needed
What we offer:
- Purpose-driven management role in an internationally renowned global health institute
- Rewarding position in a supportive, collegial, and multicultural work environment
- State-of-the-art workplace in our new headquarters in Allschwil, located in a bustling life sciences and biotech cluster
- Opportunities for collaboration with people across disciplines and career levels
- Professional and personal development opportunities
- Commitment to promoting gender equality and ensuring equal professional opportunities for women and men
- Flexible working conditions, including supportive work-from-home options and the freedom to organize your schedule in a way that works best for you
Job conditions:
- Start Date: 1 March 2026 or upon earliest availability
- Duration: unlimited contract
- Percentage: 80-100%
- Location: Allschwil in close proximity to Basel, Switzerland
- Travel required: yes, on a regular basis both in Switzerland and abroad
- Internal job title: Head of Department
Please submit your application online.
- CV
- Motivational letter including names and contact information (email or phone number) of 1 – 2 references
- Reference letters and diploma
Swiss TPH is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace that values and respects differences across gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background. We believe that diversity strengthens our work, and we are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all.
Please note that we can only accept applications via our online recruiting tool. As long as the position is online on our company website, we are open to new applications. Applications via e-mail or external recruiter/agency will not be considered.
Join us in improving people's health and well-being worldwide – we look forward to receiving your application.
Contact:
Sonja Bühler, Lead Recruiting Partner, +41 (0)61 284 8778.
