Head of the department - Virus-based Therapies and Technologies

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros.

At the Fraunhofer Institute of Interfacial and Biochemical Engineering IGB, we combine biology and technology in our business areas of Health, Sustainable Chemistry, and Environmental and climate protection. We develop processes, technologies and products for patient-focused healthcare, a sustainable bio-economy as well as a climate-neutral and resource-efficient circular economy and successfully transfer new solutions into industrial implementation. We conduct research at our locations in Stuttgart, Leuna, Straubing and Biberach as well as in close collaboration with numerous universities and research in Germany and abroad.

The Fraunhofer IGB is one of 76 institutes and research centers of the Fraunhofer Society (www.fraunhofer.de). Fraunhofer is the world's leading organisation for application-oriented research. Approximately 32,000 employees work on an annual research volume of 3.4 billion euros.

The department of Virus-based Therapies and Technologies has two locations, the main institute in Stuttgart, and the new Virus-based Therapies branch, VBT, in Biberach. The department focuses on viral biotechnology and its enormous potential for applied research, from prokaryotic to eukaryotic viruses. The new Virus-based Therapies branch in Biberach, funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism and located in the heart of the Biopharma Cluster South Germany, is dedicates to the development of biotechnological solutions for the production and analytics of viral therapeutics. It focuses on virus, cell and process technologies, in close collaboration with the local and regional partners of industrial and academic networks. The new unit acts as an interface between academia and industry with the main aim of enabling the cost-effective production of virus-based therapeutics thereby facilitating their clinical use in patients.

The vacancy is aimed at people with professional experience in research and development who are interested in contributing to the successful development of the department and in working in a highly specialized environment under excellent conditions in a field with major challenges and excellent future prospects.

What you will do

Your responsibilities as head of the IGB's Virus-Based Therapies and Technologies department include

Designing and implementing of the strategic development and expansion of the department with a particular emphasis on the new Biberach site
Planning, coordination and support of research projects in the field of virus-based therapies and technologies with a focus on practical and market-oriented solutions
Strong acquisition of industrial and public funding
Transfer of knowledge and results for the practical use of research results
Coordination of the cooperation between the Virus-Based Therapies and Technologies department and the other research departments of the Fraunhofer IGB
Organising cooperation with the other research and innovation centers in Biberach and in the Biopharma Cluster South Germany
Establishing and maintaining collaborations with industrial players, regional companies, scientific partners and public institutions in the region
Organizational management and development of scientists in the department

What you bring to the table

University degree (Master) in pharmaceutical biotechnology / molecular Biotechnology / virology or related fields
A completed PhD in a relevant research area
In-depth knowledge and skills in viral technology, cell technology, molecular biotechnology, process development and analytics
Several years of professional experience in leading projects or teams, preferably in applied research or industry
Ability to build and maintain a strong interdisciplinary team at the interface between academic research and industry
Strong experience and interest in project acquisition and implementation of research and development projects with national and international partners with a particular focus on industrial cooperation
Internationally visible scientific excellence
Competence in the organisation and financial control of the department
Entrepreneurial mindset, strong interest in developing and shaping the department, strong communication skills and willingness to cooperate
A high degree of initiative and personal responsibility
Knowledge of German at B2/C-level or better

What you can expect

A responsible task to lead and develop the current department; above all, to promote the new research location in Biberach with international appeal
Excellent conditions for the development of the Department of Virus-based Therapies and Technology
Varied work in a dynamic and excellent research environment
Generous and flexible human and material resources
Unique opportunity to combine practice and theory
Opportunity to develop complementary organisational and management skills, mentoring
Family-friendly working culture with flexible working hours and conditions (e.g. home office, public transport subsidy)
Attractive performance and success-based compensation components
Canteen and cafeteria with fresh food every day
Support services for balancing family and career as well as advice from the pme family service
Corporate benefits: offers from well-known manufacturers and brands
A broad Fraunhofer network
High safety standards
A wide range of further training opportunities
Annual employee appraisals
Own parking garage with free parking spaces at the Fraunhofer Campus in Stuttgart

The weekly working time is 39 hours. The position is initially limited to 2 years. The aim is to fill the position on a permanent basis. 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. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

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!

If you have any questions about the application process or the position, please contact the HR department:

E-Mail: bewerbung@igb.fraunhofer.de

Phone: +49 711 970 4009

Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB

www.igb.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 78096 Application Deadline: 03/31/2025

Job Segment: Biochemistry, Biology, Biotech, R&D Engineer, Pharmaceutical, Science, Engineering

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