Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM with a posit[...]

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Qualifications / Candidate Profile • Comprehensive knowledge of strategic planning and management, proven ability to develop and implement long‑ and short‑term strategies, attract and manage significant third‑party funding for national and international contract research, and excellent communication skills. • Leadership experience in multidisciplinary research settings and the ability to lead large organisational units. • Outstanding, internationally recognised research outputs. • Deep insight into translating scientific questions into applicable solutions, ideally including experience in, or working with, the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. • Entrepreneurial mindset and established connections in industry; reliable networks within local research networks and understanding of German political drivers of the research environment. • Conscious approach to diversity and equal opportunities; willingness to learn German. • Commitment to university education and training; additional qualifications in university didactics welcomed. • Both a short‑ and long‑term vision for Fraunhofer ITEM and its collaboration with MHH, outlining a research concept that emphasises technology translation and practical utilisation in the Fraunhofer model.

Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM with a position as University Professor (W3) in Toxicology and Experimental Medicine Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and Hannover Medical School (MHH) seek a suitable candidate to fill the joint position (“Jülich model”) of the Director of ITEM with a position as University Professor (W3) in Toxicology and Experimental Medicine in a non‑pay‑scale employment relationship or civil servant relationship according to pay grade W3 of the Niedersachsen pay scale (Besoldungsordnung Niedersachsen, NBesO).

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape and lead a high‑impact translational research agenda at the interface of academia and applied science, bringing together world‑class research infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaboration, and direct influence on the future of drug discovery, development and safety with clinical innovation.

Strategic Objectives • Advancing the partnership between Fraunhofer ITEM and MHH, particularly in respiratory medicine, toxicology, pharmacology and clinical pharmacology. • Strengthening collaborative research across MHH’s core areas: Infection/Immunity, Transplantation/Regeneration, and Biomedical Engineering/Implants. • Supporting the Excellence Strategy and national research initiatives such as the German Centers for Health Research (DZIF, DZL) and the Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Lower Saxony.

Responsibilities In the role as Director of ITEM, the successful candidate will be responsible for the scientific, technical and entrepreneurial strategy and management of Fraunhofer ITEM, strengthen the collaboration with MHH, represent the field of toxicology and experimental medicine in both research and teaching, and lead large multidisciplinary research units.

Application Requirements • Tabular CV with information on scientific career. • List of publications and third‑party funding. • List of any teaching experience and/or teaching qualifications. • High‑level strategic vision for the future development of Fraunhofer ITEM and the collaboration with MHH. • HR management experience and commitment to equality concepts.

Applications must be submitted in PDF format by 2nd February 2026 to the president of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft ( ) and the president of MHH ( ). Birgit Geier ( ) at Fraunhofer or Dr. Sebastian Riese ( ) at MHH. Commitment to Inclusive Research Culture Both MHH and Fraunhofer are strongly committed to fostering an inclusive research culture.

Qualified individuals with any disabilities will be given preferential consideration. Both institutions promote diversity and actively encourage applications from women in science and leadership. Job Type Full‑time (Director) Location Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany