EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Executive Director of the EPFL Center for Imaging

Mission

The EPFL Center for Imaging serves as a hub for state-of-the-art technologies in imaging science across research domains. The only one of its kind in Switzerland, the center pools the expertise of over fifty laboratories distributed across the five EPFL schools. Its mission is to facilitate cross-disciplinary research in the field and anchor EPFL’s position as a world-leading institution in imaging science. It is also responsible for supporting the ever-growing needs of the EPFL community in the use of advanced imaging technology. https://imaging.epfl.ch/

 

We are looking for an expert in imaging science with management experience in academia to serve as the Executive Director of the EPFL Center for Imaging (https://imaging.epfl.ch/).

 

In this role, you will oversee the Center’s operations, guide its strategic development, and expand its impact on the national and international stage. Reporting to the Academic Director and the Steering Committee, you will be responsible for consolidating the Center’s position as a leader in imaging science, launching new initiatives, building industrial collaborations, and expanding institutional partnerships in imaging.

 

This is an opportunity to lead a dynamic and interdisciplinary center, connecting researchers across EPFL and beyond to push the frontiers of imaging science and its applications.

Main duties and responsibilities

 

Strategic Planning and Resource Management

  • Shape and implement the Center’s strategic vision in coordination with the Steering Committee, ensuring the Center’s continued growth and impact in imaging science.
  • Oversee the Center’s daily operations, ensuring efficient resource allocation and smooth execution of activities. Lead and develop the team, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
  • Identify and secure external funding opportunities from industry, government agencies, and other sources to sustain and expand the Center’s activities.
  • Provide strategic advice to the Academic Director and Steering Committee while ensuring transparent communication and reporting on key activities.

 

External Engagement and Visibility

  • Establish and strengthen strategic collaborations with industrial partners, academic institutions, and research centers, both nationally and internationally.
  • Increase EPFL’s visibility in imaging science through strategic communication, including articles, reports, digital media, and social platforms. Showcase the Center’s impact across academic, industrial, and public audiences.
  • Enhance the Center’s national and international presence by actively engaging with the scientific and industrial imaging communities. Represent the Center at conferences, industry events, and public forums to reinforce its leadership and attract new opportunities.


Research Coordination and Support

  • Drive interdisciplinary research collaborations in imaging across EPFL by managing ongoing initiatives and securing funding for new projects.
  • Cultivate a strong and vibrant imaging community at EPFL by organizing events, workshops, and networking initiatives that foster knowledge sharing and interdisciplinary exchange.
  • Enhance support for the EPFL research community in image data management, processing, and analysis, ensuring access to state-of-the-art imaging technologies and expertise (through the EPFL Hub for Image Analysis).
  • Promote and support the EPFL Minor in Imaging, expand hands-on training opportunities for EPFL researchers, and help drive the development of a continuous education program in imaging science for industry professionals.

Profile

  • PhD or equivalent qualification in imaging science, physics, engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience in managing research projects, leading a team, and overseeing financial resources.
  • Skilled at building collaborations across disciplines and driving initiatives forward.
  • Comfortable working with a range of stakeholders—researchers, industry partners, and funding agencies—with a talent for fostering connections.
  • An experience in securing external funding or working with industry is an advantage.
  • Fluency in English (C1 level) is required, and a basic understanding of French is an asset.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
  • Self-organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented, capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.

 

The role is open to candidates at different career stages, including emerging leaders with a track record of initiative and impact. If you are passionate about advancing imaging science and ready to take on a leadership role in a dynamic, interdisciplinary setting, we encourage you to apply.

We offer

We offer a stimulating and collaborative environment in a world-class research institution. By joining the EPFL Center for Imaging as Executive Director, you will lead and consolidate a growing team of experts working to anchor EPFL at the cutting edge of imaging technology, at a time when many exciting opportunities are also emerging at the Swiss and international levels. You will engage regularly with a dynamic and creative community of scientists, and you will be involved in a large variety of exciting projects in the field of imaging.

 

EPFL is also an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that promotes excellence through the contributions of individuals with different perspectives, experiences, and expertise.

Informations

Contract Start Date : To be agreed; ideally, 01.06.2025

Activity Rate Min : 80.00 

Activity Rate Max : 100.00 

Contract Type: CDI

Remote work: Possible 1-2 days per week (depending on work rate)

Reference: 1449