Managing Director & Associate Professor of Sustainable Development

About the role

The University of Bern seeks a visionary leader to serve as Managing Director of the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) while holding a full‑time Associate Professorship in Sustainable Development. The role combines strategic academic leadership with active research and extensive international engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Provide overall strategic direction and operational management for CDE.
• Lead interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research programmes on sustainability transformations.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with policy makers, private sector, NGOs, and implementation agencies in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
• Secure third‑party research funding and oversee its allocation.
• Teach and supervise graduate students, contributing to the Faculty of Science curriculum.

Required profile

• PhD in a relevant field of sustainable development.
• Internationally recognised research record in sustainability transformations.
• Proven experience managing complex, inter‑ and transdisciplinary research organisations.
• Extensive experience shaping transnational research partnerships, especially with Global South institutions.
• Strong knowledge of Swiss and international science and development policy.

Required skills

• Fluency in English (required).
• Command of at least one Swiss national language (advantageous).

What we offer

• Permanent full‑time contract with salary defined by Canton of Bern personnel law.
• Opportunity to influence sustainability research and policy at a global level.
• Supportive academic environment committed to diversity and inclusion.