The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and Hannover Medical School (MHH) are seeking to appoint a suitable candidate at the earliest possible opportunity to fill the joint position (“Jülich model”) of the
Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM
Applications are invited to fill this important and influential position as the Director of ITEM with a Professorship in Toxicology and Experimental Medicine in Hannover Medical School. It focuses on future-defining technologies, translation of basic scientific discovery to the patient, and practical implementation for public and economic benefit.
In the role as Director of the Fraunhofer ITEM the suitable candidate will be responsible for the scientific, technical and entrepreneurial strategy and management of Fraunhofer ITEM.
Hannover Medical School (MHH) and Fraunhofer ITEM maintain a deep, long-standing partnership, particularly in respiratory medicine, toxicology, pharmacology and clinical pharmacology. The successful candidate will be a visionary, collaborative researcher with a strong international reputation in preclinical and clinical therapeutic development and/or the toxicological assessment of chemicals.
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
Comprehensive knowledge of strategic planning and management, proven ability to develop and implement both long-term and short-term strategies, attract and manage significant third-party funding for national and international contract research in various fields, and excellent communication skills.
Established connections in local research networks and an understanding of German political drivers of the research environment will further strengthen your profile.
Fluency in German is not required at the time of application, but willingness to learn the language is essential.
Qualified individuals with any disabilities will be given preferential consideration. HR management experience and commitment to equality concepts
The complete application documents must be submitted in PDF format by 2nd February 2026 to the president of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft ( Praesident@fraunhofer.de ) and the president of MHH ( berufungsverfahren@mh-hannover.