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
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)
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. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape and lead a high-impact translational research agenda at the interface of academia and applied science. It brings together world-class research infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaboration, and direct influence on the future of drug discovery, development and safety with clinical innovation.
Fraunhofer ITEM specializes in drug development, respiratory medicine, and chemical safety, with focus on lung research. The institute currently employs around 330 staff. Its directorate plays a central role in driving the strategic evolution of the institute in line with Fraunhofer’s overarching innovation model. As part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the world’s leading applied research organization, Fraunhofer ITEM bridges the gap between science and industry. 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 candidate’s role will also include further strengthening of this collaboration.
The professorship is expected to represent the field of toxicology and experimental medicine in both research and teaching. 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.
Strategic objectives include:
* 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
We are looking for a candidate who has:
* 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.
* Leadership experience in multidisciplinary research settings and an understanding of how to lead large organizational units is required.
* Outstanding, internationally recognized 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. Experience in collaboration and reliable networks within industry are necessary. Established connections in local research networks and an understanding of German political drivers of the research environment will further strengthen your profile.
* A conscious approach to diversity and equal opportunities is required. Fluency in German is not required at the time of application, but willingness to learn the language is essential.
* A commitment to university education and training; additional qualifications in university didactic are welcome.
* Both a short- and long-term vision for Fraunhofer ITEM and its collaboration with MHH, outlining a research concept that emphasizes technology translation and practical utilization in the Fraunhofer-Model.
Applicants should meet the appointment requirements in accordance with § 25 of the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act.
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.
Applications (to be sent in electronic form only) must include:
* a tabular CV with information on the scientific career
* a list of publications and third-party funding
* a list of any teaching experience and/or teaching qualifications
* a high-level strategic vision for the future development of Fraunhofer ITEM and the collaboration with MHH
* 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.de ). For further information, please contact Dr. Birgit Geier ( Birgit.Geier@zv.fraunhofer.de ) at Fraunhofer or Dr. Sebastian Riese ( Riese.Sebastian@mh-hannover.de ) at MHH.