The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft () currently operates 76 institutes and research units in Germany and is the world’s leading organization for applied research. Approximately 32,000 employees generate an annual research volume of €3.4 billion.
Fraunhofer IME conducts applied life sciences research ranging from molecules to ecosystems. At our Giessen site, we consolidate our expertise in the field of bioresources. As part of a strategic realignment, we are seeking an entrepreneurial leader to shape the scientific profile and drive the commercial success of our newly established Department of Insect Biotechnology (formerly Pest and Vector Control).
Your Mission: Transformation and Growth
The field of insect biotechnology is undergoing an exciting transformation. Driven by the EU Green Deal, demand for sustainable pest management solutions is rapidly increasing. You will take over a department with an excellent technological foundation (including RNAi expertise, S3 laboratory infrastructure, and µ-imaging capabilities) and elevate it to the next level.
Your objective is to further professionalize the department in line with the Fraunhofer model and establish it as a leading partner for industry.
If you would like to learn more about our team, please take a look here: Pests and vector insect control - Fraunhofer IME
Your Responsibilities
* Strategic Leadership: You will be responsible for the scientific and organizational realignment of the department, with a focus on biological and biotechnological pest control as well as innovative methods (e.g., RNAi, sterile insect technique).
* Business Development: You will expand industrial business through proactive acquisition and leverage your network to open up new markets (e.g., climate adaptation research, pathogen diagnostics).
* Management & Administration: You will professionalize internal processes and ensure efficient project controlling.
* Research & Networking: You will oversee the acquisition of public funding (EU, BMFTR, DFG) and strengthen the strategic partnership with the Justus Liebig University Giessen, as well as the use of the Fraunhofer strain collection.
Your Profile
* Scientific Background: Completed university degree and PhD in biology, biotechnology, entomology, or a related discipline.
* Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of entomology and modern insect control methods (particularly RNAi technologies or genetic approaches).
* Industry Experience & Network: Several years of experience in industry or industry-related research, with established contacts among relevant stakeholders (agrochemicals, biotech).
* Management Skills: Proven experience in administrative leadership, budget responsibility, and personnel management. You are familiar with KPIs and process optimization.
* Personal Qualities: A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with strong communication skills and the ability to inspire teams toward new approaches. Fluency in German and English is required.
What We Offer
* Creative Freedom: A rare opportunity to reshape and strategically develop a department with excellent infrastructure (including a high-security laboratory).
* Technological Excellence: Access to leading expertise in RNAi development and state-of-the-art breeding and imaging facilities.
* Network: Integration into the renowned Fraunhofer network and close collaboration with top-level academic research in Giessen.
* Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours and support for balancing family and career.
We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities.
For any questions regarding the position, please feel free to contact:
Arzu Ashir
gi-personal@ime.fraunhofer.de
Company
Fraunhofer IME is part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europe’s leading organization for applied research. We conduct cutting-edge life sciences research from molecules to ecosystems, with a strong focus on translating scientific innovation into real-world applications.
At our Giessen site, we focus on bioresources and develop sustainable solutions in insect biotechnology, pest management, and environmental research. We work closely with industry partners to bring scientific advances into practice.
Joining Fraunhofer IME means contributing to high-impact projects in a dynamic, international environment at the interface of science and industry.
Company info
Website
Telephone
064197219195
Location
Ohlebergsweg 12
Giessen
Hessen
35392 Gießen
Germany