Science for Impact – Shaping the Future with Excellent Science
As the “University in the Helmholtz Association-, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) unites the strengths of an excellent technical university with those of a leading large-scale research center. This unique structure allows for scientific excellence along the entire value chain: from excellent fundamental research to application-oriented research – including at large-scale research infrastructures. As one of eleven universities of excellence in Germany, we make significant contributions in the fields of energy, mobility, information, climate, and environment. We value diversity and provide our scientists with best conditions for developing their potential in research, teaching, innovation and transfer. KIT has about 10,000 employees and more than 22,000 enrolled students. KIT-s annual budget totals approx. 1.1 billion euros.
The further development of an innovative scientific institution is one of the most exciting tasks of our time, in order to address the pressing questions facing society.
We invite applications for the position of
Head of the Division Informatics, Economics, and Society (f/m/d)
to start as soon as possible. We seek a committed leader, who will manage and strategically develop this KIT Division in research, teaching and innovation.
What you can expect:
* As Head of Division, you will assume a full-time management position and report directly to the Executive Board.
* You will bear overall strategic and operational responsibility for the development of pioneering research and teaching profiles of the Division Informatics, Economics, and Society. You will be responsible for shaping the development of content and structure, including staff management and development, resource management, professorships- planning and appointment procedures.
* A total of 26 institutes and their management teams report directly to you on all technical and disciplinary matters (100 professors, 1200 employees).
* You will be primarily responsible for KIT-s activities under the Helmholtz programs “Engineering Digital Futures- and “Energy Systems Design- as well as for the KIT departments for Informatics, Economics and Management, and Humanities and Social Sciences.
* In a unique, innovation-driven, excellent, and well-connected scientific organization, you will further develop exciting future topics and research infrastructures, contribute jointly to solving global challenges and drive forward transformations.
* Located in the research and technology region of Karlsruhe on the Upper Rhine, you will find an internationally oriented location with a high quality of life and a vibrant cultural scene. KIT supports the work-life-balance and offers you an attractive working environment.
What you offer:
* You have a completed university degree (Master/diploma) with a doctorate, qualifying for a professorship.
* You have years of management experience in science or scientific and science-related institutions, as well as a broad understanding of current scientific, social and technological developments.
* You have an outstanding national and international reputation in at least one of the above-mentioned areas relevant to the Division and have an extensive experience in interdisciplinary collaboration.
* You possess strategic thinking skills and strong communication skills. You have political acumen and a solution-oriented, implementation-focused personality.
* You have excellent command of German and English.
How to apply
We look forward to receive your full application in digital form and no later than September 28, 2025 by using the vacancy number 1224/2025. It should include a letter of interest, CV, a strategic paper outlining your 5-year-vision for the Division (max. five pages). Please submit your application to the Chairperson of the Search Committee and President Professor Dr. Jan S. Hesthaven via:
bl-findungskommission@sts.kit.edu.
Applications by women are encouraged and will be preferred in case of the same qualification. The same will apply to persons with a recognized severe disability.
For the privacy policy relating to this application procedure, click: https://www.sts.kit.edu/downloads/241206_DSE_BL_II_EN.pdf.
KIT – The Research University in the Helmholtz Association