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Director
Job Summary
Category
Tenure and Tenure-track Faculty Positions
Institution
International Space Science Institute (ISSI)
Number of Positions Available
1
Duration
4 Years
Could the duration be extended?
Yes
Work Arrangement
In-Person
In-Person Location(s)
Bern
Switzerland
Job Description
The International Space Science Institute (ISSI) is an Institute of advanced studies in the space sciences (Astrophysics, Heliophysics, Planetary Sciences and Earth Science), located in Bern, Switzerland.
ISSI invites applications for a full-time position of
Director
starting on January 1, 2026. The appointee will be a member of the Directorate of ISSI.
The internationally recognised scientific stature of the Directors ensures the visibility and the scientific excellence of the activities carried out at the Institute in their field of expertise. The current Directorate is composed of the Executive Director and three Directors who bring expertise in the scientific areas that ISSI covers, as described above. The Directors inspire and manage ISSI’s activities in their scientific field: breakthrough workshops, workshops, fora, international teams, working groups, and the Institute’s visiting scientist programme.
The new Director will bring an established international reputation in either Astrophysics, Heliophysics, Planetary Sciences, or Earth Science, and their scientific expertise will complement the current composition of the Directorate. They will be responsible for the formal and informal interactions with the large community of scientists (approximately 1000) visiting ISSI every year. A good knowledge of ISSI and of the Swiss academic environment as well as of ESA and the worldwide space science community will be an asset.
Compensation and Benefits
Currency
467
Application Details
Application Instructions
The appointment will be made through the University of Bern at the associate professor level for a period of four years (renewable), with corresponding research opportunities and teaching duties. Candidates from countries where habilitation is standard practice are expected to have completed the process. All other candidates are expected to have a substantial research record and teaching experience.
We explicitly encourage applications from female scientists, as the University of Bern is committed to increasing the proportion of women in senior academic roles. Note also that the University of Bern signed the DORA declaration and applies its principles to the recruiting process. Applications should contain
a motivation letter (<3 pages)
a brief Curriculum Vitae (<5 pages)
a list of publications.
Applications, in a single pdf file, should be uploaded through the online submission form on the ISSI webpage no later than July 31, 2025.
We explicitly encourage applications from female scientists, as the University of Bern is committed to increasing the proportion of women in senior academic roles. Note also that the University of Bern signed the DORA declaration and applies its principles to the recruiting process. Applications should contain
a motivation letter (<3 pages)
a brief Curriculum Vitae (<5 pages)
a list of publications.
Applications, in a single pdf file, should be uploaded through the online submission form on the ISSI webpage no later than July 31, 2025.
Link to Online Application
Publication Start Date
2025 Jun 17
Application Deadline
2025 Jul 31
Inquiries
Email