Head of Division Materials

About the role

Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC in Würzburg works on sustainable, chemistry-driven materials and process technologies and helps move them into real-world industrial use. The institute is a major player in chemical materials science and brings together expertise in chemistry, materials science, analytics, and digital methods to create solutions for organizations ranging from innovative SMEs to large industrial groups.

The institute’s work follows the full materials lifecycle: from molecular precursors, through synthesis, processing, and characterization, to finished components and their integration into technical systems. This end-to-end perspective supports the transfer of research into commercially relevant solutions together with partners across the value chain.

Fraunhofer ISC is structured into research and development divisions made up of multiple departments. Division Materials focuses on the creation and analysis of functional material systems, covering everything from thin films and coatings to particles, bulk materials such as glass and glass-ceramics, and chemical as well as physical materials analysis.

To further strengthen and shape this division both strategically and operationally, the institute is looking for a seasoned, motivating leader with deep expertise in chemical materials science and industrial applications. Working together with the department heads, you will guide the division’s strategic, financial, and organizational growth. The final strategic direction will be defined together with the selected candidate.

What you will do

• Take full responsibility for the division’s strategy, finances, and leadership.
• Collaborate with the department heads to define the division’s direction and expand the portfolio of services in line with new market, technology, and research developments.
• Lead and support the department heads and wider team, fostering scientific quality, long-term business success, and strong collaboration.
• Oversee the division’s budget, resources, and financial results, while continuously growing the portfolio through industrial partnerships, publicly funded R&D projects, and innovation initiatives focused on industry needs.
• Build durable partnerships with industry, universities, and public-sector organizations, and help develop new research, development, and consulting offerings.
• Work closely with the Institute Director and other division heads to contribute to the overall strategic development and success of Fraunhofer ISC.

What we are looking for

• Completed university degree at master’s level or equivalent in a scientific or engineering field such as Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or a related discipline, along with a PhD or comparable scientific qualification.
• Many years of leadership experience in scientific, technical, or industrial units, including demonstrated success in steering their strategic and organizational development.
• Strong knowledge of chemical materials science and its industrial uses, plus the ability to evaluate scientific, technological, and market trends from a strategic perspective. Experience in one or more of the areas covered by Division Materials is an advantage.
• Background in the strategic development and management of research, development, or technology portfolios, including responsibility for complex R&D or innovation programs such as publicly funded projects, industrial development efforts, or corporate innovation initiatives.
• Entrepreneurial thinking, strategic awareness, and the ability to connect technological, financial, and organizational considerations.
• Inclusive and decisive leadership style, excellent communication skills, a strong commitment to developing people and organizations, excellent English, and excellent German or a willingness to learn German.

What we offer

• A senior leadership role with substantial strategic influence and the chance to help shape the future of Fraunhofer ISC as part of its top leadership group.
• The opportunity to advance a central research and development division with high scientific, technological, and economic significance.
• A highly qualified, interdisciplinary team and modern research and development infrastructure.
• A strong network across the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and close cooperation with industry, academia, and public-sector clients nationally and internationally.
• A compensation package aligned with the German public-sector collective agreement (TVöD), including public-sector benefits and flexible work arrangements.
• The chance to contribute to sustainable innovations for industry and society.

Application documents

Please send a complete application in German or English.

Your application should contain:

• an up-to-date CV,
• a motivation letter,
• a position paper of no more than two pages covering your leadership approach, your vision and strategy for developing Division Materials, your method for leading a high-performing R&D organization, and an overview of the key research, development, technology, or innovation projects you have led.

Please organize the project overview by budget and personnel responsibility, your role (for example Project Manager, Programme Manager, Portfolio Manager, Business Owner, or Consortium Coordinator), and the project context (for example industrial project, internal corporate development programme, publicly funded project, or collaborative research project).

Optional supporting material may include professional evaluations or assessments such as teaching feedback, leadership feedback, or similar internal or external reviews.

Additional information

The ideal candidate profile is described above, but applicants who do not yet meet every requirement are still encouraged to apply. Motivation, willingness to learn, and commitment to building new capabilities are considered especially important. A thorough onboarding program is provided, and professional as well as personal development is actively supported.

The standard weekly working time is 39 hours. The role can also be arranged on a part-time basis and is initially limited to two years.

Diversity is actively valued, and applications are welcome regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion, belief, disability, sexual orientation, or identity. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference if equally qualified. For applicants with disabilities, the organization works together to find solutions that best support their abilities.

Appointment, salary, and social security benefits are governed by the public-sector collective agreement (TVöD). In addition, Fraunhofer may provide performance-based variable pay components.

Fraunhofer focuses on developing key technologies for the future and supporting the commercial use of these developments by business and industry. It plays a central role in innovation and acts as a driver of scientific excellence and breakthrough developments.

If you would like to help shape the future of Fraunhofer ISC in a technology- and innovation-oriented leadership position, the institute welcomes your application.

After submitting the online application, candidates receive an automatic receipt confirmation, and the next steps in the selection process will be shared in due course.

Requisition number: 84956

Application deadline: not specified.

Website: www.isc.fraunhofer.de