Head of Division – Processes and Components

About the Organization

The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC in Würzburg works on sustainable, chemistry-led materials and process technologies and transfers them into practical industrial use. As a major research institute in chemical materials science, it brings together chemistry, materials science, analytics, and digitalization to create solutions for organizations ranging from innovative SMEs to large industrial companies. Its application areas cover energy, healthcare, environment, mobility, mechanical and plant engineering, and other advanced technology sectors.

The institute’s work follows the complete materials lifecycle: from molecular raw materials to synthesis, processing, characterization, component development, and integration into technical applications. This end-to-end approach supports the conversion of research into commercially relevant outcomes with industrial partners across the value chain.

Fraunhofer ISC is structured into R&D divisions, each made up of several departments. Division Heads report directly to the Institute Director and form part of the institute’s senior leadership team. The Division Processes and Components focuses on processes and technologies for manufacturing, analyzing, improving, and recycling complex components and devices. It also develops, characterizes, and validates application-oriented components and technical systems, and integrates them into high-performance technical solutions.

Role Overview

This leadership role is intended to strengthen the division both strategically and operationally. The institute is looking for an experienced, inspiring leader with strong expertise in chemical materials science and its industrial use. Working together with the Heads of Department, you will shape the division’s strategic, operational, and people-related development. The final strategic direction and future priorities of the division will be defined jointly with the selected candidate.

What You Will Do

• Take full responsibility for the division’s strategy, finances, and leadership.
• Partner with the Heads of Department to define the division’s direction and evolve its service portfolio in response to market, technology, and research developments.
• Lead and develop department heads and team members, and create the conditions for scientific excellence, lasting business success, and strong collaboration.
• Oversee budget, resources, and financial results while expanding the division’s portfolio through industrial partnerships, publicly funded R&D projects, and industry-focused innovation work.
• Build long-term collaborations with industry, academic institutions, and public-sector clients, and help create new research, development, and consulting offerings.
• Work closely with the Institute Director and the other Division Heads to contribute to the strategic development and overall success of Fraunhofer ISC.

What You Bring

• A 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 an equivalent level of scientific qualification.
• Many years of leadership experience with responsibility for scientific, technical, or industrial units, plus a strong record of strategic and organizational development.
• Deep knowledge of chemical materials science and industrial applications, combined with the ability to evaluate scientific, technological, and market trends strategically. A broader understanding of how processes, components, and devices are developed and scaled for industrial use is also expected. Experience in one or more areas covered by the Division Processes and Components is an advantage.
• Experience shaping and managing research, development, or technology portfolios, as well as leading complex research, development, or innovation initiatives, including publicly funded programmes, industrial development work, or company innovation projects.
• An entrepreneurial outlook, strategic thinking, and the ability to connect technology, business, and organizational considerations.
• An inclusive, decisive leadership style, excellent communication skills, a strong interest in developing people and organizations, excellent English, and either excellent German or a willingness to learn German.

What the Organization Offers

• A senior leadership position with substantial strategic influence and the chance to help shape the future of Fraunhofer ISC as part of the institute’s top management team.
• The opportunity to further develop an important research and development division with strong scientific, technological, and economic impact.
• A highly qualified interdisciplinary team and modern research and development infrastructure.
• A strong network within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, plus close cooperation with industry, academia, and public-sector clients in Germany and internationally.
• An attractive salary package under the German public-sector collective agreement (TVöD), together with public-sector benefits and flexible working arrangements.
• The chance to create sustainable innovations for industry and society through your work.

Application Documents

Applications should be submitted in German or English and must include a complete set of documents.

• A detailed CV.
• A motivation letter.
• A position paper of no more than two pages covering your leadership philosophy, your vision and strategy for developing Division Processes and Components, your approach to leading a high-performing R&D organization, and an overview of the key research, development, technology, or innovation projects you have led.
• For the project overview, please structure the information 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 evidence such as professional evaluations, teaching feedback, leadership assessments, or similar internal or external reviews.

Additional Information

The selection profile describes the ideal candidate. Applicants who do not yet meet every requirement are still encouraged to apply, as motivation, willingness to learn, and commitment to building new skills are especially valued. A comprehensive onboarding programme is provided, and professional as well as personal development is actively supported.

The regular weekly working time is 39 hours. The position can also be filled on a part-time basis and is initially offered as a fixed-term contract for two years. The organization explicitly welcomes applications from people of all ages, genders, nationalities, ethnic and social backgrounds, religions, beliefs, disabilities, and sexual orientations or identities. In cases of equal suitability, severely disabled applicants are given preference. For applicants with disabilities, the organization works collaboratively to identify arrangements that best support individual abilities.

Fraunhofer emphasizes the development of key future technologies and the commercial transfer of its work to business and industry, playing an important role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for major scientific and technological advances, it contributes to shaping society today and in the future.

Applicants who want to help shape the future of Fraunhofer ISC and contribute experience in a technology- and innovation-driven leadership role are encouraged to apply. After submitting the online application, an automatic confirmation of receipt is issued, and candidates will be kept informed about the next steps in the selection process.

Requisition Number: 84984.