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Posted on by Marcus Mohring

Call for Applications: Director Position at EGO

The position of Director of the European Gravitational Observatory (EGO) is open, and applications are now being invited.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director is the legal representative of the EGO Consortium and provides overall strategic, scientific, and administrative leadership of the organization. The Director, in his/her role of Chair of the VirgoLab Executive Board, ensures the effective functioning of the Virgo gravitational-wave detector, leads its scientific and technical strategy, manages its financial and human resources, and represents EGO on behalf of the Consortium and represents VirgoLab.

KEY RESPONSABILITIES

  • Strategic and Scientific Leadership: Define and implement EGO’s long-term vision in alignment with the EGO council; ensure scientific excellence and technical innovation at EGO; promote EGO and Virgo roles in the scientific community; hold the responsibility for the operation, maintenance and development of the Virgo gravitational-wave detector as chair of the VirgoLab Executive Board.
  • Operational and Administrative Management: Legal responsibility for all EGO activities, infrastructures and personnel; oversee daily operations; guarantee safe and reliable functioning of Virgo;
  • Financial and Resource Management: Prepare and execute the annual budget; ensure transparent financial reporting; seek for additional external fundings.
  • External Relations and Representation: Represent EGO to Member institutions and international partners; foster collaborations; promote EGO’s mission at European and global levels.

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate is required to hold a recognized scientific standing in experimental physics, preferably gravitational-wave research and have a solid international scientific and management experience related to research infrastructures, preferably in large scale facilities.  

Candidates should have strategic capabilities and excellent operational leadership abilities, and managerial skills, as well as a strong understanding of financial and administrative management in a research context.

The successful candidate is required to have an outstanding career record of achievements and to have experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and complex projects preferably within an international environment.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills are required as well as knowledge of research funding programs, including EU programs, and a strong track record in fund raising is an asset.

The candidate may indicate the name of a possible deputy director.

Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of Italian language is considered an asset, though not mandatory.

PERSONAL SKILLS

  • Ability to provide visionary leadership and strategic planning.
  • Sound judgment and decision-making under complex conditions.
  • Ability to foster collaboration across scientific, technical, and administrative teams.
  • Commitment to transparency, integrity, and excellence.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

In observance of the “Gender Equality Plan 2024-2026”, EGO is committed to promoting procedures that favor gender-sensitive recruitment, career and appointments, as well as the promotion of women in executive positions. Applications from women will therefore be explicitly encouraged.

Candidates should send their application in English via email, including a cover letter containing a statement of purpose and motivation, a curriculum vitae, and the list of the most relevant academic publications to:   applications(at)ego-gw.eu

Please, note that application documents will be shared with the Members of the Search Committee and the EGO Council members.

Job Opening: 31st January 2026

Deadline for submission: 31st March 2026, 12.00 p.m. CET

Please find here full details.