Location: Dolní Břežany, near Prague, Czech Republic, with regular presence at other ELI facilities and international travel
Application deadline: 30 November 2026

The Extreme Light Infrastructure European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ELI ERIC) is the world’s largest and most advanced high-power laser research infrastructure. As an international user facility for multidisciplinary science, it provides access to high-power, high-repetition-rate laser systems, supporting scientific research and technological innovation.

ELI operates two complementary facilities: ELI Beamlines in Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic, and ELI ALPS in Szeged, Hungary.

The Director General will provide scientific, strategic and executive leadership, ensuring the effective, integrated and sustainable operation of ELI and its facilities.

Working closely with the General Assembly, Management Board, member countries, European institutions, the International Scientific and Technology Advisory Committee and the international scientific community, the Director General will:

• Lead ELI as a unified, inclusive and high-performing international organisation.
• Develop its strategic vision, mission and policies with the General Assembly.
• Advance scientific excellence and lead the next phase of ELI’s development as a globally leading scientific institution and strategic European research infrastructure.
• Strengthen integration across its facilities while supporting their scientific excellence, complementarity and individual identities.
• Implement General Assembly decisions and oversee day-to-day operations.
• Manage financial, human and infrastructure resources, ensuring effective risk management, compliance, quality and operational performance.
• Represent ELI internationally and strengthen relationships with existing and prospective member countries, strategic partners, governments, funding bodies and European institutions.
• Report to the General Assembly on ELI’s activities, performance and financial position.

Candidates should have:

• An advanced university degree in physics, engineering or a scientific field relevant to ELI’s mission, alongside an internationally recognised scientific profile and demonstrated scientific leadership.
• Significant senior leadership experience in a complex scientific, research, technology or international organisation.
• A proven ability to lead people, programmes, strategy and organisational change.
• A strong understanding of the governance and operation of large-scale research infrastructures.
• Experience managing substantial financial, human and infrastructure resources.
• A strong understanding of the European research and innovation landscape, with experience working with governments, funding bodies, European institutions and international partners.
• Excellent leadership, diplomacy, negotiation, communication and consensus-building skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• A commitment to scientific excellence, integrity, transparency, inclusion and European values.

The appointment offers the opportunity to shape the long-term strategy and development of one of Europe’s flagship research infrastructures, working with leading scientists, research organisations, governments and institutions.

ELI offers an international scientific and technological environment and an attractive remuneration and benefits package commensurate with senior leadership positions at major European research facilities.

Send your curriculum vitae, a motivation letter explaining your suitability for the role, and professional references or referees’ contact details to [email protected].

View the original vacancy on the ELI website.

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