Call for applications: CRM Director

The Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM) is a CERCA institute created in 1984 by the Institut d’Estudis Catalans. Its remit is to be a resource of excellence in mathematical research and training at international level. Its specific aims are:

1. High-quality research of international standing in mathematics, including a special emphasis on real-world applications carried out in a collaborative or interdisciplinary context.

2. Knowledge transfer based on validated mathematical research, with special emphasis on concrete implementations of justified models that address emergent problems with societal impact.

3. Advanced training in the field of mathematics, through collaboration and synergies with other research institutions.

4. Dissemination of the advances in mathematics within both the wider academic community and society in general.

Since its creation, there has been a close collaboration between the CRM and the three Mathematics departments in the Barcelona metropolitan area: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). A collective of the top researchers at these departments is adscribed to CRM. This has allowed this “new CRM” to obtain a Maria de Maeztu award (two times).  Since the creation of the CRM own research structure in 2008 emphasis has been put on the applications of mathematics to life and physical sciences, as a complement to the existing scientific power in areas such as Analysis, PDEs and Dynamical Systems at the Universities.

• • Create an international atmosphere within the Institute and strengthen the international positioning of the CRM research groups.
  • Directing the CRM activity towards scientific excellence through specialization and orientation of the activity towards multidisciplinary and translational Research.
  • Promote the Knowledge Transfer associated to Mathematics in connection with the CRM research lines as well as developing Knowledge Transfer in new areas.
  • Promote the integration and the generation of alliances with entities of the academic, scientific, technological and business environment at a regional, national and international level.
  • Consolidate the support structure of the CRM at the level of processes, as well as adaptation of common spaces and infrastructures based on the needs of researchers.
  • Develop a Human Resources policy aimed at attracting and consolidating research talent and promote and maintain the competitiveness of the CRM by evaluating the activity developed and the results obtained by the research groups.
  • Strengthen the identity of the CRM and increase the visibility and dissemination of the activity and research results of the Institute.

The CRM is seeking applicants with a proven-track record in leadership, a distinguished record of scientific excellence and the innovative thinking necessary to lead a dynamic organisation. It is expected that the elected candidate will contribute in increasing the scientific level of the CRM, and boosting the institute’s translational research.

The CRM is an equal opportunities employer and female candidates are strongly encouraged to send their applications.

Applicants’ profile:

1. PhD or comparable degree in Mathematics.
2. Distinguished record of scientific excellence in Mathematics.
3. Research management experience and demonstrated innovative thinking to lead a dynamic organization.
4. Knowledge of strategic planning, resource allocation and human resources management.
5. Experience in managing international research projects. Knowledge of international research programs (H2020, NIH, etc.) will be considered as a value.
6. Knowledge of the Spanish and Catalan Scientific System will be an added value.
7. Professional experience in an inter-institutional environment will be considered as a value.
8. Positive evaluation in programs of professional excellence in the field of research (ICREA, etc.) will be considered an added value.
9. The candidate’s role as a principal investigator of projects funded in competitive calls will be considered an added value.
10. The elected candidate will commit to incorporate his/her line and research activity, as well as his/her resources available for execution, in CRM.
11. Advanced level of proficiency in English.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and competences. Concrete conditions will be negotiated during the selection process.

Moreover, incorporation in a reasonable short-term period to CRM, after the selection process, will be also considered an added value.

The director will have the following duties:

• Manage, organize and lead the research and activities at CRM.
• Provide scientific vision and strategic goals for the CRM.
• Submit the research activities program and annual operational budget to the members of the Board of Trustees.
• Guarantee financial sustainability and provide for sources of income (competitive funds, private sponsors, …)
• Supervising the economic activities and control the human resources management, with direct involvement in those issues related to selection or ascription of research positions.
• Represent the Institute at official and social events, in coordination with the President and other members of the Board of Trustees.
• Any other functions that might be approved by the Board of Trustees.

Director responsibilities:

• Manage the centre in accordance with the aims and purposes established by the Board of Trustees and exercise the research direction and support. Also, manage the centre’s administration staff.
• Defining a strategic plan and monitoring its implementation. Reporting at meetings of the Board of trustees.
• Keep CERCA and Generalitat de Catalunya regularly informed of the Institute’s progress
• Participating in the periodic CERCA evaluation of CERCA centres.
• Leading and managing the innovation, generated technology and knowledge transfer strategy and activities related thereof. Defining a model for innovation/translation in CRM.
• Leading and managing the Activities Unit and its strategy as a service to the community tool.
• Coordinating periodic scientific assessments of CERCA centre ’s research programmes and core facilities and implementing recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).
• To promote and support, with direct involvement, the development of the CERCA centre’s main strategic research lines.
• Leading a strategy for the Directorate Advisory Board and ensure their regular meetings.
• Leading the elaboration and timely delivery of the CRM Annual Scientific Report.
• Promoting research in the CERCA centre area of influence, motivating, and facilitating those professionals the possibility to initiate their research.
• Negotiating contracts for new group leaders or programme coordinators, whenever appropriate.
• Participating in strategic decision-making, such as in the case of strategic alliances with other research institutions, in line with CERCA centre’s mission, structure and background.
• Keeping permanent contact with the UB, UAB and UPC in order to make agreements to coordinate strategies, activities, research infrastructures and technical services.
• Communicating and disseminate the CRM research activities.
• Managing the CRM research infrastructures.
• Defining strategies and actively seek for increasing the financial capabilities and sources of income of the centre.
• Signing the commitment to the CERCA Code of Conduct and implementing it in CRM.

Applicants should send a CV and a cover letter by e-mail to the Director of CERCA at applications@cerca.cat. Preselected candidates will be asked to prepare and present an Action Plan related to CERCA centre ’s Strategic Plan.

The Board of trustees will be responsible for the selection process.

The full field of candidates will be subsequently reviewed and ranked by the CRM’s scientific advisory board. The scientific advisory board will produce a short list of preselected candidates.

The Board of trustees may create an ad hoc Commission involving some of its members in order to run a final interview for them. The results of these interviews will be presented as a recommendation to the Board of trustees. The Board will proceed to designate the new Director, based on this recommendation.

The appointment will be for a period of 4 years, which could be extended in agreement with the Board of Trustees of the Foundation.