Director of operations CIME — EPFL

Full description

Mission

EPFL is seeing a dynamic and experienced scientist or engineer to head its Central Electron Microscopy Facility (CIME).

The head of CIME will lead a multidisciplinary platform providing state-of-the-art electronic microscopy services, training, and collaborative research support to the EPFL community and external partners. The successful candidate will create a vision for the strategic development of the platform, driving its implementation while ensuring excellence in scientific, technical, and operational performance, and will manage the personnel associated with this facility.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead and manage the CIME team (scientific, technical, and administrative staff).
• Lead maintenance, upgrade, and optimal operation of the electron microscopy infrastructure (SEM, TEM, FIB, cryo-EM, etc.).
• Develop and implement the strategic vision of the platform in coordination with the AVP-Platforms and user community.
• Ensure efficient user support, training, and education at all levels.
• Foster collaborations across EPFL schools (STI, SB, SV, INC, ENAC) and with external partners (academia and industry).
• Managing the operational budget, resource allocation, and long-term investment planning.

Profile

• PhD or equivalent experience in materials science, physics, chemistry, or related fields.
• Proven expertise in advanced electron microscopy techniques (TEM, SEM, FIB, tomography, cryo-EM, or in-situ EM)
• Active engagement in the electronic microscopy community, including regular participation in conferences, workshops, user meetings, and professional societies, with the ability to build and maintain scientific and technical collaborations that support the facility's mission.
• Strong commitment to education and training, with experience in/or demonstrable appearance for teaching and supervising at Master and Doctoral School levels;
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to motivate and manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Strategic thinking, with the ability to balance scientific excellence and operational efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills in English; working knowledge of French is a strong asset
• Demonstrated capabilities of leading an infrastructure or facility is an advantage.
• Experience with academic and industrial collaborations is an advantage.

We offer

• A stimulating, interdisciplinary environment at one of Europe
• Access to cutting-edge facilities and a wide network of experts.
• Opportunities to shape the future of advanced microscopy at EPFL.
• Competitive salt and benefits according to EPFL standards.

Information

Contract Start Date : 08/01/2027 or to be discussed/negotiated

Activity Rate : 100.00

Contract Type: CDI

Reference: 2312