The International Space Science Institute (ISSI) is an Institute of advanced studies in the space sciences (Astrophysics, Heliophysics, Planetary Sciences and Earth Science), located in Bern, Switzerland.
ISSI invites applications for a full-time position of
Director
starting on January 1, 2026. The appointee will be a member of the Directorate of ISSI.
The internationally recognised scientific stature of the Directors ensures the visibility and the scientific excellence of the activities carried out at the Institute in their field of expertise. The current Directorate is composed of the Executive Director and three Directors who bring expertise in the scientific areas that ISSI covers, as described above. The Directors inspire and manage ISSI’s activities in their scientific field: breakthrough workshops, workshops, fora, international teams, working groups, and the Institute’s visiting scientist programme.
The new Director will bring an established international reputation in either Astrophysics, Heliophysics, Planetary Sciences, or Earth Science, and their scientific expertise will complement the current composition of the Directorate. They will be responsible for the formal and informal interactions with the large community of scientists (approximately 1000) visiting ISSI every year. A good knowledge of ISSI and of the Swiss academic environment as well as of ESA and the worldwide space science community will be an asset.
The appointment will be made through the University of Bern at the associate professor level for a period of four years (renewable), with corresponding research opportunities and teaching duties. Candidates from countries where habilitation is standard practice are expected to have completed the process. All other candidates are expected to have a substantial research record and teaching experience.
We explicitly encourage applications from female scientists, as the University of Bern is committed to increasing the proportion of women in senior academic roles. Note also that the University of Bern signed the DORA declaration and applies its principles to the recruiting process. Applications should contain
For inquiries about the position, interested scientists may contact the chair of the Search Committee: Prof. Willy Benz, Univ. of Bern Professor Emeritus, and President of ISSI’s Board of Trustees (willy.benz@unibe.ch).
Applications, in a single pdf file, should be uploaded through the online submission form below no later than July 31, 2025.
ISSI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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Dear ISSI community,
I am absolutely delighted to have an opportunity to connect with you all and start a dialogue that I hope will continue for many years to come.
After one month on the job as Executive Director, I would like to share with you my first thoughts. In this post-pandemic world, more than ever there is the need for a place where scientists can gather and tackle key scientific questions together. ISSI is such a place: a beautiful institution that advances science by facilitating scientific discourse. Scientists are eager to meet in person, and do what they do best: debate, solve problems, move their field forward. ISSI offers a wonderful location and infrastructure to facilitate that, and continues working at full capacity to satisfy your collective requests. This can only happen thanks to a truly outstanding and dedicated staff, and I am honored to work with them.
