Scientific Director (m/f/d) IFW Dresden

The Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW Dresden) conducts interdisciplinary, fundamental and applied research in chemistry, theoretical and experimental solid-state physics, materials science, and materials technology, centred around the key foci of functional electronic and quantum materials. IFW's researchers are among the international leaders in the institute's core activities of experimental and theoretical investigations of phenomena at the atomic, mesoscopic, and nanoscopic scales, as well as the characterization of physical and chemical material properties of new and emerging materials. Hand-in-hand with this, IFW's growing application-oriented activities utilize these new scientific insights to realize novel functionalities for innovative materials and state-of-the-art electronic devices, helping tackle challenges on our way to a sustainable future.

The institute employs approximately 500 staff from more than 40 nations and, in addition to its scientific mission, is committed to promoting the next generation of scientific and technical talent. Further information is available at

Supported by and closely connected to the concentration of scientific excellence in Dresden and Saxony, and in particular with strong ties to the TU Dresden, IFW Dresden's story is one of outstanding scientific success. Participation and essential roles in two Clusters of Excellence (REC 2 – Responsible Electronics in the Climate Change Era and ctd.qmat – Complexity, Topology and Dynamics in Quantum Matter), in the Collaborative Research Centers Correlated Magnetism: From Frustration to Topology and Chemistry of 2D Synthetic Materials, as well as the award of two Leibniz Prizes of IFW researchers speaks to the institute's quality, originality and leading role in the local and national research landscape. Also international benchmarks underline the standing of IFW Dresden beyond Germany's borders, with the acquisition of 14 ERC Grants to date being a clear signal of strength and competitiveness.

Looking ahead, the institute seeks to further build on its scientific excellence, powering IFW Dresden's core mission of bridging excellent fundamental research through to impactful application-oriented research and technology transfer. Naturally, the institute looks to further accelerate this mission by exploiting new developments in (big) data management and AI. As scientific and technological challenges evolve, so does the institute’s profile, which is becoming more sharply focused, continuing to grow the synergies between research areas enhanced through even stronger interdisciplinary collaborations. Given the importance of effective ecosystems for enabling scientific breakthroughs to really make a difference in society and economy, IFW Dresden is looking to further tighten its connections with its scientific research partners, stakeholders in (local) government and, in particular, with industrial partners, both nationally and internationally.

Effective April 1, 2028, the position of

Scientific Director (m/f/d)

at IFW Dresden is open to be filled.

The new Scientific Director, together with the current Administrative Director jointly constitute the Executive Board of IFW Dresden and bear responsibility for the institute as a whole. The powers and responsibilities of the Executive Board are defined by the statutes of the IFW Dresden. While it is possible for the new Scientific Director to lead an active research group at the institute (for example in an emerging field of relevance to IFW's mission and profile evolution), we make clear that the role of Scientific Director is not associated with heading one of the quintet of IFW-institutes.

In a nutshell: the institute is seeking an experienced scientific leader who takes great pleasure in working together with the five institute directors and the Administrative Director to jointly shape the future of IFW Dresden.

What should you bring to the table?

A strong scientific reputation and connection to research field(s) central to IFW Dresden, together with a broad, interdisciplinary perspective able to identify the power of combining different scientific fields on an equal footing. Proven success in leadership of a scientific institution or comparable organization and/or large collaborative scientific projects. Clear evidence of your team-oriented and participatory leadership philosophy. Successful experience in the design and execution of scientific strategy processes with regard both to scientific excellence and impact, as well as technology transfer and industrial application. You should also be able to show how you have combined these skills acting within your organization, with a well-developed strategic sensitivity to the needs of external stakeholders both local and (inter)national. Experience in managing complex organizational change processes, also in an environment populated by independently minded and highly qualified professionals. Proven experience in the successful recruitment of top international talent, particularly in the scientific domain, as well as demonstrated strengths in effective talent development. Strengths in interpersonal skills and situational awareness, so as to optimally connect the institute and cement its position in the broader ecosystem of stakeholders within the region and further afield. An open and inclusive personality combined with resilience.

The successful applicant will be professionally fluent in English. Naturally, a good command of German, or the willingness to rapidly acquire such German language skills is a must.

The role of Scientific Director is a multifaceted leadership position offering the successful candidate significant scope for shaping the scientific and strategic development of the IFW Dresden within the international environment of the Leibniz Association. The appointment is made in accordance with the institute’s statutes for an initial term of five years, whereby reappointment is possible. Naturally, an attractive remuneration package - appropriate to the position and its responsibilities - will be offered.

IFW Dresden is committed to equal opportunity, diversity, and the compatibility of career, family, and private life. The institute seeks to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply.

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in the case of equal qualification.

The search committee is being advised throughout the appointment process by Leadership Advisors for Academia GmbH, in the person of Dr. Norbert Sack. For further information, please contact Dr. Sack at [email protected] . Applications, including the customary supporting documents, should be submitted as a single PDF file by email to [email protected] no later than September 20, 2026.