Director for the Urban Development and Mobility research department (f/m) - Ref: 25-14

The Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research is recruiting an experienced and inspirational

Director
for its Urban Development and Mobility

research department (f/m)

Deadline for applications is May 24th, 2025 (midnight) CET

• Reference: 25-14
• Contract: Full-time, Permanent
• Location: Esch-sur-Alzette, Campus Belval, Luxembourg
• Expected start date: As soon as possible

About LISER

The Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER), a public research institute established in 2014 under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, is a cornerstone of Luxembourg's vibrant research ecosystem. LISER conducts cutting-edge fundamental and applied research in economics, geography, sociology and political science to advance knowledge, inform decision-making and engage with society. The Institute attracts top researchers from all over the world, and high-level doctoral training is a vibrant part of its activities. Within its multicultural environment represented by more than 30 nationalities, LISER has a staff of about 200 employees, of which about 60% are researchers. LISER's vision is to be an internationally recognised socio-economic research institute focused on scientific excellence and societal impact. Structured around three departments (Urban Development and Mobility, Living Conditions, Labour Market) and two interdepartmental research programmes (Crossing Borders, and Health and Health Systems), LISER promotes interdisciplinary interactions as a key to scientific innovation.

About the Urban Development and Mobility Department

Within the LISER’s transversal organization (matrix structure), the Urban Development and Mobility (UDM) Department focuses on interdisciplinary urban development research, collaborating with academic and societal actors to drive social, environmental and economic urban transitions. We explore how individuals, households, companies and public authorities can shape smarter, more inclusive cities, addressing key challenges in housing, mobility, health, network of finance and cross-border governance. UDM uses data-driven methods, like GeoAI and geospatial analytics, and participatory approaches, like living labs and citizen science, to inform policies and to develop scalable societal solutions. The department’s mission is to advance scientifically-robust and relevant societal knowledge that will serve sustainable urban change for all.

UDM is composed of a diverse team of 50 professionals, represented mostly by 58% researchers and 26% PhD candidates. The department fosters a dynamic research environment, with 58% of its staff on fixed-term contracts and 42% on permanent contracts.

Key Responsibilities

As a member of the institute's executive committee and management team and reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of the UDM research department will be responsible for the following key missions:

• Strategic leadership: Inspire, lead and implement the strategic development and positioning of the Urban Development and Mobility research department, aligning with LISER's strategic orientations defined by the Board of Directors and aligning with LISER’s dual mission of scientific excellence and societal impact.

• HR leadership: Provide scientific and intellectual inspirational leadership to guide, mentor and manage department staff while ensuring performance management and compliance to policies, rules and regulations in a positive and motivating working environment.

• Budget Management: Within the budget validated by the Board of Directors implement and supervise the execution of the Department’s budget including operating/research project portfolio and investment budgets.

• Institutional engagement: Serve as a member of LISER’s Executive and Management Team to participate in the strategic positioning of LISER and the Urban Development and Mobility department. Contribute to the design of the strategic development plan of the institute and participate in the successful implementation of LISER’s multi-year performance program.​​​​​​​

• Research excellence: Act as a role model through the initiation of innovative projects as Principal Investigator and through the publication of research work in leading international journals.

• Collaboration and mentorship: Foster a vibrant research environment by encouraging collaboration across departments and programmes and mentoring young researchers to advance their academic and professional development.

• Funding and partnerships: Prospect, initiate and supervise innovative research projects, identify and secure competitive and collaborative funding from diverse sources, and build trustful partnerships with leading institutions, government agencies and the private sector.

• Representation and advocacy: Represent LISER in academic and policy forums, serving as an ambassador to enhance the Institute’s global reputation.

Qualifications and Experience

We are looking for an experienced and visionary leader with the following profile:

• Scientific excellence: A PhD in a relevant field and a strong track record of publications in internationally recognised journals, reflecting the candidate's acknowledgment by peers as a leader in their research field.

• Leadership experience: At least 10 years of proven success in leading and managing research projects and teams, with a focus on innovative and interdisciplinary initiatives.

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• Collaborative vision: Expertise in building high-performing, multicultural and interdisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration across disciplines, structures and sectors.

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• Funding and innovation: A proven track record of securing competitive funding and developing innovative, high-impact research initiatives.

• Global network: A dense and active international network capable of contributing to LISER’s positioning as a leading international research hub.

• Personal skills: Ability to engage with diverse audiences and communicate complex ideas effectively, complemented by a proactive and creative mindset to inspire and support original ideas.

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• Language skills: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of official languages of Luxembourg (Luxembourgish, French, German) is considered as an asset.

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We value leaders with team spirit who ensure well-being of colleagues, inspire trust and cooperation in diverse teams, combine strategic vision with intellectual curiosity, and demonstrate a forward-looking approach to promoting research excellence.

Why Applying for this Job?

This position offers a unique opportunity to advance your career while contributing to a renowned research institution. As the successful candidate, you will:

• Lead in a multicultural recognised team of talented researchers with internationally recognized research agendas and a strong focus on societal impact.
• Secure a permanent position with a competitive remuneration package, substantial mobility support, and dedicated research funding.
• Contribute to the dynamic growth of a research institute dedicated to scientific excellence and making a meaningful societal impact in the heart of Europe.
• Work in an enthusiastic, interdisciplinary research environment that values inclusion, diversity, and collaboration.
• Access extensive opportunities for career development, skills enhancement, and networking through training, seminars, and international conferences.
• Thrive in a multicultural environment in Luxembourg, renowned for its excellent quality of life, international connectivity, and dynamic cultural scene.
• Benefit from flexible working hours, teleworking opportunities, 32.5 days of annual leave (full-time contract) and a research environment valuing work-life balance and staff well-being.

About Luxembourg and the Belval Campus

With a population of nearly 675,000, Luxembourg is one of the world's most prosperous and forward-thinking nations. Welcoming cross-border workers and immigrants, it blends modern urban culture with rich traditions, fostering innovation and inclusiveness. Renowned for its high-quality healthcare, education, transport and leisure facilities, Luxembourg offers a stimulating environment for families and professionals alike. The country is committed to leveraging research as a driver of innovation, improving quality of life and integrating advances into the daily lives of its citizens. Guided by a strategic vision for 2030, Luxembourg has built a world-class research infrastructure that maximises synergies across disciplines and has earned international recognition for scientific excellence. English is widely spoken alongside French, German and Luxembourgish, making it highly accessible to an international community.

Application Process

LISER has engaged The McLean Partnership to support this appointment. For an informal and confidential discussion about the position, please contact Dr. Graham Little or Lauren Copland via email at liser@mcleanpartnership.com.

Completed applications should be submitted via email to liser@mcleanpartnership.com by 24th May 2025 (midnight) and must include:

1. A cover letter outlining your vision for the Urban Development and Mobility department and how it aligns with LISER’s missions and strategic orientations.
2. A detailed curriculum vitae.
3. Three most relevant and impactful publications in pdf format.
4. Three letters of reference (to be sent directly from referees to grahamlittle@mcleanpartnership.com).

LISER is strongly committed to gender parity, diversity and inclusion and is proud to be an equal opportunities Employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates of any background.