Director of the Institute of Applied Sustainability to the Built Environment at the Department of Environment Constructions and Design

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) is looking for a Director of the Institute of Applied Sustainability to the Built Environment and member of the Executive Board at the Department of Environment Constructions and Design (DACD) based in Mendrisio (Ticino). Start Date: to be agreed upon. Full time position (100%).

The Institute of Applied Sustainability to the Built Environment (ISAAC) employs 58 people working in the field of energy transition towards a zero-emission society. The Institute has a strong interdisciplinary focus and combines a wide variety of advanced methods in the characterization and reliability of photovoltaics and their integration in buildings, intelligent management of renewable energy into the grid, energy efficiency, and maintenance of buildings. The institute promotes new approaches in the construction sector. It also facilitates the complex energy transition by promoting the adoption of more sustainable lifestyle choices and behaviours, involving stakeholders from the local areas and the civil society. The Institute runs the only ISO 17025 accredited laboratory in Switzerland to characterize and test photovoltaic modules. It promotes technology transfer to companies, public bodies, and institutions in certain countries of the Global South.

Entry into service: date to be agreed upon Degree of employment: 100%.

Duties

• Lead the Institute, both scientifically as well as in managing human and financial resources.
• Strategically and operationally manage the Institute in accordance with its three core missions: education (basic and continuing), research and service provision, consistently with quality standards.
• Promote and strengthen the role and recognition of the Institute as an innovator and promoter in certain significant areas of the energy transition at regional, national, and international levels, involving the public and private sectors as well as civil society in the target area.
• Ensure an appropriate response to the current needs of the territory, providing adequate scientific support and continuous training to address the complex challenges related to the energy transition and climate change.
• Nurture the Institute’s capacity to work on research projects at national and international levels.
• Maintain and develop a network of contacts with professional categories and sector associations, public administrations, and national and international institutions, consolidating research and continuing education activities.
• As a member of the Departmental Executive Board, strengthen interdisciplinary and interdepartmental coordination and development activities.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in one of the Institute’s areas of expertise or equivalent professional experience.
• The title of university professor constitutes a preferential element.
• Scientific reputation or of professional practice.
• Experience in university teaching and research in the public or private sector.
• Direct knowledge of the national and European university system and funding bodies.
•  Excellent knowledge of foremost issues and challenges related to the energy transition from a technical-environmental, socio-economic, and political perspective.
• Proven track record of anticipating new research topics and challenges by applying the necessary expertise.
• Strong familiarity with the professional and stakeholder networks at the national and cantonal levels.
• Multi-year experience in leadership, management, staff development, and leading teams, with an employee focus and collaborative culture.
• Relational, listening, and internal and external communication skills.
• Fluent Italian and English. Good knowledge of at least a second Swiss national language is required.

We offer

• A stimulating position, with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility, in an innovative and multidisciplinary university environment, at a new operational location.
• Leadership of a recognized Institute committed to education, research, and services.
• Dynamic, stimulating, and innovative environment.
• Team of highly qualified and motivated staff members.

Additional information

Information on this function is published in the ” Regolamento del personale direttivo SUPSI ” and ” Regolamento del personale SUPSI” on the Italian website.
Additional information can be obtained from the Director of the Department of Environment Construction and Design:
Dr. Jean-Pierre Candeloro
Applications will be considered only if submitted electronically within 3rd September 2023  through the appropriate online form.
Incomplete, late, misdirected, or otherwise erroneous applications will not be considered.