Executive Director of the Centre of Personalised Medicine

Tartu University is seeking a highly motivated Executive Director for the Centre of Personalised Medicine. We are looking for a candidate with in-depth knowledge of at least one relevant field and a proven track record in leadership.

The University of Tartu and Tartu University Hospital have established a multidisciplinary Centre of Personalised Medicine, aiming to integrate expertise in genetics, IT, clinical medicine, public health, and socio-economic analysis. The centre is established based on the EU Widening program project TeamPerMed, which includes as partners the University of Helsinki, Erasmus University Rotterdam and Erasmus University Medical Centre. The Director's responsibilities include leading and representing the centre and ensuring the successful implementation of the EU project TeamPerMed.

The University of Tartu is the biggest and oldest centre of academic life in Estonia - we have over 4,500 employees and 16,000 students. The unique intellectual atmosphere and fine living and working environment that characterise Tartu have attracted prominent scientists and experts for almost 400 years. Join the university family!

• Develop and implement TeamPerMed’s research, development, and innovation strategy, ensuring the achievement of the Centre’s objectives and performance indicators.
• Ensure the implementation of TeamPerMed activities under the EU Widening program and coordinate the preparation and submission of project reports.
• Strengthen interdisciplinary research collaboration, promote high-quality research, and enhance the Centre’s international visibility and competitiveness.
• Develop strategic partnerships with leading European research and healthcare institutions, international networks, and public- and private-sector partners, including other sectoral centres of excellence.
• Advance personalised medicine and digital health in Estonia in cooperation with policymakers, potential funders, and companies, and promote the field both nationally and internationally.
• Develop and strengthen the University of Tartu Centre for Personalised Medicine team, including identifying recruitment needs and supporting recruitment processes.
• Support and advise the staff of the University of Tartu Centre for Personalised Medicine.
• Prepare reports for the Centre’s Council and provide an overview of activities at least twice a year.
• Ensure the purposeful and efficient use of funds allocated to the Centre.

• At least five years of experience in leading international research and innovation activities, preferably in a research, healthcare, or innovation organization, an international program, or a high-level research and development environment.
• In-depth understanding of at least one relevant field, such as medicine, genetics, informatics, or health economics, as well as the scientific, clinical, technological, ethical, and healthcare management aspects of personalised medicine.
• Demonstrated experience in managing international research projects, strategic partnerships, interdisciplinary teams, and collaborative networks.
• Ability to attract research and innovation funding and to develop long-term collaboration and operating models.

• Strong strategic planning, organizational development, and process management skills, including the ability to develop and implement a strategic vision that supports the Centre’s international development.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills; the ability to bring together diverse perspectives, facilitate discussions, and engage actively with partners, the public, and the media.

• This is an opportunity to lead the strategic development of an international centre of excellence in personalised medicine and help shape the future of research, innovation, and clinical implementation in Estonia and Europe.
• You will work in an inspiring, international, and interdisciplinary environment with committed experts, and have the opportunity to shape the Centre’s long-term strategy, international position, and sustainable development.
• We offer flexible working arrangements, including the possibility of remote work.
• Professional development opportunities.
• 35 days of annual leave.
• Three wellness days per year.
• Support for health promotion and well-being activities.
• We pay sick leave compensation at 100% of salary for days 2-8 of illness.

Read more!

• CV.
• A motivation letter.
• A vision paper of up to three pages outlining the development of TeamPerMed. The vision paper should address the Centre’s strategic development, the strengthening of international collaboration, the translation of research results into clinical practice, and the Centre’s long-term operating and funding model.

Start date: as soon as possible.

Contract: fixed-term position due to the project. Under the project agreement, the Executive Director will be employed at 0.8 FTE by the University of Tartu and at 0.2 FTE by the University of Tartu Hospital.

For more information, including about the TeamPerMed project, please contact Prof. Mait Metspalu at [email protected].

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