ZURICH HUB FOR DRUG AND DEVICE DEVELOPMENT (ZH3D) - DIRECTOR

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly professional expert to fill the position of the Founding Director for establishing the Zurich Hub for Drug and Device Development (ZH3D). ZH3D will accelerate the development of innovative drugs and medical devices at the UZH and in the Zurich area by coordinating existing GxP platforms and providing innovative GxP-related services and education.Together with the University Hospital Zurich (USZ), the UZH offers already established, Swissmedic accredited platforms for GLP (Good Laboratory Practice), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), and GCP (Good Clinical Practice). The Director will be responsible for the establishment, management, and development of the ZH3D, which shall be expanded into a nationwide research structure. His/her tasks will include the establishment of a coordinated and centralized QM, ISO13485 support for in vitro diagnostics (IVD) and medical devices (MDR) development, the establishment of a GxP academy as a structured continuing education program, licensing models and negotiations with investors and sponsors. S/he will recruit and coordinate a high-performing team of experts and establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies. S/he will manage the Hub's budget. Finally, s/he will be the first point of contact for the ZH3D, promoting its mission to the scientific community and the public.

As the Founding Director, we seek a highly motivated and experienced leader with a strong interest in research from bench-to-bedside and drug and device development. S/he will be responsible for building the institute from the ground up, establishing a strong team, and implementing the strategic vision to position ZH3D as a primary center of excellence for drug and device development excellence at the UZH and in Switzerland into action.

We expect you to have:

• A proven track record of managing research-oriented units in a large organization. and previous participation in interdisciplinary projects.
• Hands-on experience in drug and/or medical device development with a strong understanding of the regulatory requirements for GMP, GCP, GLP, and IVD in Switzerland.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• A broad national and international network within the scientific and regulatory communities.
• Fluency in English and German.

About the University of Zurich and ZH3D

The University of Zurich (UZH) is a world-leading institution renowned for its excellence in research and education. With a vibrant scientific community and a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, UZH fosters groundbreaking discoveries in the biomedical field. Our state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to innovation provide the perfect environment for researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge and develop new solutions to global health challenges. The ZH3D will bundle and restructure existing GxP services at the University of Zurich (UZH)/University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and shall complement them with newly created services.

How to apply

We welcome applications from candidates of all genders and backgrounds who share our passion for excellence and innovation in the biomedical sciences in an academic setting. The place of employment will be the University of Zurich. Compensation will be in accordance with UZH guidelines. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please send your application, including a cover letter stating your motivation, a curriculum vitae, a research and, if applicable, a teaching statement, and the contact information of three references as a PDF to Prof. Dr. Michael Hottiger at sekretariat@dmmd.uzh.ch. The deadline for applications is December 15th, 2024. For further information, please contact us at michael.hottiger@uzh.ch or thorsten.buch@uzh.ch.