Director (f/m/x)
Reference number: 638/26
Department: Nr43 Technology Transfer Office
The Medical University of Vienna is seeking a Director (f/m/x) to lead SYNAPSE Austria. The position is administratively based within its Technology Transfer Office and serves all SYNAPSE Austria partner institutions.
SYNAPSE Austria is a multi-institutional translational platform that brings together ten of Austria’s leading research organizations (MedUni Wien, CeMM, IMBA, ISTA/XISTA, IMP, BOKU, LBG, TU Wien, University of Vienna and Vetmeduni) to make the country's scientific opportunities, infrastructure, expertise and funding pathways more visible and connected. The platform will support the identification and progression of translational projects, map and strengthen shared capabilities, and establish systems to provide a coordinated interface with industry, investors, public funders, and international partners.
Position Purpose
The Director will work with the Steering Committee to establish SYNAPSE Austria as a national platform for coordinating and advancing life sciences translation. The Director will oversee the development and operation of the platform across four interconnected pillars: Projects, Capabilities, Shared Systems and External Interface, while fostering collaboration across member institutions and strengthening Austria's translational ecosystem nationally and internationally.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Reporting to the SYNAPSE Austria Steering Committee, the Director will lead the establishment and day-to-day operation of the platform. The position combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery and requires close collaboration with member institutions, public-sector organizations, funding bodies, industry, investors and international innovation networks.
- Lead the development and growth of SYNAPSE Austria, including strategic planning, operational delivery, organizational development, governance support and reporting to the Steering Committee.
- Coordinate the identification, mapping and progression of translational opportunities in close collaboration with the member institutions’ technology transfer and innovation teams, building a shared portfolio of projects at different stages of development.
- Build visibility of Austria's translational capabilities by mapping infrastructure, specialist facilities, expertise, training resources and capability gaps, and by establishing the shared systems and ecosystem intelligence required for collaboration.
- Develop and manage strategic relationships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, investors, philanthropic organizations, government, public funders and European initiatives, while representing SYNAPSE Austria nationally and internationally.
- Drive the platform's long-term sustainability through business development, fundraising, competitive grant acquisition, strategic partnerships and the development of a sustainable operating model that supports continued growth beyond the initial funding period.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will bring senior leadership experience in biotechnology, life sciences, translational research, innovation or a related field, together with a strong record of leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives across academia, industry and the public sector.
- Strong knowledge of the Austrian research and innovation ecosystem.
- Understanding of translational research, commercialization and venture-development pathways.
- Experience engaging with pharmaceutical companies, investors, funding agencies and international stakeholders.
- Familiarity with European and Austrian funding programs and public-private partnership models.
- Excellent partnership, stakeholder-management and communication skills.
- Strong systems thinking and hands-on platform-development capability, including oversight of digital and IT-enabled systems.
Contract and Platform Outlook
This is a full-time position with an initial fixed-term appointment of three years. SYNAPSE Austria is being established with the intention of becoming a permanent and growing national platform, and the Director will play a central role in securing additional funding, developing new partnerships and building a sustainable organization beyond the initial funding period.
The minimum monthly salary for this position (University Collective Agreement, Pay Group V) is currently € 4,105.60 gross per month (paid 14 times a year) for a full-time role. This figure may increase based on relevant previous experience and other remuneration components associated with the specific nature of the job.
The Medical University of Vienna aims to increase the proportion of women, particularly in leadership positions and among academic staff, and therefore expressly encourages qualified women to apply. Women with equivalent qualifications will be given priority.
We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses. If you have any questions, please contact the Disability Liaison Officer of MedUni Vienna.
Apply by November 11, 2026.
Benefits
Mobility
- Promoting Mobility: As part of its commitment to climate protection, the Rectorate of MedUni Vienna subsidizes annual public transportation passes to encourage their use for commuting to and from work.
- Good Transportation Connections: MedUni Vienna’s campuses are centrally located and easily accessible by public transportation.
- Parking: MedUni Vienna employees have the option to use affordable parking spaces. Bicycle parking is also available and is being continuously expanded.
Professional Development and Career
- Internal Training Programs: Thanks to a modern academic lifelong learning approach, employees can continuously improve their skills and acquire new competencies.
- Counseling Services: Depending on individual needs, counseling services (e.g., Career&Care), coaching, supervision, and mediation are available.
Financial Benefits and Security
- Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan: As an employer, MedUni Vienna contributes monthly to the pension fund to support the retirement planning of all employees.
- Employee Discounts: All MedUni Vienna employees receive special terms and discounts at numerous companies.
- Stable Employer: MedUni Vienna offers a secure work environment and stable jobs.
- Cafeteria: In the staff restaurants, employees can enjoy an affordable and varied selection of meals.
Work-Life Balance and Work-Life Compatibility
- Work-Life Balance: A healthy work-life balance is achieved through fair division of labor and teamwork. We ensure regular working hours, sufficient time for rest, and a manageable workload.
- Childcare: To help you balance work and family life, we offer various childcare options, including during school breaks.
- Flexible Hours & Telework: In many cases, employees have the option of flexible scheduling through flex-time arrangements. Depending on the job category and individual agreements, employees may telework up to 40% of the time.
Work Culture and Values
- Accessibility and Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: MedUni Vienna has set itself the goal of embedding diversity within its organizational structure and thereby contributing to equal opportunities for employees.
- Staff Events: In addition to networking and social events, MedUni Vienna regularly offers engaging lectures on current topics in the field of medicine.
- Health Initiatives: The health of all staff members is a top priority, which is why we offer a wide range of preventive care and health promotion programs.