International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Head of Research and Innovation Support for Excellence (RISE)

Job Reference: Ref.72.25.301

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Research and Innovation Support for Excellence

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 48 months

Open Date for Applications: November 25th, 2025

Closing Date for Applications: December 25th, 2025, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #strategicvision #R&Dprogrammes #advisorysupport #researchexcellence #projectcoordination #stakeholderengagement #sustainability #innovation

Overview

The Head of Research and Innovation Support for Excellence (RISE) will play a pivotal management role in leading the operational efforts to secure and manage competitive research funding, foster innovation, and promote scientific excellence across INL’s Research and Innovation ecosystem.

This function oversees activities spanning INL’s three grand thematic areas of research (Life Sciences, Energy and Environment and Information and Communication Technologies) and innovation, including project management support for core facilities and industrial contracts. The Head of RISE will lead a large team of project managers whose focus is to provide strategic and operational guidance to Researchers and Engineers in identifying, developing, and pursuing high-quality research and innovation projects aligned with INL’s strategic objectives and international levels of excellence in benefit of the society.

This position is embedded in the Research and Innovation ecosystems and will work closely with the Research and Engineering Group Leaders, as well as with the Core Facility Heads and the Head of the Technology Transfer Office.

Job Duties

The main job duties and responsibilities will be the following:

Strategic Leadership and Institutional Alignment

• Lead and implement the Research and Innovation Support for Excellence (RISE) team to enhance INL’s participation and success in competitive research and innovation funding programmes.
• Develop and implement institutional strategies to promote scientific excellence, international collaboration, and innovation-driven growth.
• Collaborate with senior management to ensure R&I support services are aligned with INL’s mission, strategic priorities, and research roadmap.
• Lead the strategic repositioning of the current Grants-related unction within the new organisational structure, ensuring its strong contribution to INL’s research and innovation objectives.
• Partner with the Strategy Unit to conduct forward-looking analyses and implement strategic alignment initiatives that advance INL’s long-term R&D&I strategy.

Research and Innovation Development

• Promote a culture of excellence in R&D&I through proactive leadership, mentoring, and capacity-building within the RISE team.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to the Research and Engineering Group Leaders (REGLs), Core Facilities, and the Innovation Board across the three Grand Thematic Areas (GTAs) and the Transversal Research Lines.
• Drive and coordinate initiatives beyond funding acquisition, ensuring that personnel, infrastructure, and expertise are effectively leveraged to achieve impactful, high-quality R&D&I outcomes.
• Support and empower researchers and engineers to dedicate more time to creative and strategic research, promoting innovation and the development of new project concepts.
• Oversee and steer project lifecycles from ideation to completion, ensuring efficient monitoring, resource optimisation, and timely corrective actions.

Operational Management and Process Improvement

• Ensure operational excellence across research and innovation activities through effective coordination, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement bespoke methodologies and tools that integrate project management and financial management best practices to enhance efficiency, accountability, and decision-making.
• Drive continuous improvement of internal processes, systems, and tools that support project development, financial control, and resource management.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, funding agency requirements, and international standards.

Collaboration, Communication, and External Engagement

• Foster collaboration and effective communication among internal stakeholders (i.e., REGs, GTAs, Core Facilities, and the Innovation Board) and external partners, including funding agencies, research institutions, and industry.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships and networks to expand INL’s visibility and participation in international research and innovation initiatives.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to promote cross-functional collaboration, knowledge exchange, and integrated project delivery.
• Represent INL strategically in national and international meetings, partnerships, and collaborative networks related to research and innovation support.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• MSc degree in Research Planning, Business Administration, Industrial Management, Finance, Economics, or other related fields.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in research management, innovation support, or R&D funding environments.
• Proven senior-level experience in strategic planning, implementation, portfolio management, preferably in international research, academic, or intergovernmental environment.
• Demonstrated success in leadership positions, managing complex strategic initiatives across multiple sites or teams.
• Extensive experience advising senior management and coordinating diverse stakeholders.
• Strong skills in strategic planning, execution, and programme management.
• Exceptional analytical and conceptual thinking skills, with demonstrated proficiency in data analysis and financial reporting.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication abilities, with a diplomatic approach and a proven capacity to influence senior-level stakeholders.
• High political acumen and the ability to navigate complex organisational environments with sound judgement and discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee multiple concurrent institutional projects effectively and efficiently.

Other Valued Skills and Qualifications

• PhD in Research Planning, Business Administration, Industrial Management, Finance, Economics, or other related fields.
• Formal Certification and/or advanced training in strategic management and/or project management methodologies.
• Previous experience in strategic roles within intergovernmental or international research organisations.

Language Proficiency

• Apart from the English proficiency which is mandatory, knowledge of Portuguese and/or Spanish is necessary.
• German and French will be valued.

Personal Skills

• Strong leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High standard of professional ethics and integrity.
• Results oriented.
• Collaborative mindset and problem-solving abilities.
• Empathy and approachability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Leadership and motivational skills.
• Strategic thinking.
• Adaptability to change.
• Decisiveness.
• Strong negotiating skills commensurate with an international organisation.
• Conflict Resolution skills.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges.
• Private health insurance.
• Family allowances (according to family situation).
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability).
• Support for education fees of dependent children.
• Relocation support.
• 30 working days of annual leave.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

a)     Cover letter

b)     Curriculum Vitae

c)      Academic and/or Professional diplomas

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button.
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form.
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Important note:

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works
 

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite.

The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions. 

Additional Information

Application feedback

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

About INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.