Scientific Director & CEO, St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute, Vienna/Austria

The St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI) is searching for an outstanding scientist and visionary leader to become its next Scientific Director. Apply now to shape the future of children’s cancer research!

Description of the Institute

CCRI is an independent research institute in Vienna and one of Europe’s leading centers for pediatric hematology/oncology research. It is closely associated with the St. Anna Children’s Hospital, which treats the majority of children with cancer in Austria. The institute is committed to outstanding research, with several Principal Investigators having active European Research Council (ERC) grants. It is equally dedicated to translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice, and there is strong experience and infrastructure for managing and sponsoring international clinical trials. CCRI also acts as a reference diagnostic center.

CCRI’s mission is to improve treatment outcomes for childhood cancers through innovative research. Its strengths are strong clinical links, stable funding, and world-class research infrastructure. The institute currently hosts 15 research groups and ~230 scientists and supporting staff from 36 nations. It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for molecular and cell biology, including flow cytometry, next generation sequencing, confocal microscopy, a dedicated zebrafish facility, bioinformatics and high-performance computing, a GMP facility for cell-based therapies, and access to small animal facilities. Additionally, it is supported by an efficient administration team, including HR and grant management, dedicated to advancing scientific research.

Located in the vicinity of the Medical University of Vienna and the Vienna General Hospital, CCRI is part of a dynamic biomedical and clinical research cluster in central Vienna. The institute has strong links to renowned local research institutes including the CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), the Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), and the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA).

Vienna is a thriving hub of biomedical research, with a vibrant, international research community based in a city that is frequently ranked the world’s best city to live.

Description of the Position

The Scientific Director is expected to lead the institute through their scientific vision, strategic and operational management, and through cutting-edge research and clinical translation by their research group.

The Scientific Director will identify and strategically develop promising research areas while leading and developing the institute’s scientific personnel in close collaboration with the institute’s Principal Investigators and the institute’s Commercial Director and foster an ambitious, international, inclusive, and dynamic environment. Moreover, the Scientific Director will foster collaboration and teamwork both within the institute and with clinicians at the St. Anna Children’s Hospital. In addition, the Scientific Director will assume the role of CEO, providing formal leadership of CCRI together with the Commercial Director.

Candidate Qualification and Experience

We are seeking an internationally recognized expert in pediatric hematology/oncology, with strong publication record on the biological foundations of childhood cancers, demonstrated dedication to translating research into clinical applications, and experience in scientific leadership and organizational development.

Formal requirements are an MD and/or PhD degree, international research experience, and a proven track record of securing competitive third-party funding. Moreover, candidates should have experience in developing and leading ambitious scientific programs, team building and mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaborations and research networks involving both clinical and basic research groups.

The ideal candidate will have the vision and leadership to drive innovative research and to strengthen the bridge between scientific discovery and clinical translation.

Information

We are dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and encourage applications from talented and passionate individuals, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

Your application

Applications should include: (1) curriculum vitae; (2) letter of motivation; (3) publication list; (4) annotated list of top-10 publications; (5) annotated list of past and present third-party funding; (6) summary of research activities; (7) summary of management and leadership experience; (8) future plans for CCRI.

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Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file by e-mail to or uploaded via the "Apply now" button below. All applications received by January 31, 2025 will be considered.