The SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics is an internationally recognized non-profit organization, dedicated to biological and biomedical data science. Its data scientists are passionate about creating knowledge and solving complex questions in many fields, from biodiversity and evolution to medicine. They provide essential databases and software platforms as well as bioinformatics expertise and services to academic, clinical, and industry groups. SIB federates the Swiss bioinformatics community of some 900 scientists, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing. The Institute contributes to keeping Switzerland at the forefront of innovation by fostering progress in biological research and enhancing health.
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Are you a visionary leader ready to make an impact on global health and bioinformatics? We’re seeking a Director for the Centre for Pathogen Bioinformatics to drive the strategic and operational leadership of this world-class center.
Director, Center for Pathogen Bioinformatics
Employer
SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics
Work Location
Employment fraction
80% - 100%
Type of contract
permanent
Job description
The Centre for Pathogen Bioinformatics (CPB) is a unit of SIB which offers expertise and services in pathogen bioinformatics, computational molecular epidemiology and related multi-site project management to Swiss Federal Authorities and within global pandemic preparedness and molecular surveillance programs. Together with its national and international partners, the CPB maintains, refines, and develops resources for pathogen bioinformatics and data sharing solutions to turn data into actionable insights for public health. At the interface of research, public health agencies, and policy, the CPB strengthens preparedness for future infectious threats.
We are recruiting a Director to lead and develop the CPB. This is a research infrastructure leadership role (not a researcher position): you will chair the CPB steering board composed of four SIB group leaders who are world-leading experts in the field of pathogen bioinformatics based in Basel. More broadly, you will work in tight collaboration with the SIB groups developing pathogen bioinformatics solutions and resources and with the entire institute to deliver robust services at scale, shape data-sharing practices, and grow a diversified funding portfolio. The ideal candidate will bring a proven record of developing and maintaining pathogen bioinformatics tools and resources, interacting with public health offices, leading collaborative, international, multi-PI projects and securing competitive grants.
Your mission:
As the managing Director of the CPB, you will provide vision, direction, and coordination for the Centre’s long-term development and sustainability. You will play a key role in maintaining and developing resources the community relies on, shaping global strategies for pathogen data sharing, securing funds, and supporting evidence-based policy decisions at both national and international levels. You will align with the Institute’s strategic objectives and strengthen SIB’s position in epidemic preparedness and foster collaboration across academia, healthcare, and policy.
Join us and help build the future of global pathogen intelligence where science meets policy to protect public health worldwide.
Key responsibilities:
- Define and implement the long-term strategy and sustainability plan of the Centre together with the CPB steering board based in Basel.
- Develop and maintain resources and software in pathogen bioinformatics.
- Lead the focus group of the CPB composed of researchers in pathogen bioinformatics of SIB aiming to identify bottom-up novel collaborations and opportunities.
- Maintain and foster exchange with public health laboratories, authorities, and other stakeholders.
- Develop partnerships and secure funding to ensure continued growth.
- Oversee data infrastructures enabling and promoting timely sharing of pathogen sequence data.
- Lead the Pathogen Data Network project funded by NIH in collaboration with national and international partners, ensuring alignment with funders’ goals and global best practices. Lead operations, governance, and project delivery with transparency and accountability.
- Represent the Centre in national and international networks, promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Work Location: Basel, Lausanne or Geneva with travelling required
Profile requirements
- PhD (or equivalent) in bioinformatics, computational biology, data science, or related discipline.
- Proven expertise in pathogen genomics, bioinformatics, data infrastructure, and large-scale biomedical data analysis.
- Strong background in data science and scientific software development.
- Minimum 8 years’ experience in pathogen bioinformatics or data-intensive life science project management, including 4+ years in leadership roles.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex projects, build partnerships, and secure competitive funding.
- Excellent English (spoken and written); French or German is an asset.
- Strategic thinker, flexible, innovative, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining precision and high standards.
- Strong communicator and negotiator.
- Commitment, energy, and enthusiasm to drive the Centre’s objectives forward.
- Ability to regularly travel across multiple sites in Switzerland (Geneva, Lausanne, Basel) and internationally.
How to apply