The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland. We design, build and operate the country’s large-scale research infrastructures and perform cutting-edge research programs in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By providing access to world-leading instrumentation and performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. 

The center operates two national infrastructures for photon science, the Swiss Light Source (SLS) and the Swiss Free Electron Laser SwissFEL), as well as advanced cleanroom facilities (PICO) and the ETH-PSI Quantum Computing Hub. CPS supports users from academia and industry and has its own ambitious research and technology development programs. CPS consists of around 270 staff at all science, technical and educational levels in seven laboratories (Macromolecules and Bioimaging (LSB), X-ray Nanoscience and Technology (LXN), Condensed Matter (LSC), Femtochemistry (LSF), Advanced Spectroscopy and X-ray Sources (LSX), Nonlinear Optics (LNO), and Nano and Quantum Technologies (LNQ)). CPS is responsible for strategic initiatives in the ETH Domain and major international collaborations, e.g. with the European facilities ESRF and EuXFEL, as well as the League of European Accelerator-based Photon Source (LEAPS). 

The center has recently completed an upgrade of SLS to a 4th Gen synchrotron source and plans major developments of its facilities as part of the national roadmap for research infrastructures. The center head will be nominated as member of the PSI executive board and will report directly to the PSI director. The successful candidate will be appointed as professor at ETH Zurich, EPFL, or a university.

The Director of PSI is looking for the head of one of its leading research centers

Head PSI Center for Photon Science (CPS)

Your tasks

  • Provide clear vision and strong leadership for CPS as one of the globally leading centers for photon science and related technologies
  • Develop and implement strategic plans for the CPS national infrastructures, science and technology programs, and platforms in accordance with the overall PSI and ETH Domain strategy, national priorities, and international engagements
  • Liaise with key user groups from academia and industry, as well as with leaders of other photon science facilities and nanotechnology and quantum computing centers. Strengthen links with Swiss universities
  • Enable leading photon, nano and quantum technology development. Represent the field and PSI in national and international collaborations and initiatives
  • Develop fundamental, mission-driven and technology-driven research jointly with other PSI centers, institutions of the ETH Domain, as well as national and international partners
  • Further encourage the use of the CPS facilities and platforms by industry. Promote knowledge transfer through the development and the exploitation of intellectual property 
  • Lead the acquisition of third-party funding for research and facilities
  • Lead a personal research program, including some engagement in teaching

Your profile

  • Outstanding international recognition as scientist and proven track record of scientific achievements in a field relevant for CPS
  • Extensive experience as user or developer of large-scale facilities or technology platforms, and the ability to initiate and lead national and international collaborations and networks
  • Ability to initiate and co-develop scientific and technology programs for CPS and PSI. Experience and proven ability in the leadership of large teams and technical projects 
  • Proven record of successful acquisition of external funding, for example for academic research, instrumentation, or projects with industry 
  • Educational experience (student supervision, teaching)
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills, and motivation to continuously develop those

We offer

Our institute is part of the ETH Domain, including ETH Zurich and EPFL, and national laboratories PSI, Empa, WSL, and Eawag. We value interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration and offer an internationally competitive salary and pension. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds. 

Further information on the position and CPS can be obtained from the director, Prof. Dr. Christian Rüegg, christian.rueegg@psi.ch and the contact in HR.

Please submit your application online by 11 May 2026 (including a cover letter, CV with list of projects and publications, research and technology vision, and contact details of references) (Index-Nr. 6000-00).

Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Sandra Denk, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland

Apply now