LifeWatch ERIC is Europe’s e-Science and Technology Infrastructure for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research. It is seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer (CEO), through an international open competition, to lead the organisation into its next phase of development. The CEO will work with the General Assembly, Member States and partners to strengthen LifeWatch ERIC’s scientific excellence, technological capacity, organisational cohesion and contribution to open science, biodiversity knowledge and sustainability policy.
About LifeWatch ERIC
LifeWatch ERIC is a distributed European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) composed of eight European Union Member States. It provides digital platforms, services and computational tools that empower scientists to explore and understand the complex relationships between biodiversity, ecosystems and human activities. Its mission is to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation through a state-of-the-art eScience research infrastructure, helping society address environmental and sustainability challenges.
LifeWatch ERIC operates through a distributed architecture comprising three Common Facilities, coordinated and supported by the Statutory Seat Office (SSO) in Seville, Spain:
- ICT Core, Seville, Spain;
- Service Centre, Lecce, Italy;
- Virtual Laboratories and Innovation Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Our value proposition: LifeWatch ERIC provides scientists, policy-makers and citizens with open access to biodiversity and ecosystem data, analytical tools and virtual laboratories. By integrating technology, data and knowledge, LifeWatch ERIC supports evidence-based decisions, advances open and FAIR science, and strengthens Europe’s capacity to respond to the planetary biodiversity and climate crisis.
The Position The CEO is the chief executive and legal representative of LifeWatch ERIC as Director General, responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction and operational management of the organisation.
The successful candidate will be an exceptional leader with extensive experience across research, public administration and engagement with societal stakeholders, and a strong record of executive leadership in large-scale research infrastructures or programmes operating in complex governance settings.
Working closely with the General Assembly, Member States and European institutions, the CEO will lead the implementation of LifeWatch ERIC’s strategy and guide the organisation’s next phase of development. The role requires visionary guidance, collaborative engagement and a strong commitment to open science, biodiversity and ecosystem research, and sustainability.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
The CEO will
- Provide strategic leadership and ensure alignment with the General Assembly’s vision and objectives.
- Represent LifeWatch ERIC as its legal and public representative in all external relations.
- Oversee the scientific, technical, administrative, and financial operations of the organisation.
- Promote the visibility and global impact of LifeWatch ERIC across the European Research Area and beyond.
- Strengthen collaboration among Member States, the Common facilities and international partners
- Promote knowledge transfer to end users and policy-makers, ensuring that LifeWatch ERIC’s services and outputs support research, policy and societal needs.
- Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and ethical frameworks applicable to ERICs.
- Lead the development of policies that reinforce LifeWatch ERIC’s contribution to European and integral initiatives on biodiversity and sustainability.
- Inspire, manage, and support LifeWatch ERIC’s staff and research community to achieve organisational excellence.
Key Competences and Experience The ideal candidate will have:
- Over 10 years of professional and leadership experience in similarly responsible roles at European or international level, preferably within research infrastructures, academia, or intergovernmental organisations.
- A thorough understanding of the scientific and societal challenges in data-driven biodiversity and ecosystem research and be able to translate these challenges into concrete approaches for LifeWatch.
- Demonstrated ability in strategic planning, governance, and financial management, with the capacity to prioritise and translate strategic objectives into a concrete work plan for the organisation.
- Excellent ability to connect across cultures, disciplines, and sectors.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the capacity to interact effectively with the General Assembly, Advisory and other Supporting Bodies, understand their dynamics, and build trust.
- A deep commitment to open science and a healthy research culture;
- High ethical standards and integrity in science, technology, governance, and working culture.
- Proficiency in English, the working language of LifeWatch ERIC. Knowledge of Spanish or other European languages is an asset.
Education and Qualifications:
- PhD degree or equivalent qualification in a discipline relevant to biodiversity and ecosystem research or related fields.
- Evidence of continuing professional development, for example in leadership or management (e.g., MBA), will be an asset.
Terms of Appointment
- Location: LifeWatch ERIC Statutory Seat, Seville, Spain;
- Contract: Full-time under Spanish law;
- Duration: Four (4) years, renewable once by decision of the General Assembly;
- Salary: Competitive, commensurate with the position’s seniority and the candidate’s experience [120.000-140.000€].
Application Process
Applicants are invited to apply online at: https://zfrmz.eu/QQvAsdQPlHJ0mY31FzRF
Applications must be submitted in English and should include:
- a motivation letter, including the candidate’s vision for the future development of LifeWatch ERIC.
- a full Curriculum Vitae (CV), including relevant scientific, leadership, management and institutional experience
- a publication list, where relevant
- the names and contact details of two referees familiar with the candidate’s professional achievements, leadership experience and international standing, who may be contacted at a later stage of the recruitment process.
The deadline for applications is 30 August 2026.
The recruitment process will follow LifeWatch ERIC’s approved Selection Guidelines, ensuring confidentiality, transparency, fairness and equal opportunity for all candidates.
Why Join Us?
LifeWatch ERIC offers the opportunity to lead a pan-European effort that connects science, technology and society in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The appointed CEO will help shape an internationally connected research infrastructure that supports discovery, innovation and collaboration, from the molecular to the landscape levels of biological organisation, and from local ecosystems to planetary scales.
Equal Opportunities
LifeWatch ERIC is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and gender balance (https://doi.org/10.3897/rio.11.e167869). Applications are welcomed from qualified candidates of all backgrounds and nationalities.
Working and Living in Seville, Spain
Seville is a vibrant, culturally rich city in southern Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its history, innovation, and quality of life. The city offers excellent international connections, modern infrastructure, and an inspiring environment for professionals and their families.
Lead the Future of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research The appointed CEO will guide LifeWatch ERIC, Europe’s e-Science infrastructure for biodiversity and ecosystem research, into a new era of innovation, collaboration and sustainability