Interim Research Director

Are you passionate about leading edge environmental and health research? Do you have a vision for a sustainable future where industry innovation and scientific integrity walk hand in hand? If you are ready to step into a role that demands both a scientific acumen and a diplomatic finesse, then this is your call to action.

A pioneering initiative is at the forefront of addressing global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges within the automotive industry and its extensive value chain. Since 2005, this CEO-driven project has been instrumental in commissioning independent research, fostering sector-wide solutions, and engaging with a wide array of stakeholders to pave the way for a sustainable future. Operating under the auspices of a globally recognised council for sustainable development, this initiative is a beacon for systemic transformations aimed at achieving a net-zero, nature-positive, and equitable future.

This is a full-time position, based in either Geneva or Amsterdam, and demands a willingness to engage in extensive international travel and collaborate across time zones.

The Role

As the linchpin of our client's scientific endeavours, the Interim Research Director plays a critical role in overseeing scientific research programs and spearheading engagements with the scientific community on pivotal health and environmental issues. This role sits at the heart of the secretariat, interacting closely with a diverse group of stakeholders from CEO representatives and project managers to external partners and academia, ensuring the delivery of impactful and independent research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Forge and animate a robust academic network, pinpointing essential topics and partners for groundbreaking research.
• Uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity and neutrality across all research undertakings
• Manage a dynamic team, ensuring the timely and efficient progress of the scientific agenda.
• Act as a pivotal link between working groups, communication teams, and external entities to synthesize and disseminate knowledge.
• Champion their scientific voice in external forums, embodying the commitment to transparent and fact-based dialogues with all stakeholders.

What We're Looking For:

• A seasoned leader with a blend of technical prowess and soft skills, capable of navigating complex multi-cultural and multi-functional landscapes.
• PhD or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline, coupled with a substantial track record in research management or scientific communication.
• Global thinker with hands-on experience across various geographies, adept at forging lasting relationships and aligning divergent viewpoints.
• Proven expertise in project management, team building, and the facilitation of collaborative processes.
• Self-starter, ready to innovate and lead in uncharted territories, building structures and processes that drive our mission forward.

Step into a role where your work not only contributes to the advancement of scientific research but also shapes the future of a sustainable global industry. Apply today to Culture Recruitment and be a part of our journey towards a more sustainable, equitable, and healthy world.