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Helmholtz Zentrum München – Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt GmbH (HMGU) – in Neuherberg near Munich is a research institution jointly funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and the Free State of Bavaria within the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. As Europe's leading center for health and the environment, Helmholtz Zentrum München pursues the goal of identifying the influence of the environment on human health, deciphering the mechanisms of disease development and developing concepts for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. Helmholtz Zentrum München researches the development of common diseases in the context of environmental factors, lifestyle and individual genetic disposition. Helmholtz Zentrum München is an international leader in the central topics of the research program, such as diabetes and metabolic diseases, artificial intelligence and biomedical engineering, as well as personalized prevention. The Center's scientists work closely with the other research centers of the Helmholtz Association, with the two Munich universities and numerous other research institutions in Germany and worldwide, as well as with industrial partners. The HMGU is involved in all German Centers for Health Research. Helmholtz Zentrum München and Leipzig University also jointly operate the Helmholtz Institute for Metabolism, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) in Leipzig. The Helmholtz Zentrum München has an annual budget of around 350 million euros and employs around 2500 people. Further information about the center can be found on the Internet at https://www.helmholtz-munich.de/en/.

Helmholtz Zentrum München – Deutsches Zentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt GmbH (HMGU) –, location Neuherberg, is seeking to fill the position of
Scientific Managing Director (m/f/d)
at the earliest possible date.

The Spokesperson of the Management Board is the Scientific Director who manages the institution together with the Administrative Managing Director. The Spokesperson of the Management Board and Scientific Managing Director is responsible for the research programs, subject areas and the project portfolio of the research center. This position is further responsible for the overall strategic development of the center and the continuation of its successful scientific development in the national and international scientific community.

Leading one of Europe’s largest research centers, along with managing its extensive relationships with universities, hospitals, and industry partners, requires 

  • an outstanding scientist with excellent leadership and communication skills.
  • experience in internationally active research operations. 
  • a strategic vision, with a strong ability to integrate diverse teams and disciplines.
  • outstanding scientific excellence in the fields of basic biomedical research, translational medicine and/or drug research and development.
  • experience in talent recruitment and talent management.
  • experience in strategic corporate management and cooperation with executive bodies such as supervisory boards and international advisory boards. 
  • very good English language skills and basic knowledge of the German language or the willingness to learn German.
Knowledge of the German science system is an advantage. 

The appointment is for a term of five years, with the possibility of reappointment. The position is associated with a salary in line with the flexible options of the federal W salary scale, with the option of performance-based compensation.

Please note that your documents will be made available to a recruitment committee consisting of representatives of the HMGU Supervisory Board and other persons with proven professional expertise as well as guests, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. Please note the information on data protection at https://www.helmholtz-munich.de/en/privacy-policy and https://career.kienbaum.com/en/privacy-policy/.

For further inquiries, please feel free to contact Sabine Dreißig at +49 172 9106076. Discretion and compliance with confidentiality notices are, of course, guaranteed.

Please apply by 14th November 2025 via Kienbaum Jobs or by mail, using reference number 49444.
Application by mail:

Kienbaum Consultants International GmbH 
Frau Sabine Dreißig
Kennziffer 49444
Am Sandtorkai 50
20457 Hamburg

Kienbaum Consultants International GmbH
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