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.
Obtenga más información sobre las tareas generales relacionadas con esta oportunidad a continuación, así como sobre las habilidades requeridas.
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
€).
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 ( 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. xqbhyrx 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Chief Executive Officer (Sevilla)
🏢 LifeWatch ERIC
📍 Sevilla