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 general 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 global 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€].

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

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