Delegate (f/m) for health research Helmholtz Association

The Helmholtz Association conducts world-class research in six major research fields to seek solutions for the major challenges facing society, science and the economy. With nearly 34,000 staff in 18 research centres, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest research organisation.
The Brussels Office of the Helmholtz Association provides information and support relating to all aspects of European research funding for scientists working at the research centres of the Helmholtz Association with the aim of facilitating their participation in EU research funding programmes.
The Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres is seeking to recruit a scientific professional for its Brussels Office for the position of Delegate (f/m) for health research
Your responsibilities

• Provide information, analysis and support for the Helmholtz Research Centres and their scientists engaged in biomedical research throughout all phases of the proposal application process for EU research funding programmes and other European research initiatives, with special regard to their specific research profiles and interests
• Develop contacts and good working relationships with the research centres through regular workshops, training courses and individual advice and guidance to the scientists in the centres
• Represent the specific interests and concerns relating to biomedical research of the Helmholtz Association and its research centres and actively facilitate their strategic positioning in Europe. Develop contacts with the relevant EU institutions (Commission and Parliament), inform the Helmholtz research centres about new research policy developments and decisions of the European institutions and actively seek out new opportunities for participating in EU research projects and initiatives

Your qualifications

• Postgraduate degree, preferably PhD or equivalent, in a relevant scientific field (biology, medicine, biochemistry, biotechnology)
• Relevant practical experience of EU research funding programmes, with a strong interest in European research policy and the desire to contribute to the establishment of the European Research Area
• Strategic thinker with ability to absorb new, complex information quickly and efficiently and develop new ideas. Highly flexible and willing to manage competing demands in a complex, rapidly changing environment
• Outstanding communication skills and ability to work well in a team. Excellent command of English. Knowledge of German is an asset, some knowledge of French is useful

We offer

• An attractive and challenging opportunity at the interface of science, politics, and society, with a contract initially limited to 2 years
• Opportunity to take responsibility for own core area in a collaborative environment working with a highly professional, motivated team
• Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience according to German salary grades in public administration (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Diensts (TVöD)), as well as expatriate allowance and other benefits available to employees in German public administration
• Place of employment is Brussels

Equal opportunity is an integral part of the employment policy of the Helmholtz Association. We therefore encourage applications from all qualified candidates to apply.
Please send your complete application and supporting documents as a pdf file by email only by 5 November 2012 to Dr. Susan Kentner, Director of the Helmholtz Brussels Office (bewerbung@helmholtz.de). Applications sent by post will not be eligible for consideration or returned.
For further information please contact Dr. Karin Lohmann (Tel. 00322 5000 978) or Annika Thies (Tel.: 00322 5000 975).