Head of Third-Party Funding Staff Unit (f/m/d)

Organisation/Company GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 29 Oct 2026 - 12:32 (UTC) Country Germany Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Other Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Area of research

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

01.10.2026

The GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt operates one of the world’s leading particle accelerator facilities for scientific research. In international collaboration, the new accelerator facility FAIR – Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research is currently under construction—one of the largest and most ambitious research projects worldwide.GSI and FAIR provide the opportunity to work in a highly international environment with a team of dedicated professionals committed to advancing science at the highest international level.

To strategically strengthen and further develop our third-party funding activities, we are seeking to appoint, at the earliest possible date:

Head of Third-Party Funding Staff Unit (f/m/d)

Posting-ID: 26.144-9300

Your responsibilities

• Identify and analyze relevant funding programs at regional, national, and international levels including programs supporting research, education and training, institutional development and related activities (e.g., EU programs, federal and state funding schemes, and foundations)
• Develop and implement an organization-wide funding strategy in close collaboration with scientific departments, administration and senior management
• Lead the central third-party funding office supporting grant applications and project management activities
• Advise researchers on the development and submission of competitive funding proposals
• Administer complex collaborative projects and international research consortia
• Support the implementation of funded projects, including monitoring, reporting, and financial management
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with funding bodies
• Expand and maintain relevant networks at regional, German national, and international levels
• Further develop internal processes and structures for third-party funding management
• Coordinate GSI’s internal research and development program, including oversight of performance accounting and the design and organization of reporting processes.

Your profile

• Completed university degree at master’s level or above preferably in a relevant field such as natural sciences, engineering, economics, education, public administration, research management, or related discipline (a PhD or equivalent advanced qualification is desirable)
• Proven experience in identifying and managing research funding opportunities in Germany; additional qualifications (e.g., in research funding management) are an advantage
• Experience in developing and implementing funding strategies within research organizations, universities, higher-education institutions, public-sector organizations, or comparable environments
• Strong understanding of grant proposal development and research project management
• Experience in coordinating collaborative projects and international research consortia
• Ability to advise and support scientists throughout the proposal and project lifecycle
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work across interdisciplinary teams
• Experience in building strategic partnerships and networks with funding organizations and research stakeholders
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in both German and English

We offer an exciting and diverse position within an internationally renowned research institution, providing excellent opportunities for professional and personal development and the opportunity to contribute strategically to research funding at the interface of science, education, research management, funding and international collaboration.

The position is permanent. Salary and employment conditions are based on the German public service collective agreement (TVöD – Bund).

GSI is committed to promoting equal opportunities and actively encourages applications from women.

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if equally qualified.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.

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