Chief Science Officer - L'Union

Organisation background:
The Union is a global membership, technical and scientific organisation. We were established in 1920 and are led by people who are committed to our vision, mission and values. Our members are organisations and individuals from all parts of the world. We are made up of government and non-government agencies, charities, donors and funders, professional groups, patient groups and civil society organisations. We bring together clinicians, managers, policy makers, front-line workers and implementers, scientists, patients and survivors, advocates and civil society.
The Union’s Vision: A healthier world for all, free of tuberculosis and lung disease.
The Union’s Mission: The Union strives to end suffering due to tuberculosis and lung disease by advancing better prevention and care. We seek to achieve this by the generation, dissemination and implementation of knowledge into policy and practice. We aim to ensure that no-one is left behind, people are treated equally and we have a focus on vulnerable and marginalised populations and communities.

The Union’s Values :
Quality: we deliver our services and products to the highest possible standards.
Transparency: we are open and direct in our dealings.
Accountability: we are responsible stewards of resources, deliver on our commitments, and are accountable to our stakeholders.
Respect: we recognise people’s intrinsic value and have due regard for the welfare, beliefs, perceptions, customs and cultural heritage of those we deal with.
Independence: we seek to pursue our mission free from interference by conflicts of interest.
Reporting to the Executive Director of The Union

We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic leader to lead our technical departments and align the scientific strategy for our work in TB, lung health and tobacco control at The Union.

As the Chief Science Officer, you will lead a multidisciplinary team, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, and guide the development of cutting-edge scientific solutions to improve outcomes in the fight against lung disease and TB. This role requires deep expertise in respiratory diseases, with particular focus on TB, asthma, COPD, and pneumonia, as well as knowledge of tobacco-related health issues and their role in respiratory diseases. As our work is focused on low-and-middle income countries (LMIC), the expertise should extend to the prevention and control of these health problems in LMICs. The Chief Science Officer will work closely with the Executive Director to develop and deliver on a strategy for The Union that is in line with The Union’s strategic goals as defined by the Board of Directors representing The Union’s Membership.

Key Responsibilities:
Scientific Leadership & Strategy:
Lead the development and implementation of the scientific vision and strategy for programs related to tuberculosis, asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and tobacco control, ensuring alignment with The Union’s mission, vision and values and with the overarching strategy set by The Union’s Board of Directors and in collaboration with the Scientific policy committee of the Board.
Support all departments at The Union to remain strategically aligned and moving together towards our common goals.
Provide information, advice, and counsel to the Executive Director in the creation of policies, programs, and strategic direction of The Union.
Oversee the design, execution, analysis and monitoring of scientific studies in lung diseases and TB, ensuring high-quality research methodologies and compliance with ethical standards while working closely with the technical departments and relevant partners.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Direct oversight of the technical departments including Tuberculosis, Center for Operational Research, Training & Education, Lung Health and Tobacco Control.
Provided strong collaboration and strategic direction to the Business departments including Conferences, Communication, Journals & Publications and Membership.
Participate as a Senior Leader within The Union alongside other Directors; Serve as an Executive within The Union (Chief Science Officer) working alongside the Chiefs of Finance and HR.

Scientific Expertise & Thought Leadership:
Provide expert scientific guidance in the areas of TB and lung health. Stay current on the latest developments in the fields of asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and tobacco control science, including including in clinical, epidemiological and public health research fields.
Support the role of The Union as a pathfinder helping to guide other agencies in promoting the most effective approaches to ensure we achieve our vision.
Support the Communications team in delivering impactful messaging that demonstrates the unique role The Union plays and how our scientific strategy supports achieving a world free from TB and Lung Diseases.

External Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement:
Build and maintain strong relationships with key international (multi-lateral) and national institutions, research organizations, governmental bodies, local and community organizations, and industry partners.
Represent The Union at scientific conferences, regulatory and policy meetings, and with global thought leaders.
Advocate for The Union’s role in defining the most impactful approaches to ending TB and lung diseases globally.

Team Leadership & Development:
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing scientific team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
Provide coaching and professional development opportunities to junior team members.

Funding & Grants Management:
Working collaboratively with the Business Development and Technical teams, support the identification of funding opportunities and the preparation of grant applications to secure external funding for research in tuberculosis, lung health, and tobacco control initiatives.
Liaise with donors regarding current activities and future funding opportunities.
Finance and Human Resources Management:
Responsible for the financial management of all projects led by the technical teams, including the development and implementation of the budgets.
Ensure appropriate control and accountability of funding in line with The Union policies and procedures. Identify, recruit and supervise Union staff and consultants according to identified needs and priorities, and in line with program growth and available budget.
Foster a culture that rewards both individual and group achievement among professional staff, consultants, and support personnel. Empower a shared vision among The Union staff ensuring everyone is working towards our shared goals and strategies.
Participate in quarterly financial reviews.

Qualifications:
Education:
Ph.D. or M.D. in Pulmonary (Respiratory) Medicine or Science, or a related field (for example, candidates with qualifications in infectious diseases will be considered if their track record includes a focus on TB and lung health.
Additional postdoctoral training in TB and/or lung health (in particular, asthma, COPD and pneumonia) is highly preferred.

Experience:
Minimum of 10 years of experience in scientific research, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, ideally within the areas of tuberculosis, asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and/or anti-tobacco research.
Considered a global expert by peers with international recognition for your contributions in the fields of TB and/or lung health research.
Significant experience with global health initiatives in low- and middle-income countries where TB and respiratory diseases are highly prevalent.
Strong experience in establishing and maintaining relationships with a diverse set of partners.
Extensive leadership experience in scientific research and program oversight.
Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals and in securing research funding.
Strong global network of scientific and health policy professionals.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to represent the organization at the highest levels.
Some knowledge of tobacco control research and related issues.

Skills & Competencies:
Flexible and adaptable, able to work in a cross-functional approach with an awareness and dedication to cultural sensitivity.
Strong leadership and strategic thinking abilities, with a demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a complex environment.
Exceptional scientific communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including non-Experience in managing and mentoring culturally diverse teams

Position: Chief Science Officer
Number of Positions: 01
Position Type: Full Time
Organisation: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union)
Location: Switzerland
Duration: 2 years
Travel: 25-40% time depending on work location

Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining how your skills and experience fit the position to: career@theunion.org.
Interviews will be held remotely.
Deadline for applications: 20 July 2025.