Director, Center for Pathogen Bioinformatics

Your mission:
As the managing Director of the CPB, you will provide vision, direction, and coordination for the Centre’s long-term development and sustainability. You will play a key role in maintaining and developing resources the community relies on, shaping global strategies for pathogen data sharing, securing funds, and supporting evidence-based policy decisions at both national and international levels. You will align with the Institute’s strategic objectives and strengthen SIB’s position in epidemic preparedness and foster collaboration across academia, healthcare, and policy.

Join us and help build the future of global pathogen intelligence where science meets policy to protect public health worldwide.

Key responsibilities:
Define and implement the long-term strategy and sustainability plan of the Centre together with the CPB steering board based in Basel.
Develop and maintain resources and software in pathogen bioinformatics.
Lead the focus group of the CPB composed of researchers in pathogen bioinformatics of SIB aiming to identify bottom-up novel collaborations and opportunities.
Maintain and foster exchange with public health laboratories, authorities, and other stakeholders.
Develop partnerships and secure funding to ensure continued growth.
Oversee data infrastructures enabling and promoting timely sharing of pathogen sequence data.
Lead the Pathogen Data Network project funded by NIH in collaboration with national and international partners, ensuring alignment with funders’ goals and global best practices. Lead operations, governance, and project delivery with transparency and accountability.
Represent the Centre in national and international networks, promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Profile requirements
PhD (or equivalent) in bioinformatics, computational biology, data science, or related discipline.
Proven expertise in pathogen genomics, bioinformatics, data infrastructure, and large-scale biomedical data analysis.
Strong background in data science and scientific software development.
Minimum 8 years’ experience in pathogen bioinformatics or data-intensive life science project management, including 4+ years in leadership roles.
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex projects, build partnerships, and secure competitive funding.
Excellent English (spoken and written); French or German is an asset.
Strategic thinker, flexible, innovative, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining precision and high standards.
Strong communicator and negotiator.
Commitment, energy, and enthusiasm to drive the Centre’s objectives forward.
Ability to regularly travel across multiple sites in Switzerland (Geneva, Lausanne, Basel) and internationally.