PRR Project

Summary

02 - Established Science and Technology Manager Context and rationale for the hiring need: CERIS is a research unit with +180 members and PhD collaborators and +190 PhD students. CERIS is organised into 4 Thematic Strands, 6 Research Groups and two hubs (NOVA and Coimbra). CERIS’ ambition is to continue to be the leading-edge R&D unit in Civil Engineering and related areas, to keep expanding its thematic and territorial scope and to attract the most talented researchers. Science and technology (S&T) management is essential as the basis for (i) consolidating/improving the institutional conditions to keep developing excellent research, (ii) improving internal/external communication, (iii) adopting the best S&T management practices, (iv) promoting knowledge and technology transfer, (v) ensuring reporting and data management. Also, researchers need the support of people with better transversal skills (e.g. management and outreach), which play a fundamental role in successfully obtaining research funding, and seamlessly tackling transversal aspects of R&D projects, as well as in disseminating/communicating science to broader audiences. Position importance for CERIS | Hiring an Established S&T Manager will allow for a more robust team for S&T management within CERIS, led by an experienced professional, crucial for the fulfilment of CERIS’ strategic objectives, broadening funding sources, increasing the participation in international funding calls, and promoting networking. An effective S&T management team will strive to improve CERIS’ collaboration with academic and industrial partners in the Civil Engineering sector and to contribute to better hosting new members. Researcher functions | This researcher will report to the CERIS Executive Board and will have responsibilities in 6 key areas. 1. S&T Management and Operational Oversight: contributing to the implementation and improvement of the CERIS S&T management systems and best practices; help to coordinate recruitment processes; lead the preparation and submission of CERIS annual reports; assist with the tracking of the CERIS metrics; facilitate the development of the CERIS funding proposals and the growth of research partnerships; support the development and tracking of research grant proposals; lead the preparation and dissemination of CERIS information and promotional material (e.g. newsletters, reports); promote the integrity of research activities and data. 2. Strategic S&T Management: collaborate in the formulation and implementation of organizational goals and objectives; advise senior leadership on strategic options aligned with CERIS overall strategy. 3. Stakeholder Engagement: liaise with other R&D units and the industry; develop and maintain a good work relationship with IST/IST-ID offices. 4.Learning and Development: continuously develop skills and competencies; attend latest S&T methodologies training events. 5.Team Management and Development: assume formal responsibility for the S&T managers team, providing mentoring, training and feedback; foster an environment of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. 6. Analysis and Reporting: interpret complex data, translating findings into recommendations; oversee the creation and presentation of comprehensive research reports, communicating insights and recommendations; ensure accurate and up-to-date record-keeping for all CERIS activities in the long-term. Scientific profile | The essential requirements for admitting a candidate for this position are: holding a PhD degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering; proven advanced experience in S&T management (senior-level expertise); strong understanding of research structures, operations and strategy; demonstrated ability in strategic thinking and analytical problem-solving; proven experience in leadership and management; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; experience in working in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment; capacity to manage and prioritize a high workload; experience in managing industry collaborations in a research environment; a good understanding of the research funding environment. The candidate to be selected is expected to fulfil additional requirements: proficiency in relevant tools and software; ability to lead the management of complex research projects; track record in contributing to raising research grant income; experience in the generation of communication materials. Hiring process: CERIS will launch an international competition for hiring the most talented S&T manager for this position, which will be largely advertised through national and EU platforms and web portals (e.g. Euraxess). Specific requirements will be established in the announcement, such as developing a scientific project focused on S&T management, the demonstration of previous experience in executive and S&T management within the Civil Engineering area, and the demonstrated support of at least 15 international project applications.