We are looking for a Director of CWI with an international reputation as a scientist, a proven track record of leading international scientific research collaborations, and a profound insight in the research areas of mathematics and computer science. You are well connected to the national and international research community. You equally value fundamental research and its applications, and have a clear vision on the role of the institute given the dynamics of mathematics and computer science in both science and society, and anticipating future developments in the area. 

You are able to further lead and stimulate CWI’s research strategy and you will develop the institute’s research agenda in good connection to (Dutch) universities, other knowledge institutions, public organizations, and industry. To this end, you will consult with staff and stakeholders and use your network and your political intuition. You have excellent communication skills and are able to increase the visibility of CWI at both the national and international level. You also have proven managerial skills at a research organization and have the ability and authority to guide scientific and support staff. You inspire and easily connect with people, and you have an open, direct and diplomatic communication style. You will pursue an active and modern diversity policy.

Recently, the Executive Board commissioned a consultation of the fields of mathematics and computer science on the mission and national role of CWI. This consultation concluded that CWI should make the national role more explicit and should strengthen its value for the Dutch scientific landscape. CWI should fulfill this role by being a incubator for talent, by exploring new research themes, and by being a central place where both fields are developed in connection. This consultation will be an important guideline for the new director.

As the director you will assume leadership over the institute’s strategy, science and operations. You will strengthen CWI’s national role, develop and maintain close relations with the relevant research groups at Dutch universities and foster academic talent. You represent the Institute nationally and internationally and have a leading role in acquiring and securing external funding. As the director you are pivotal in connecting science with industry and society. You are supported by the Institute Manager who reports directly to you.

You report to the director of the Institutes Organisation of NWO. Together, the NWO-I director and the directors of the institutes form a collegial directors’ consultation and ensure the joint realisation of the NWO-I strategy, chaired by the director NWO-I. CWI is advised by an Institute Advisory Council and an international Scientific Advisory Council.

Fixed-term contract: 5 years, with the intention of extension.

CWI offers a first class and international research environment with various interdisciplinary but related research topics and projects. The director will be assigned for a term of 5 years with the intention to extend the assignment with a second term. The employment contract will be for an indefinite period of time.

NWO is working towards an increase in the number of women in science. Therefore female candidates are explicitly encouraged to apply.

The salary is based on scale 18 (Collective Labour Agreement for Research Institutes). NWO offers a flexible set of employee benefits including pension benefits through the pension fund ABP.

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI)

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science. And is part of the Institutes Organisation (NWO-I) of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). Eight other national research institutes are part of NWO-I: AMOLF, ARCNL, ASTRON, DIFFER, Nikhef, NIOZ, NSCR and SRON. CWI is located at Amsterdam Science Park.

CWI is an internationally oriented institute, with approx. 160 scientists from about 30 countries. The mission of CWI is to conduct pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, generating new knowledge in these fields and conveying it to trade, industry, and society at large. As a national institute CWI is expected to perform excellent research in an international context, and to make its research visible to the society at large. Further, CWI is expected to explore, boost and connect new research fields and talent. More information can be found in CWI’s Strategic Plan).