Director of the Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology

The Foundation of the Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT: www.scaht.org ) is a centre of excellence in human toxicology and health risk assessment, funded by the Swiss Confederation and supported by the Universities of Basel, Geneva and Lausanne as well as the School of Life Sciences FHNW. A wide range of applied research projects are conducted by groups affiliated to the Centre, with current emphasis on neurotoxicity and toxicological effects from hormone alterations. SCAHT supports Swiss federal offices in their risk assessment and management activities and contributes to education in toxicology in Switzerland. 

Your position

You will be responsible for the strategic development and implementation of research, regulatory science and educational priorities in cooperation with the Swiss Confederation, as well as the operational management of activities, and national and international collaborations.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Leadership of the SCAHT: develop, plan, design, and execute strategic tasks.
• Prepare the annual budget, accounts and report for approval by the Foundation Board.
• Lead and develop the area of regulatory toxicology, aligned with the Swiss Federal Offices.
• Further develop the overall research strategy and programme of the Centre.
• Provide guidance for educational programmes at the host universities and the Swiss Society of Toxicology.
• Acquire third-party funding in the Centre’s areas of competence.
• Collaborate with national / international expert networks, agencies and scientific societies.
• Represent applied human toxicology (research / teaching) nationally and internationally.
• Take responsibility for the public image and representation of the Centre to the media.

Your profile:

• PhD in a field relevant to the SCAHT (toxicology, biology, pharmacy, medicine or other life science). Additional qualification in toxicology (ERT, DABT) is desirable.
• At least 10 years of post-doctoral experience in applied toxicology in academia, regulation or industry, ideally with a regulatory toxicology focus, documented by appropriate publications.
• Proven record of coordinating or managing complex research environments and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact effectively with different stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the Swiss and European regulatory landscape for toxicological risk assessment.
• Proficiency in English and at least one Swiss national language; ability to communicate in a second national language is an advantage.

We offer:

We offer a position based at the SCAHT Directorate, hosted and contracted by the University of Basel, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The Director reports to the SCAHT Foundation Council. SCAHT has a strong network with frequent contact to research groups at partner universities and with national and international partners. The University of Basel is an equal opportunity and family friendly employer committed to excellence through diversity and strongly welcomes female applicants to leadership positions. Depending on the background, experience and interests, an appropriate academic position at one of the involved partner institutions will be sought. 

Application / contact:

Further information on the position can be obtained by contacting [email protected] . 

We look forward to your online application including a cover letter, CV, a short outline of your current research or regulatory projects, and details of your experience in teaching or educational activities. 

Please note that applications via email or postal services will not be considered.