Administrative Director and Co-CEO (f/m/x)

OeAW - Discovering the future

The Cori Institute of Molecular and Computational Metabolism of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (“The Cori”) will be founded as GmbH in September 2026. Closely integrated with the University of Graz, the Medical University of Graz, and Graz University of Technology, The Cori will bring together up to 150 internationally recruited scientists. Combining artificial intelligence, mathematical modelling, and engineering with advanced experimental platforms, The Cori aims to set a new standard for mechanistic, quantitative, and predictive biology. Its mission is to decode, model, and engineer human metabolism and its interaction with the environment, enabling transformative solutions for health, resilience, and sustainability.

Administrative Director and Co-CEO (f/m/x)

Job ID: CORI058ADIR126

Giulio Superti-Furga has been appointed as Founding Scientific Director, and the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) is now searching for an outstanding Administrative Director. 

Join The Cori as Administrative Director and Co-CEO (f/m/x) 

This is a founding leadership role with full responsibility as CEO for administration, finance, operations, and institutional development. The institute operates under a dual leadership model (Vier-Augen-Prinzip); Administrative Director and Scientific Director are jointly responsible for strategy and execution. Both Directors report to the Presiding Committee of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.

The Cori has a clear principle: people are the most important capital. The research institute is committed to training, international recruitment, and creating an environment in which talent from around the world can thrive and contribute to research excellence. 

Your Tasks

• Co-lead the institute in close partnership with the Scientific Director 
• Build and manage all administrative functions (finance, HR, legal, procurement, infrastructure) 
• Develop and oversee budgets, financial planning, and reporting 
• Ensure compliance with labour law and public procurement regulations 
• Establish and oversee lab safety, regulatory compliance, and data protection frameworks 
• Establish efficient, service-oriented structures that actively enable research excellence 
• Build strong HR and international on- and offboarding systems, recognising people as the institute’s key asset 
• Support translational activity and technology transfer, including partnerships and IP-aware processes 
• Manage the transition into permanent research facilities 
• Interface with funders, auditors, and public stakeholders 

Your Profile

• 7–10+ years of leadership experience in administration or management 
• Proven expertise in budgeting, finance, and organisational leadership 
• Experience within the research, academic, or innovation environment 
• Understanding of research funding systems (grants, fellowships, institutional funding) 
• Fundamental knowledge of labour law and public procurement regulations
• Familiarity with compliance frameworks, including lab safety and data protection 
• High integrity, reliability, and professionalism 
• Fluency in English and German 

Our Offer

• A unique opportunity to co-build and co-lead a new international research institute 
• Significant autonomy and responsibility in a founding phase 
• A purpose-driven, dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international environment 
• The opportunity to define a new model for research organisations 
• Partner and collaborate with top scientists and future leaders
• Competitive salary of 120.000 EUR gross per year, based on qualification and experience, and benefits package

Giulio Superti-Furga is one of Europe’s leading biomedical scientists and a highly experienced research leader. As Founding Director of CeMM, the Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, which he led for two decades as Scientific Director and co-CEO, he built an internationally recognized institute at the interface of biology, medicine, and data science, widely regarded as a model for modern biomedical research in Europe. He also served in a leadership role within the EU-LIFE alliance of leading European life science institutes, contributing for several years to the development and dissemination of best practices in research organization and governance. Beyond academia, he has co-founded five biotechnology companies, actively contributing to the translation of scientific discoveries into therapeutic innovation.

• You have the ambition and drive to help build The Cori into an internationally visible lighthouse for modern, high-performance research, guided by uncompromising standards of excellence? 
• You have a talent in finding compliant and effective ways to realise ambitious goals? 
• You are commitment to training, mentorship, and international talent development?
• You want to enable science and empower researchers with your organisational skills?

Please apply by 15.6.2026

Submit a cover letter explaining your strengths and qualifications in relation to the open position, your CV, and the contact details of 2 referees.

Potential Hearing Date: 03.7.2026

Preferred Starting Date: September 2026

The ÖAW/Cori, is an inclusive employer. They value diversity and strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of background, race, gender, or personal identity. The working language at The Cori is English.

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