Sigmund Freud Private University (SFU) is the largest state-recognised private university in Austria, with its headquarters in Vienna and locations in Berlin, Linz, Ljubljana, Milan and Paris. In addition to psychotherapy science, psychology and law, SFU offers degree programmes in human medicine and dentistry for around 1,500 students.

Through cooperation with Austria’s largest healthcare provider and other hospital operators, SFU enables comprehensive, practice-oriented training and application-oriented research, particularly in the clinical phase of medical education. Integrated medical research facilities further expand the university’s academic and research profile.

Faculty of Medicine

At the Faculty of Medicine of Sigmund Freud Private University Vienna, the following position is to be filled:

Vice-Dean for Research (m/f/d)

SFU MED stands for modern, scientifically grounded and practice-oriented education in human medicine and dentistry. Theory, clinical practice and scientific reflection are combined in an integrative overall concept.

We are seeking an experienced academic leader who will serve as the central interface between the faculty, the university and national and international research partners. The position reports to the Dean and comprises the strategic development of the faculty’s research profile, research infrastructure, third-party funding, research quality assurance and compliance. In addition, the Vice-Dean for Research represents the research interests of the faculty within the university and towards national and international partners.

Areas of Responsibility

Research strategy and development

• Strategic development and implementation of the faculty’s research strategy
• Further development of clinical, translational, interdisciplinary and biomedical research priorities
• Alignment of the research strategy with national and European funding priorities, including FWF, FFG, Horizon Europe and ERC programmes
• Strengthening the faculty’s competitiveness in third-party funded research
• Promotion of open science, FAIR data principles, digital health, artificial intelligence and computational methods in biomedical research

Research infrastructure and resources

• Support of the Dean in the strategic planning and development of research infrastructure
• Oversight of research-related resources, laboratories, service units and shared infrastructure
• Contribution to the development of the faculty’s biobank and related research services
• Transparent allocation of shared research resources in line with scientific quality, output and innovation potential

Research cooperation and interface management

• Interface between the university, faculty, clinical research sites, research groups, institutes and external partners
• Development and strengthening of strategic partnerships with clinical research sites, partner universities and hospital networks
• Promotion of national and international cooperation across medical specialisations and translational research domains
• Trust-based cooperation with institutional clinical partners and support for research collaboration at the patient-oriented interface

Quality assurance, compliance and reporting

• Development and implementation of quality-assurance measures in research
• Ensuring transparent processes and standards in research governance, documentation and reporting
• Safeguarding compliance with Austrian and European research regulations, including GDPR, ethics committee procedures, good scientific practice and research integrity
• Communication of research output, key performance indicators and strategic developments to the Vice-Rectorate for Research

Promotion of researchers and academic development

• Support of doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, clinician-scientists and early-career group leaders through clear career paths, mentoring and training
• Support for habilitation, tenure-track and academic career progression
• Recruitment, mentoring and development of strong clinician-scientists and basic researchers
• Organisation and chairing of annual research retreats to discuss research quality, foster translational ideas and develop bottom-up initiatives for research strategy
• Promotion of gender equality, diversity and an inclusive research culture

Requirements Profile

You have proven experience in university research strategy, research leadership and academic administration, preferably in a medical, clinical or translational research environment. You are experienced in third-party funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, quality assurance and cooperation with clinical and academic partners.

The following qualifications are required in particular:

• habilitation or recognised international equivalent in a medical field, with eligibility for a full professorship at an Austrian university
• internationally visible, externally funded research profile
• knowledge of Austrian and European research funding and regulatory frameworks
• leadership experience in a medical, scientific or university institution
• commitment to advancing medical knowledge, including CoARA principles
• active participation in national and international scientific discourse
• sound understanding of good research practice, research integrity, open access and relevant legal requirements
• experience in interdisciplinary and translational research cooperation
• excellent leadership, management, organisational and communication skills
• full professional proficiency in English and German

Leadership and Management

You combine strategic thinking, leadership and strong project-management skills with the ability to prioritise, delegate and take responsibility for results. Your approach is cooperative, solution-oriented and reliable, enabling you to align diverse interests and build sustainable partnerships.

With open communication, clear goal orientation and sound judgement in demanding situations, you foster dialogue, feedback and collaboration. You help create a culture of quality and excellence, strengthen the faculty’s research community across career stages and represent the faculty effectively in research networks, funding platforms and public outreach for open innovation.

Framework Conditions

The appointment will be made within the framework of an employment relationship with place of work in Vienna and is subject to the provisions of the Austrian Salaried Employees Act. The extent of employment, starting date and specific contractual conditions will be agreed individually.

Remuneration is based on the guidelines of Sigmund Freud Private University Vienna. There is willingness to offer market-appropriate overpayment depending on qualifications and professional experience.

We Offer

We offer a modern university working environment that provides equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, origin or religion. SFU is committed to gender equality and seeks to increase the proportion of women in research, teaching and university leadership positions. We therefore strongly encourage applications from qualified women.

SFU also strives to create application and working conditions that are as accessible as possible and expressly supports applications from persons with disabilities.

Application Procedure

Please send your complete application documents in digital form by 17 July 2026 to:

Kristin Beschnitt, M.A.I.S.
kristin.beschnitt@med.sfu.ac.at

Application documents should include in particular: letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, proof of habilitation or a recognised international equivalent, description of previous leadership and management functions, description of previous experience in research leadership, third-party funding, research strategy, quality assurance, committee work and interdisciplinary cooperation, list of publications and proof of relevant qualifications.

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Johannes Pollak
Rector