Head of Research Services (m/f/d) - EG14 TV-AVH

The Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg has been investigating the conditions for peace and security – on a global, regional and local scale – since 1971. The IFSH aims to contribute actively to peace by conducting outstanding and innovative research. Transferring knowledge from research to politics and society is a fundamental part of the institute's work.

We currently employ around 70 colleagues in research, transfer, teaching and administration at our locations in Hamburg and Berlin. Thanks to funding from the City of Hamburg, we are expanding our science and service teams significantly as part of a growth strategy for the coming years. The IFSH is an international and diverse institution. We combine a culture of openness, agility and short communication channels with the reputation of an established and well-connected research institution.

IFSH is seeking an engaged leadership personality as Head of Research Services (m/f/d). The position is classified at EG 14 under TV-AVH, the duty station is Hamburg, and the intended start date is as soon as possible.

You will be responsible for establishing and strategically developing a modern, service-oriented research management structure at IFSH. Together with your team, you will create the organisational, digital and content-related foundations for excellent research conditions, integrating research funding, open science and research data management.  

• Establishment and leadership of the Research Services team (research funding, research data management, library, open science).
• Development and management of all research-related service offerings of the Institute.
• Coordination and evaluation of research planning as well as the design of appropriate instruments and processes.
• Monitoring and analysis of national and international funding landscapes (EU, federal and state level, foundations, etc.).
• Active advising of researchers on relevant funding programmes and support in proposal preparation.
• Planning, management and responsibility for personnel and budget within the Research Services area.
• Responsibility for the establishment and development of digital research infrastructures.
• Establishment and maintenance of national and international networks in the field of research services and open science.
• Expansion of existing and preparation of institute-wide reporting on research activities.

• Completed academic degree (Master’sdegree or equivalent), ideally with a PhD.
• Several years of leadership experience in university or non-university research contexts.
• Very good understanding of the national and international funding landscape as well as experience in research and/or third-party funding management, in particular EU-funded projects (e.g., ERC Grants, Horizon).
• Sound knowledge in the areas of research funding, research information systems, research data management and open science.
• Strong strategic thinking skills, pronounced service orientation and leadership competence.
• Excellent communication skills, strong organisational abilities and high level of initiative.
• Very good command of German and English.

You can expect a responsible and varied position at a central interface between administration, research and research funding, as well as a respectful and appreciative working environment within a highly committed international team. IFSH additionally offers the following attractive conditions:

• An occupational pension according to the Hamburg model   
• Individual training opportunities as part of our personnel development program   
• A family-friendly work environment, flexible working hours and the option, depending on personal situation and task context, to work up to 60% remotely   
• Performance-based remuneration in the form of a tax-free benefit card 

IFSH is committed to promoting the professional advancement of women and is therefore particularly interested in applications from women in areas where they are underrepresented. In such cases, women will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the Hamburg Equal Opportunities Act, provided they are equally qualified.  
  
We promote diversity and equal opportunities. Applications from people with disabilities or equivalent status are explicitly welcome when suitably qualified.  
  
Your application should include your current CV, relevant certificates and a cover letter. Please apply via our career portal (ifsh.de/en/career).  
  
Application deadline: 18 January 2026.

For further information, please contact Carsten Wode (ifsh.de/en/staff/person/wode).