Director General

We are seeking a Director General of the Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI), a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), an experienced leader with demonstrated scientific leadership and a strong track record in leading complex scientific or research organizations. The Director General (DG) is the legal representative, chief executive, and overall leader of ELI, reporting to the ELI ERIC General Assembly.

The Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) is the world’s largest and most advanced high-power laser research infrastructure. As an international user facility dedicated to multi-disciplinary science, ELI provides access to world-class high-power, high-repetition-rate laser systems, and enables cutting-edge research, as well as breakthrough technological innovations. The ELI organization is multi-site, with two complementary facilities: ELI Beamlines in Dolní Břežany (Czech Republic) and ELI ALPS in Szeged (Hungary).

What will be your role:

As Director General, you will provide scientific, strategic and executive leadership and ensure the effective, integrated and sustainable operation of ELI and its Facilities. You will lead ELI as a single, unified organization, working closely with the General Assembly, Management Board, Member Countries, European institutions, an International Scientific and Technology Advisory Committee, and the international scientific community.

The main activities of the DG role are:

• Lead, inspire and unite ELI as an effective, inclusive and high-performing international organization;
• Provide overall strategic and executive leadership of ELI and represent the organization externally;
• Develop ELI’s strategic vision, mission, and key policies together with the General Assembly;
• Provide scientific leadership and advance ELI's scientific vision and excellence as a world-class user research infrastructure;
• Lead the next phase of ELI's development, strengthening and extending its position as a globally leading scientific institution and a strategic European research infrastructure;
• Ensure implementation of General Assembly decisions and effective day-to-day management;
• Strengthen ELI as an integrated organization while fostering the scientific excellence, complementarity and identity of its Facilities;
• Oversee financial, human resources, and organizational management;
• Ensure effective risk management, compliance, quality and operational performance;
• Promote ELI as a world leading research infrastructure in the Member States, Europe and internationally;
• Develop relationships with Member Countries, prospective Members, Strategic Partners and key European and international stakeholders;
• Report to the General Assembly on ELI’s activities, performance and financial position.

We expect you to have:

• An advanced university degree in physics, engineering or another scientific field closely relevant to ELI's mission, together with an internationally recognized scientific profile and demonstrated scientific leadership;
• Significant senior leadership experience in a complex scientific, research,  technology or international organization, with demonstrated ability to lead people, programmes and organizational change;
• Demonstrated experience in strategic and organizational leadership and change management;
• Strong understanding of the governance and operation of large-scale research infrastructures;
• Proven ability to manage substantial financial, human and infrastructure resources;
• Strong understanding of the European research and innovation landscape and demonstrated experience working with governments, funding bodies, European institutions and international stakeholders;
• Excellent leadership, diplomacy, consensus-building, negotiation, communication and stakeholder-management skills;
• Excellent written and spoken English;
• A strong commitment to scientific excellence, integrity, transparency, inclusion and European values.

We offer:

• The opportunity to lead one of Europe’s flagship research infrastructures and the world’s leading high-power laser user facility;
• The opportunity to shape the long-term strategy and development of ELI;
• A unique international scientific and technological environment;
• Collaboration with leading scientists, research organizations, governments and institutions across Europe and internationally;
• An attractive remuneration and benefits package commensurate with leadership positions at major research facilities in Europe;
• A senior executive appointment with the primary place of work in Dolní Břežany (Prague), Czech Republic, requiring regular presence at other ELI facilities and international travel.

To apply, please submit your curriculum vitae, a motivation letter, and professional references or the contact details of referees to michaela.kacrova@eli-laser.eu.

Your motivation letter should explain your motivation and suitability for the role.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026.

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Your personal data will be processed in accordance with the applicable legal regulations. By submitting your personal data you agree with their potential transfer to third parties (recruitment and headhunting specialists), for the purposes of assessment and evaluation for the job positions listed on this website. Such transfer is only temporary, realized in accordance with the applicable legal regulations and your personal data will be deleted once the legal relationship with the processor ends. For more information on the processing of your personal data go to the official ELI ERIC website https://www.eli-laser.eu/media/3084/gdpr_general-info_website.pdf.