Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI)
Villigen PSI
Head of Vocational Education and Training
- 04 September 2026
- 100%
- Permanent position
- Villigen PSI
Job summary
The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) is Switzerland's largest research center for natural and engineering sciences. Join us for a dynamic work environment with great development opportunities.
Tasks
- Lead the strategic development of vocational training at PSI.
- Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure high-quality education.
- Build and maintain a strong network in the vocational education landscape.
Skills
- Higher education and extensive experience in vocational training required.
- Excellent communication and moderation skills are essential.
- Proven leadership experience in complex organizations is a must.
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About the job
The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland. At PSI, we conduct cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation, as well as the fundamentals of nature. Through basic and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for central questions from society, science, and the economy. The education of young people is a central concern of PSI. Therefore, about a quarter of our employees are postdoctoral researchers, doctoral candidates, or apprentices. In total, PSI employs 2300 staff members.
Your tasks
- Responsibility for the strategic, organisational, and professional development of vocational education and training at PSI. Together with trainers, specialist departments, line managers, as well as internal and external partners, you ensure a high-quality and future-oriented education.
- You actively shape the future direction of vocational education and training and drive necessary organisational and structural developments forward. In doing so, you combine strategic foresight with implementation strength and confidently navigate between conceptual work, leadership, and operational day-to-day business.
- As the leader of a committed core team, you simultaneously strengthen the cross-professional community of trainers. You succeed in networking people with different roles and perspectives, winning them over to common goals, and fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual trust.
- You maintain and purposefully develop a broad network within and outside PSI. In a demanding stakeholder environment, you moderate different interests, create commitment, and develop sustainable solutions.
- You understand and lead vocational education and training as a holistic system. This enables you to have an impact far beyond your direct leadership responsibility and to create connections between people, organisational units, and external partners – to the benefit of the learners and PSI.
Your profile
- Higher education and solid practical experience in vocational education and training, as well as very good knowledge of the Swiss vocational education system from your own leadership experience
- Several years of experience in successfully leading and developing larger teams or complex organisational units, as well as enjoyment in motivating people, fostering talents, and creating a shared identity
- Strong strategic and conceptual thinking, as well as the ability to recognise development potentials early and derive and implement concrete measures from them
- Experience in complex matrix organisations and a good sense for bringing together different interests and developing sustainable solutions
- Very good networking within the Swiss vocational education landscape and reliable relationships with schools, associations, authorities, and other relevant actors
- Strong communication and moderation skills as well as a confident appearance, combined with competence, authenticity, and trustworthiness
- Initiative, strong cooperation skills, and a pragmatic hands-on mentality
- Enthusiasm for the development of young people and the aspiration to create conditions in which learners can realise their potential and start their professional lives with an excellent education
We offer
Our institute is based on interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaboration. In addition to systematic induction, you benefit from individual development opportunities and our pronounced culture of continuing education. For concerns regarding the optimal balance of work and family or personal interests, we support you with modern employment conditions and facilities on site.
For professional enquiries, please contact Chantal Büchi Neher at the following telephone number: +41 56 310 42 43.
We look forward to receiving your online application for the position of Head of Vocational Education and Training (Index No. 1380-29169).
Paul Scherrer Institute, People & Culture, Mikela Szolansky, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.
For professional enquiries, please contact Chantal Büchi Neher at the following telephone number: +41 56 310 42 43.
We look forward to receiving your online application for the position of Head of Vocational Education and Training (Index No. 1380-29169).
Paul Scherrer Institute, People & Culture, Mikela Szolansky, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.
