About Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER)

The Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER), a public research institute established in 2014 under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, is a cornerstone of Luxembourg's vibrant research ecosystem. LISER conducts cutting-edge fundamental and applied research in economics, geography, sociology, and political science to inform decision-making and engage with society. Structured around three departments (Living Conditions, Labour Market, Urban Development and Mobility) and two cross-departmental research programmes (Crossing Borders, and Health and Health Systems), LISER promotes interdisciplinarity as a key to scientific innovation. LISER invites applications for the position of Programme Leader for its Crossing Borders programme.

About the Crossing Borders Programme

Crossing Borders is a cross-departmental and interdisciplinary program that addresses critical issues related to migration, mobility, and cross-border dynamics. Since its launch in 2019, the programme has focused on topics such as the drivers and impacts of migration and commuting flows, ethno-racial discrimination, strategies for social cohesion, the impact of climate change on migration, the role of borders and the interaction between mobility and transport infrastructure, and the rise of populism.

Crossing Borders aims to advance academic knowledge, influence public policy, contribute to societal change through collaborative research and innovation, and contribute to the training of PhD students in mobility-related issues. The programme integrates LISER's unique strengths across departments, fostering high-impact collaborations and training the next generation of researchers in these areas. LISER is internationally recognised and ranked among the world's top economic institutions for migration research (top 11 worldwide, top 5 in Europe, first in Benelux according to RePEc), underlining its expertise in human mobility and cross-border studies.

Key Responsibilities

As Programme Leader you will have several key responsibilities:

• Strategic leadership: define and implement the strategic vision for the Crossing Borders programme, aligning with LISER's mission and performance objectives.
• Institutional engagement: as a member of the LISER’s Management Team, contribute to ensure that the programme objectives are effectively integrated into the strategic direction of the Institute.
• Research excellence: lead as a Principal Investigator (PI), publish in high-impact journals and drive interdisciplinary projects of international repute.
• Collaboration and mentorship: build a vibrant research environment by fostering collaboration across LISER’s departments and mentoring PhD candidates.
• Funding and partnerships: identify and secure diverse funding sources, and cultivate partnerships with leading institutions, government agencies, and the private sector.
• Representation and advocacy: act as an ambassador for LISER, representing the Institute in academic and policy forums, and building its global reputation.

Qualifications and Experience

We are seeking an experienced, visionary leader with the following profile:

• Academic excellence: PhD in a relevant field (e.g., economics, sociology, geography, or political science) and a strong record of publications in internationally recognised journals.
• Leadership experience: proven success in leading and managing research programmes, particularly interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Collaborative vision: expertise in building high-performing, interdisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration across sectors and disciplines.
• Funding and innovation: proven ability to secure competitive funding and develop innovative, high-impact research initiatives.
• Global network: a dense and active international network to establish LISER as a leading research hub.
• Language skills: fluency in English is required; knowledge of Luxembourg's official languages (Luxembourgish, French, German) is an asset.

Other personal attributes sought include a proven ability to inspire trust and cooperation in diverse teams, as well as being a strategic, forward-thinking leader with a strong intellectual curiosity.

Why Join LISER?

• Lead a globally recognised, high impact programme.
• Benefit from a permanent position with competitive salary and significant mobility and research funding.
• Work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment at the state-of-the-art Belval campus.
• Access extensive professional development opportunities and academic networks.
• Work in a vibrant, multicultural environment in Luxembourg, offering an exceptional quality of life and international connectivity.

About Luxembourg and Belval

With a population of nearly 675,000, Luxembourg is one of the most prosperous countries in the world, combining modern urban culture with rich traditions, fostering innovation and inclusiveness. With excellent healthcare, education, and leisure facilities, Luxembourg offers a stimulating environment for families and professionals alike. English is widely spoken alongside French, German, and Luxembourgish.

The institute is located in the Cité des Sciences on the new Belval campus in the south of Luxembourg, which is home to the University of Luxembourg and a significant part of the country’s publicly funded research institutions. The Cité des Sciences is a unique and outstanding academic enterprise in the heart of Europe.

Application Process

LISER has engaged Perrett Laver to support this appointment. For an informal and confidential discussion about the position, please contact Boris Evenhuis via email at Boris.Evenhuis@perrettlaver.com.

Completed applications should be submitted below quoting reference 7836 by 12th May 2025 (midnight) CET and must include:

• A cover letter outlining your vision for the Crossing Borders programme and how it aligns with LISER’s mission.
• A detailed curriculum vitae.
• Three key publications in pdf format.
• Three letters of reference.

LISER is strongly committed to gender parity, diversity and inclusion and is proud to be an equal opportunities Employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates of any background.

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