Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI)
CWI is the national research institute for mathematics and computer science in the Netherlands. CWI advances the scientific foundations of the digital society through pioneering research in mathematics and computer science. In 2023, CWI research was evaluated by an international committee as “exceptionally high quality with strong societal relevance”.
CWI is an internationally oriented institute, with 160 scientists from approximately 30 countries, and is located at Amsterdam Science Park.

NWO-I
CWI is one of nine NWO-I research institutes (NWO-I, Foundation for Dutch Scientific Research Institutes), its directors meeting monthly. The CWI director is accountable to the chair of the board of NWO-I and reports concerning matters of scientific strategy and mission to the Executive Board of NWO.

CWI and its research environment

• CWI connects with the wider Dutch mathematics and computer science community through research collaborations with universities and other institutes, by contributing expert teaching at universities, by developing research talents, and by being a place of scientific interaction.
• At the European level CWI collaborates with partner institutions in strategic alliances, and across the globe with individual researchers in consortia and projects.
• CWI has partnership projects with public and private organisations at the national and international level.
• Because ideas are only effective when they are shared, CWI publications and CWI innovative software tools are open access, and CWI research will sometimes lead to spinning off a company.

What will you do?

• As director you are responsible for steering the institute, focusing on the overall strategic goals, leading the development of strategic plans and overseeing their implementation.
• You represent the institute, and maintain relationships with Dutch universities and national, European and international partners in science, industry and society.
• Together with the institute manager, you account for CWI’s results and plans with the board of NWO-I, twice a year.

In more detail:

• You consolidate CWI’s functioning as a national centre, with well-developed collaborative ties to Dutch universities and you contribute to national research agendas and initiatives.
• You advise the board of NWO on CWI’s scientific mission and strategy.
• You effectively promote the interests of CWI and Dutch science in the area of mathematics and computer science.
• You constructively align CWI’s research agenda with its stakeholders, e.g., universities and partners in strategic alliances from public and private organisations.
• You develop policies to establish a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• You ensure a stimulating work environment.
• You are responsible for the institute’s staff and talent policies.

How does CWI’s organizational structure assist you?

• Together with the institute manager (responsible for finance & operations) you are CWI’s directorate. Together with four senior researchers, the directorate forms CWI’s management team, which meets every other week.
• CWI’s institute manager, policy advisor, manager communications, manager HR and several senior scientists with strategic roles report directly to you.
• You regularly meet with CWI’s fifteen research group leaders, with the works council, and with support staff managers. Twice a year you consult with CWI’s advisory bodies, being the national Institute Advisory Council and the international Scientific Advisory Council.

What do we expect?

• You are a recognized scientist in the field of mathematics and/or computer science and have a keen eye for emerging national and international developments.
• You have a good track record in scientific collaborations.
• You are up to date on Dutch research and industry policy developments and are able to initiate alliances in science and industry.
• Your management style allows employees to perform and develop optimally and you delegate responsibilities as low as possible within the organisation.
• You have a good understanding of and can effectively respond to the organization’s evolving needs and priorities.
• You are an inspiring leader who effectively builds and nurtures relationships across all levels inside and outside the organization.
• You are able to communicate a complex message clearly to a group and discuss about it.
• You are committed to ensure a diverse and inclusive environment and have proven experience in doing so.
• Given (the importance of) the national context in which CWI operates, proficiency in Dutch is preferred.

Diversity code
CWI encourages a diverse workforce: we endeavour to develop talent and creativity by bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together. We recruit and select based on capabilities and talent. We strongly encourage everyone with the appropriate qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical abilities.

What do we offer?
A contract for 32-40 hours per week. You will be employed by NWO-I on a tenured appointment and an initial commission as CWI director for a five-year term, after which reappointment can take place for a maximum period of another five-year term. After that, it is possible to continue working within NWO-I in a different position.

The gross monthly salary -dependent on experience- ranges from euro 9,526 to euro 12,644

(scale 18 in the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Research Institutes), with an additional 8% holiday allowance and 8.33% year-end bonus.

NWO-I offers a flexible set of secondary employee benefits, including both retirement and work disability pensions through the national Civil Pension Fund ABP.
If accepting this position means your partner must find another job, we can be of assistance.

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science and is an institute of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). The mission of CWI is to conduct pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, generating new knowledge in these fields and conveying it to trade, industry, and society at large. CWI is an internationally oriented institute, with 160 scientists from approximately 30 countries. The facilities are first-rate and include excellent IT support, career planning, training, and courses. CWI is located at Amsterdam Science Park which is home to one of the largest concentrations of beta science in Europe. A melting pot of innovation. Companies looking to collaborate can work together with brilliant students, scientists and fellow entrepreneurs. Collectively they develop revolutionary solutions for today’s issues and tomorrow’s challenges.