Director of Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL)

Work Activities

ARCNL presents a unique opportunity to drive transformative impact in the semiconductor industry by contributing to groundbreaking innovations and shaping a key segment of the scientific innovation agenda for industry leader ASML. The Director reports directly to both the NWO-I Board and ARCNL’s Governing Board and is ultimately responsible for the scientific, operational, and financial functioning of the institute. The Director leads the institute within a collaborative management team and directly oversees the leaders of ARCNL’s scientific groups, ensuring alignment with the institute’s strategic goals. Additionally, the Director serves as part of the NWO-institute directors’ network, actively engaging with other research institutes to foster connections and contribute to a shared national research agenda.

The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to foster dynamic collaborations among ARCNL’s key partners: NWO, ASML, and three leading Dutch universities. These partnerships provide a platform to bridge excellent scientific research with advanced technology, driving innovation and creating a cohesive research environment. The Director plays a pivotal role in strengthening these synergies, ensuring ARCNL continues to produce forward-looking research that addresses both academic and industrial needs. The Director will also be able to – depending on experience and wishes – continue being directly involved in ongoing research either as group leader, or in association with another group leader.

Representation of ARCNL in strategic partnerships and national-scale initiatives, is also part of the Director’s role, to further strengthen the impact of the institute.

The Director must stay informed about external factors impacting ARCNL’s position, as well as the broader context of semiconductor research in the Netherlands, including funding dynamics and university partnerships. An example is the recent “Beethoven Plan” initiated to support ASML’s growth in the Eindhoven region.

Qualifications

• Leadership: The successful candidate brings a proven track record of strategic leadership in a complex research or scientific organisation, with a track record of the ability to develop and drive a clear mission and vision. Proven experience in leading research teams is essential, and a collaborative management style is necessary to encourage engagement and innovation within ARCNL’s team. Moreover, the Director must skilfully balance financial stewardship with strategic decision-making to secure ARCNL’s continued strength within the national and international research landscape.

• Strategy and Vision: The Director should demonstrate the ability to create a coherent, impactful and relevant research agenda that balances academic rigour with industry relevance. The successful candidate has the foresight to anticipate changes in the relevant sectors and the ability to navigate these evolving dynamics with sensitivity.
• Diplomatic and Relationship-Building Skills: Exceptional interpersonal and diplomatic skills are essential, as the Director must be capable of balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders. Prior experience in managing multi-stakeholder relationships, particularly in a public-private setting, would be highly advantageous.
• Commitment to a Positive, Inclusive Work Culture: The successful candidate values diversity, integrity, and inclusivity, setting a high standard within the institute. The Director must be able to create a welcoming, supportive atmosphere that encourages innovation, respects individual contributions, and supports the professional growth of all staff and researchers.
• A strong background in fields such as nanolithography, semiconductor physics, or related sciences is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the Dutch and European research landscapes.

Work environment

The Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL) is a unique public-private partnership established in 2014 by the Dutch Research Council NWO, the University of Amsterdam, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML. In 2022, the University of Groningen joined as associate partner.

ARCNL is seeking a Director with a proven track record of leadership and experience guiding a research-driven organisation toward its mission and strategic goals. This role requires an inspirational leader, ensuring that the research portfolio is cohesive, impactful, and aligned with the institute's objectives. Next to setting and actively contributing to the scientific program, the Director will excel in stakeholder management, skilfully building and maintaining collaborative partnerships with scientific, industrial, and academic parties involved and effectively guiding multi-stakeholder agendas to foster productive, goal-orientated relationships.

Working conditions

An employment contract will be offered for an indefinite period. You will be appointed for a term of five years with the intention to extend this term by another five years. At the end of the director’s term, the employer and employee will consult about a suitable follow-up career path. A part-time contract of at least 32 hours per week is also negotiable.

This role is classified under salary scale 18 as per the Collective Labour Agreement for Research Institutes, with excellent benefits, including 42 days of annual leave for full-time staff, flexible working hours, a comprehensive benefits package, and robust pension contributions (ABP). The position is based in Amsterdam, providing access to a dynamic, internationally focused research community.

More information?

For questions or further information, please contact Dr Valia Sakkoula at +31 639 089 910 or at valia.sakkoula@perrettlaver.com. 

Application

Perrett Laver is supporting ARCNL in this recruitment process. Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed CV and cover letter (up to two pages) outlining their suitability for the role and motivation to lead ARCNL.

Applications can be submitted via candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies, quoting reference number 7691. The deadline for applications is at 9 am CET Wednesday, 22nd January 2025.

Applications will be considered by the Appointment Advisory Committee early February. Perrett Laver will conduct preliminary discussions with longlisted candidates, and the committee will then meet to decide on the shortlist of candidates in March. These individuals will subsequently be invited for formal interviews in mid-March. Selection of and negotiations with the preferred candidate will take place thereafter.

Diversity code

ARCNL is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

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