Professor & Head of the Winterthur Institute of Health Economics (WIG) 80–100 %

The Winterthur Institute of Health Economics (WIG) at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is looking for a Professor who will also serve as Head of the institute. WIG is a leading Swiss centre for applied health‑economic research and teaching, housing more than 30 faculty and staff across four research centres and an education unit. The appointment, at 80‑100 % effort, begins on 1 November 2027 (or by agreement) and reports to the Director of the Public Sector. In this senior role you will steer the institute's strategic growth while overseeing daily operations together with the heads of the four research centres, Health Economic Research, HTA & Health Economic Evaluation, Health Care Management, Health Services Research, and the Center for Education & Services. Responsibilities include coordinating the generation of third‑party funding (which currently accounts for roughly 80 % of the institute's budget), shaping executive‑education programmes, and contributing as a full professor to teaching and research in one of the institute's thematic areas. You will also represent the institute in national and international networks, negotiate with stakeholders, and mentor junior staff. The ideal candidate is a health economist holding a PhD in Economics, Health Economics or a closely related social/health science discipline, with a strong record of publications in top peer‑reviewed journals. An entrepreneurial mindset that drives strategic development and uncovers new research opportunities is essential, as is proven leadership combined with excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder‑management abilities. A demonstrable history of securing substantial third‑party research grants, experience in building executive‑education programmes, and an active, influential network across health‑care and academic sectors are required. The role also demands deep, nuanced knowledge of the Swiss health‑care system, its regulatory framework and current policy challenges, extensive experience in policy‑relevant applied health‑economic research, and the capacity to teach and mentor diverse audiences, fluently in both German and English. ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, employing over 3 400 staff and serving more than 14 000 students. The institute benefits from strong support by the Winterthur Network of Health Economics and a commitment to gender‑mixed, diverse teams; applications from women are especially encouraged. Working conditions align with higher‑education standards, and the university promotes personal development for both leadership and non‑leadership positions. What the role asks for: - PhD in Economics, Health Economics or related social/health science - Strong publication record in leading peer‑reviewed journals - Entrepreneurial mindset for strategic development and new research ideas - Proven leadership with excellent communication, negotiation, stakeholder management - Track record of securing substantial third‑party research funding - Experience developing and positioning executive education programmes - Active, influential network in national and international health/academic sectors - Deep knowledge of Swiss healthcare system, regulations and policy challenges - Ability to teach and mentor; fluent in German and English