EIC opens recruitment for three Programme Managers in health, AI and green tech

The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency EISMEA has launched a Call for Expression of Interest to recruit three EIC Programme Managers. The positions are focused on strategic deep tech areas and will be filled through a reserve list. Eligible candidates must apply by 26 January 2024 at 12:00 Brussels time. The call aims to attract senior specialists to design and run ambitious technology programmes that combine frontier research and market facing innovation.

What the EIC Programme Manager role involves

Programme Managers at the EIC are not standard grant officers. The role combines strategic vision setting, active portfolio management and external engagement. Managers propose and steer high risk high reward deep tech initiatives, curate project portfolios, help mobilise partners and investors, and act as visible ambassadors for the EIC’s objectives in their field. The positions are intended to be hands on and cross functional. The EIC already employs a number of Programme Managers across different domains and is seeking three additional specialists for the areas listed below.

Thematic areas targeted in this call

EISMEA is specifically recruiting Programme Managers with deep expertise in one of these three areas:

1) Health, with emphasis on biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Candidates should be prepared to follow existing EIC portfolios such as cell and gene therapy, engineered living materials, RNA based therapies and diagnostics, and to propose visionary initiatives in areas like genomic techniques and synthetic biology.

2) Artificial Intelligence. The EIC already supports projects including self awareness in AI and generative AI initiatives. Candidates may propose portfolios on general purpose AI, autonomous systems, explainable AI, robotics, digital twins, or other advanced AI topics with strong innovation potential.

3) Energy systems and green technologies, including mobility applications. Candidates will be expected to engage with existing work on energy storage, environmental intelligence and efficient cooling, and to propose new programmes tied to net zero technologies, circularity and materials substitution in energy and mobility systems.

Who should apply and eligibility

The call targets senior experts with established track records in their scientific or technical domain. EISMEA expects candidates to be able to move quickly to influence portfolios and engage multiple stakeholders across Europe.

Practical details and how to apply

Applications must be sent to the EISMEA email address EISMEA - EIC - PM@ec.europa.eu. The application package has two required documents. The first is a curriculum vitae up to four pages. The second is a PDF presentation of up to eight slides. The presentation must propose a specific deep tech challenge in the candidate’s chosen area and explain the opportunity, why the moment is right, the related innovation ecosystem, barriers to progress, potential impacts and why the candidate should lead the programme. If invited to interview the candidate will be expected to deliver this presentation to the Selection Committee.

Selection process and assessment

The procedure begins with an eligibility check against the formal criteria. Eligible candidates will have their CV and motivation materials assessed by a Selection Committee against the published essential and advantageous criteria. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a 45 minute interview in English. During the interview candidates must present their 8 slide challenge proposal and respond to questions from the Committee. After interviews the Selection Committee will recommend approximately 15 candidates to be placed on a reserve list. The reserve list is valid until 31 December 2024 and may be extended by decision of the Director.

Contract, conditions and legal framework

Successful candidates are expected to be offered temporary agent contracts under Article 2(f) of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union. The initial duration is two years. Contracts may be renewed once so that the total period can reach four years. The grade AD9 to AD11 and step on appointment will depend on the candidate’s professional experience and the Agency’s implementing provisions.

How this role fits in the EIC and EU innovation landscape

The European Innovation Council was established under Horizon Europe and has a multi billion euro budget for 2021 to 2027. The EIC aims to find and fund breakthrough technologies and help them scale. EISMEA implements the EIC on behalf of the European Commission and supports the EIC Board which provides strategic guidance. Programme Managers sit at the intersection of funding allocation, portfolio management and ecosystem building and are expected to feed insights back into EIC work programmes and to contribute to research and technology trend analysis.

Practical safeguards and diversity commitments

EISMEA states that it values diversity and is committed to inclusive working conditions. The selection rules reference integrity, conflict of interest restrictions and medical fitness checks. The recruitment process includes equal opportunities rules and a review and appeals mechanism for candidates who consider the procedure to have been flawed.

Critical considerations and practical advice

The Programme Manager role gives substantial influence over which deep tech directions receive concentrated support. That influence is useful for aligning public investment with strategic priorities, but it increases the need for transparency and robust conflict of interest controls. Applicants should be aware that the positions are time limited and that inclusion on the reserve list is not a guarantee of a job. The expectation to combine strategic visioning and proactive operational portfolio management is significant and candidates should prepare the 8 slide challenge presentation with clear evidence of impact feasibility, ecosystem mapping and risk mitigation. Short application windows and the suggested interview schedule mean applicants should prepare early and not wait until the final days to submit.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and can produce a concise, evidence based challenge proposal in one of the specified areas, this call is an opportunity to shape European deep tech priorities. The call and the full call documentation are published by EISMEA and the EIC. Applications must be received by 26 January 2024 at 12:00 Brussels time.