Chief Operating Officer (m/f/d) for ELLIS (European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems)

ELLIS, the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems, is a pan-European network of excellence in artificial intelligence (AI) research. Founded in 2018, ELLIS is dedicated to advancing AI by focusing on fundamental science, technical innovation, and societal impact. It plays a critical role in fostering collaboration across Europe, ensuring that cutting-edge AI research is developed within the open and democratic societies of Europe, while promoting Europe's technological sovereignty. ELLIS is building:

1. Ellis Research Programs. The ELLIS research programs focus on areas with the potential to move the needle in modern AI - from basic research in theory and algorithms to applications in health and climate sciences. 

2. ELLIS PhD & Postdoc Program. The ELLIS PhD and Postdoc program offers outstanding young researchers from all over the world a unique entry point to cutting-edge machine learning research by connecting them to leading scientists across Europe and by offering them a variety of training activities. 

3. ELLIS Sites. ELLIS is creating a network of research sites across Europe, which are either located at existing AI research institutions or created from scratch. The long-term goal is to establish a set of world-class ELLIS institutes distributed across Europe, each acting as the core of a local AI ecosystem.

Role Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will lead and oversee the daily operations of ELLIS, ensuring the organization's objectives are achieved efficiently and in line with its mission and vision. The COO will work closely with the ELLIS Board, the Ellis Chief of Staff, the ELLIS organization, and external partners to execute its multi-centric strategy, optimizing operational processes, building partnerships, and managing resources across ELLIS’s European AI ecosystem.

This role is ideal for a dynamic, experienced leader with a passion for AI research, innovation, and societal impact. The COO will be a key player in guiding the operational strategies necessary for ELLIS to remain at the forefront of global AI advancements. 

Location: the job location could in principle be in any country with ELLIS Sites, subject to locally applicable laws. 

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership:
  • Oversee and implement all operational aspects of ELLIS, including resource management, administrative functions, HR, legal, finance (budgeting, planning, resource allocation, etc), communications, and infrastructure.
  • Lead and manage the ELLIS administrative team.
  • Oversee the ELLIS organization, formed by the administrative team plus several committees grouped under four organizational areas led by area directors.
  • Lead and run weekly meetings of the executive committee, formed by the COO, the chief of Staff, a delegated board member, and area directors.
  • Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation among staff, researchers, and affiliated partners across the ELLIS network.
• Partnership and Stakeholder Management:
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with external partners, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and government bodies to promote collaboration and resource-sharing in line with the ELLIS mission.
  • Represent ELLIS in strategic partnerships and negotiations to strengthen the organization’s research ecosystem and increase its global influence.
• Compliance and Governance:
  • Ensure that ELLIS’s operations comply with all relevant local and European regulations, research standards, and ethical guidelines.
  • Report operational performance to the ELLIS Board and ensure transparency in decision-making processes, participate in the ELLIS board meetings.
  • Prepare and submit all necessary documentation to comply with the obligations of a German association. 

Qualifications and Experience

While no single individual will meet all of the below requirements, here's a list of desired attributes:

• Educational Background:

  • Degree in business administration, project management, operations management, law, AI, computer science, or a related field. 

• Experience:

  • senior operational leadership role within a research organization, academic institution, tech company, or a related field.

  • managing complex, multi-centric organizations or projects, ideally with a focus on AI, research, or technology innovation.

  • working in or with European research ecosystems, EU funding frameworks, or collaborative networks is a strong advantage.

• Skills and Competencies:

  • Operational management skills, with experience in financial oversight, resource allocation, and team leadership.

  • Strategic thinking and execution capabilities, particularly in the context of research and technology development.

  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and cultures.

  • An interest in the societal implications and ethical considerations of AI research and technology.

  • Fluency in English; knowledge of German is desirable; knowledge of other European languages is a plus.

Personal Attributes

• Results-oriented and adaptable, able to navigate a fast-paced and evolving research landscape.
• Collaborative, with the ability to inspire and motivate interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong ethical foundation and commitment to responsible AI development.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Opportunity to shape the future of AI research in Europe, contributing to global advancements in AI while ensuring Europe’s leadership in this critical field.
• Flexibility in working location, with the possibility of remote work and travel across Europe.
• Competitive salary

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and references to info@ellis.eu by 30 November 2024. As a subject line, please use “ELLIS COO”.