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EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries

The role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of EPFL’s Library and Archives during a period of accelerated transformation, implementing a compelling vision that continues to deliver service excellence, expertise and innovation

Holding overall responsibility for the strategic development and operational management of the library’s collections, archives, services, and systems, the Head of SISB-ARCH leads a highly service-oriented team of 50 staff and ensures operational excellence, guides strategic direction, drives service innovation, and aligns work practices with institutional priorities

Strategic leadership

• This role involves shaping and implementing a forward-looking vision aligned with EPFL’s strategic priorities. Key responsibilities include:
• Defining strategic priorities for library, archives, and information services
• Ensuring continuity of core services, including EPFL Archives, while adapting to ongoing digital transformation
• Driving innovation in AI-enabled services, digital infrastructure, and research information systems
• Enhancing the Library’s visibility as a trusted partner and catalyst for open access and research
• Representing EPFL in national and international networks
• Advising senior leadership on matters related to publisher negotiations and open access
• Managing budgets, staffing, and compliance with legal and institutional requirements
• Organisational leadership
• The Head of SISB-ARCH provides leadership to staff, ensuring the organization remains resilient, responsive, and aligned with academic priorities. Key responsibilities include:
• Demonstrating innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset to lead the evolution of EPFL Library into the decade
• Setting priorities and leveraging innovative technologies to maximize organizational impact
• Building internal and external partnerships to optimize resources and services
• Delivering inclusive, transparent, and collaborative leadership aligned with EPFL’s values
• Ensuring the efficient delivery of advanced scientific information, library, and archival services and technologies
• Supporting staff development and fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and collaboration
• Qualifications and experience requirements
• Advanced degree in library and information science, with experience in a higher education setting
• Minimum of 5 years in academic library management, with proven record of senior management leadership, strategic foresight, and organizational change
• Commitment to service excellence, and innovation, with the ability to turn strategy into action through results-driven, accountable, and collaborative leadership
• In-depth knowledge of scholarly communication trends, scientific publishing models and consortial mechanisms
• Broad understanding of emerging challenges in academic libraries, both nationally and globally, including the impact of AI on library services
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Excellent communication skills in French and English. German is an advantage for national-level representation

We offer

• A dynamic and multicultural working environment within a multidisciplinary institution of international renown
• Attractive working conditions
• A position with a high level of autonomy and responsibility
• Applications should include a full CV, a cover letter, a one-page vision statement, and relevant work certificates