[Hiring] Research Partnerships & Grants Development Specialist - Professorship @Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences

Role Description

Tomorrow University is looking for an experienced research development professional to build our external research funding engine. Working in close partnership with the Vice President of Research, you will:

• Identify strategic funding opportunities.
• Build international research consortia.
• Write winning proposals and secure competitive research funding across European, German, and international programmes.
• Drive partnerships and funding that make research projects possible.
• Contribute to teaching and supervise bachelor's and master's theses connected to funded projects.

This role is ideal for someone with an academic background who has moved toward research development, grants management, or consortium building and who enjoys connecting research, education, industry, and societal impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Strategy & Funding (primary focus)
  • Work closely with the Vice President of Research to implement and continuously develop Tomorrow University's research strategy.
  • Identify national and international funding opportunities aligned with the university's strategic priorities.
  • Build and coordinate interdisciplinary research consortia involving universities, industry, NGOs, and public-sector partners.
  • Lead and contribute to competitive funding applications, including European, German, and international research programmes.
  • Develop long-term collaborations that strengthen Tomorrow University's research profile and impact.
  • Translate funded research into impactful educational experiences and learner opportunities.
  • Support the successful delivery of funded research projects from proposal through implementation.
• Teaching & Academic Supervision
  • Design and deliver high-quality learning experiences in your area of expertise.
  • Supervise bachelor's and master's theses connected to research projects where appropriate.
  • Contribute to curriculum development and continuously enhance our online learning experience.
  • Mentor learners and support their academic and professional development.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding (EU, national or international programmes).
• Experience building and coordinating interdisciplinary research collaborations and consortia.
• A PhD in the field of AI or Technology.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience after earning your master's degree, including three years outside academia.
• An academic publication and/or applied research record.
• Experience supervising higher education research projects.
• Passion for innovative online education and learner-centred teaching.
• German language skills are highly desirable but not mandatory.

Requirements

• A strategic funding pipeline aligned with our institutional priorities established.
• Multiple high-quality proposals submitted to European, German, or international programmes.
• First externally funded projects secured, with new consortium partnerships behind them.
• Learners actively involved in funded projects through theses and project participation.

Benefits

• Access to innovative programs and a culture that encourages continuous growth personally and professionally.
• Twice a year, team Workation in Europe for bonding, brainstorming, and big ideas.
• 25 vacation days per year, plus public holidays based on your location.
• Compensation benchmarked against role level, experience, internal equity, and local market conditions.