The Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) is Austria’s youngest public, technical university in Linz, Upper Austria. IT:U strives to be a new model university with the ambition to make meaningful impact by positively shaping digital futures in times of unprecedented technological innovation and manyfold societal and environmental challenges.

Its unique position rests on four pillars: world-leading research beyond disciplines, novel educational approaches as pathways into the careers of the future, impact across society and industry, and agile and lean organisational structures. In its final deployment, the University will accommodate up to 5,000 students and 150 professors and offer a broad range of Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programs.

Vision:  IT:U empowers people to shape fair and sustainable digital futures.

After the highly successful founding phase IT:U tenders the position of

President (m/f/x)

for a five-year term to be at the helm of transitioning IT:U from build-up to a fully operational public university. A single reappointment is permitted.

This key role has central responsibility for leading the university: implementing and further developing the strategic vision and mission of IT:U as well as shaping its structure, organization, positioning and its scientific, educational and social impact in the future.

Responsibilities

1. Strong, inclusive and visionary leadership
2. Management and representation of IT:U internally and externally
3. Overseeing and developing the operational business of IT:U
4. Implementation, evaluation and the strategic development of
5. the university’s teaching in its interdisciplinary and project-based study programmes,
6. the framework for excellent interdisciplinary research that protects academic freedom and ensures academic self-governance, and
7. the responsible knowledge transfer to the public and other stakeholders.
8. Concluding employment contracts and service contracts
9. Responsibility for related tasks that are not assigned to another organ of the IT:U

The president acts in cooperation with the other organs of IT:U, especially the Board of Trustees.

Requirement profile

1. an outstanding international reputation as a scientist; 
2. a proven track record of senior strategic leadership positions in an academic institution or similar complex research environment;  
3. extensive knowledge in different disciplines, higher education and research systems, science policy, innovation, and funding; 
4. a deep understanding for novel educational approaches and the future of work;
5. an entrepreneurial mindset and ability to spot trends and challenges facing the national and international higher education sector;  
6. strong interest in technology transfer and public outreach; 
7. a strong team player with a track record of building, managing and mentoring high-performing teams;  
8. ability to promote and stimulate a culture that is inclusive, innovative, collaborative, and geared towards problem-solving; 
9.  a strong international professional network in academia, government, and industry;  
10. a readiness to be located in the Linz region and ability to build relationships beyond formal contacts;  

This challenging role benefits from knowledge of the European higher education system (advantageous) and, ideally, familiarity with the Austrian system, as well as competences in the regulatory and operational context of a university (see § 3 of the Federal Law of the Institute of Digital Sciences Austria) and knowledge and skills for the organizational and economic management of a university. Strong commitments and competencies to the realization of diversity and equality are expected.

The development of a new university requires a high degree of creativity, innovative strength, strategic ability, implementation strength and leadership responsibility. Therefore, excellent personal and social skills in terms of leadership, communication, cooperativeness and integrity are essential. Fluent English language skills as well as basic German skills (with a readiness to improve) are mandatory (English being IT:U’s working and teaching language) and intercultural competencies required.

Your application

The appointment of the President (m/f/x) will be guided by a selection panel and the appointment will be made by the IT:U Board of Trustees. Perrett Laver will support the selection panel in the discharge of its duties, both to assist in the assessment of candidates against the requirements for the role and to identify the widest possible field of qualified individuals.

The deadline for applications is 19.10.2026.

The selection panel will convene to decide upon the field of shortlisted candidates by the end of November. These individuals will then be invited to a hearing at the University in person. Upon decision by the University organs, as outlined in the University bylaws, the first ranked candidate will be invited to discuss the details of appointment.

As IT:U seeks to further increase the percentage of women in its leadership positions, female candidates with equal qualification for the position and in the absence of any other outweighing factors, will be preferred. Should you require access to this document in an alternative format, please contact Feride Yetis (feride.yetis@perrettlaver.com)

Offer

The offer from IT:U is a full-time appointment as President (m/f/x). The compensation includes a competitive salary package, additional benefits such as health care insurance, dual career support as well as relocation and child services are provided as needed.

At IT:U, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to gender equality, creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities for growth and success. Additionally, we embrace individuals with diverse abilities and provide a supportive and accessible workplace for people of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities.