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Research funding specialist - Job Opportunity at Euflex

Eindhoven, Netherlands
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 12, 2025
On-site
EUR 6,603 - 8,405 per month

Benefits

Competitive salary scaling system with transparent progression framework that provides clear advancement opportunities
Generous annual holiday allowance of 8% providing additional income boost beyond base compensation
Substantial year-end bonus of 8.3% rewarding annual performance and commitment
Extensive paid time off package of 41 days annually, significantly above European averages for optimal work-life balance
Premium technical infrastructure access ensuring cutting-edge research capabilities
Financial security through comprehensive savings schemes with institutional backing
Family-friendly childcare facilities reducing external costs and supporting work-life integration
World-class sports and wellness facilities promoting health and networking opportunities
Access to Europe's leading high-tech innovation ecosystem through Brainport connections
International collaborative environment with exposure to 70+ nationalities enhancing global perspective

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic identification and evaluation of high-value national and European funding opportunities aligned with institutional strengths and AI market positioning
Architect and orchestrate multi-million euro research consortia bringing together academic excellence and industrial innovation for maximum impact
Drive strategic program development initiatives that position TU/e as a global leader in artificial intelligence research and application
Establish and maintain influential presence in elite European research networks, public-private partnerships, and thematic working groups to shape industry direction
Spearhead complex multi-disciplinary project acquisition processes involving international stakeholders and substantial funding commitments
Design and execute high-profile artificial intelligence symposia, workshops, and masterclasses that establish thought leadership
Navigate and optimize intricate consortium formation processes involving diverse funding sources and stakeholder interests
Transform innovative research concepts into compelling, fundable proposals that bridge academic rigor with commercial viability
Exercise tactical and operational leadership over program management teams while ensuring strategic alignment with institutional objectives
Facilitate knowledge transfer and collaboration across nine academic departments to maximize research synergies and impact potential

Requirements

Education

MSc or PhD degree level in a relevant field

Experience

>5 years of comparable work experience, e.g. in industry, a research institute or an academic organization; preferably in data science/ AI

Required Skills

A proven track record in defining and attracting innovative research projects and funding in international consortia, for collaboration projects in national and European research funding programs Knowledge of or at least affinity with academic research Excellent communication & networking skills (written and oral) Excellent command of English and preferably also Dutch Extensive external network in national and international innovation and research networks with various cultural backgrounds and ability to maintain and pro-actively develop further the external network Ability to connect the academic world and international external network resulting in well balanced consortia for successful research proposals
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The artificial intelligence research funding landscape is experiencing unprecedented growth with EU's Digital Europe Programme and Horizon Europe allocating over €2 billion specifically for AI initiatives, creating substantial opportunities for specialized funding professionals who can navigate complex international consortiums and public-private partnerships. Academic institutions are increasingly adopting hybrid organizational models where research support professionals serve dual roles as both administrative specialists and strategic business developers, reflecting the growing commercialization of university research and the need for professionals who can bridge academic excellence with market demands. The Netherlands' position as Europe's leading high-tech hub through initiatives like Brainport Eindhoven is driving demand for research funding specialists who can leverage regional ecosystem advantages while maintaining global competitive positioning in AI and deep tech sectors.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of EUR 6,603-8,405 monthly (approximately EUR 79,000-101,000 annually) represents competitive compensation for the Dutch academic sector, particularly when combined with the 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus, bringing total compensation to approximately EUR 92,000-117,000 annually, which aligns well with senior research support roles in top-tier European universities.

Role Significance

The role involves leading a specialized team of Institute Program Managers while collaborating with departmental Project Development Officers across nine academic departments, suggesting management of 5-10 direct reports and coordination with 15-20 professional staff members across the broader research support network.
This role represents a senior-level position combining strategic leadership with operational execution, requiring the candidate to function as both a hands-on funding specialist and a tactical leader who shapes institutional research direction. The position demands high-level decision-making authority in consortium formation and program development while maintaining direct involvement in complex proposal processes.

Key Projects

Multi-million euro Horizon Europe consortium proposals involving 10+ international partners spanning academic institutions and industrial leaders Strategic public-private partnership development projects connecting TU/e research capabilities with major European technology companies Large-scale AI research program initiatives requiring coordination across multiple academic departments and external funding sources International symposium and workshop organization attracting 200+ participants from global AI research and industry communities

Success Factors

Exceptional relationship-building capabilities to develop and maintain extensive networks across European research institutions, technology companies, and funding agencies, as success in this role depends heavily on the ability to identify opportunities through personal connections and industry intelligence rather than publicly available information. Strategic thinking combined with operational excellence to simultaneously manage complex, multi-year funding cycles while maintaining day-to-day program management responsibilities, requiring the ability to balance long-term institutional positioning with immediate tactical execution needs. Cultural intelligence and multilingual communication skills to effectively navigate diverse international consortiums where understanding cultural nuances and communication styles can determine the success or failure of multi-million euro funding applications. Deep understanding of both academic research processes and commercial technology development to create compelling value propositions that satisfy both scientific excellence criteria and industrial relevance requirements in competitive funding environments.

Market Demand

High demand driven by exponential growth in AI research funding, increased competition for European grants, and the critical need for specialists who can navigate complex international funding landscapes while maintaining strategic institutional positioning.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Proven consortium formation and management capabilities are absolutely essential as this role requires orchestrating complex international partnerships involving multiple universities, research institutes, and industrial partners, where success depends on the ability to align diverse stakeholder interests and navigate complex contractual and intellectual property arrangements. Strategic networking and relationship management skills are fundamental to success, as the role requires maintaining and developing relationships with key decision-makers across European funding agencies, technology companies, and research institutions, where personal connections often determine access to funding opportunities and partnership possibilities. Advanced project management and proposal development expertise is crucial for managing multiple concurrent funding applications worth millions of euros, requiring the ability to coordinate diverse teams of researchers, manage complex timelines, and ensure compliance with intricate funding requirements while maintaining scientific excellence standards.

Beneficial Skills

Multilingual capabilities beyond English and Dutch would provide significant advantages in building relationships with European research partners and understanding cultural nuances that can impact consortium dynamics and funding success rates. Previous experience in technology transfer or commercialization would enhance the ability to bridge academic research with industrial applications, particularly valuable in AI research where commercial relevance is increasingly important for funding success. Advanced understanding of artificial intelligence technologies and applications would enable more effective communication with researchers and industry partners, allowing for better identification of funding opportunities and more compelling proposal development.

Unique Aspects

The role uniquely combines traditional academic research support with strategic business development responsibilities, requiring the candidate to function as both a funding specialist and a strategic advisor who shapes institutional research direction in one of Europe's most innovative technology ecosystems.
Integration with the EAISI (Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute) provides access to cutting-edge AI research developments and direct involvement in shaping the future of artificial intelligence applications in industry, offering exposure to breakthrough technologies and their commercialization potential.
The position offers dual embedding within both the Research Support Office and the EAISI program board, creating unique visibility into both operational funding processes and strategic research direction, with physical presence in the innovative Neuron building that houses the institute's most advanced research facilities.
The role provides exceptional networking opportunities through mandatory participation in European research networks, public-private partnerships, and thematic working groups, offering career development benefits that extend far beyond traditional academic administration positions.

Career Growth

Career progression to director-level positions typically occurs within 3-5 years given the specialized nature of European research funding and the limited pool of professionals with proven track records in managing large-scale international consortiums.

Potential Next Roles

Director of Research Strategy at major European universities or research institutes, leading institution-wide funding strategy and external partnership development Senior Program Manager at European funding agencies such as ERC or Innovation Fund Denmark, shaping funding policy and program design from the institutional side Chief Innovation Officer at technology companies seeking to establish strategic research partnerships with academic institutions Independent consultant specializing in European research funding strategy for multinational corporations and research consortiums

Company Overview

Euflex

Euflex operates as a specialized recruitment partner for Eindhoven University of Technology, one of Europe's most prestigious technical universities located at the heart of the Brainport innovation ecosystem. TU/e represents a unique positioning as both a top-tier academic institution and a central hub for high-tech innovation, with deep integration into the regional ecosystem that includes major technology companies like ASML, Philips, and NXP.

TU/e holds a distinguished position as one of Europe's leading technological universities, consistently ranked among the top 10 engineering schools globally and recognized for its exceptional industry collaboration record. The university's research has direct real-world impact through its extensive network of industry partnerships and its role in driving innovation in semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, and photonics.
The position leverages Eindhoven's unique status as Europe's most innovative region according to the European Innovation Scoreboard, providing unparalleled access to high-tech industry leaders, venture capital, and European research networks. This regional positioning offers significant advantages in consortium formation and funding acquisition compared to traditional academic locations.
The work environment reflects TU/e's international character with staff and students representing 70+ nationalities, creating a highly diverse and collaborative atmosphere. The culture emphasizes practical innovation and industry relevance while maintaining academic rigor, with strong support for professional development and international networking opportunities.
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