Based on a modern campus in Brig, UniDistance Suisse is a university institute accredited with the Swiss Higher Education Act (HEdA), which for over 30 years has been offering bachelor's and master's degrees and continuing education programmes in economics, history, law, mathematics and computer science and psychology. These programmes are designed to be taken in parallel with family life, a professional or sporting career, thanks to a flexible distance learning model.
UniDistance Suisse maintains high quality standards in both university teaching and research. The institute is aiming for university reaccreditation in 2027 to become the University of Valais, marking a historic step for the institution and the canton.
With almost 2,400 students, UniDistance Suisse is the leader in distance education in Switzerland. The institute employs more than 550 staff from all over Switzerland and abroad, nearly 450 of whom are involved in teaching and research, and are recognised experts in their respective fields.
UniDistance Suisse is seeking an experienced leader with an excellent academic reputation to fulfil the role of:
The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent leadership and innovation skills in strategic planning, coupled with significant experience in academic management, to lead UniDistance Suisse in developing its teaching and research missions. They will strengthen the institution’s positioning and visibility while building and fostering relationships with academic, political and economic stakeholders. Additionally, the ideal candidate will consolidate collaborations with innovation partners across economic, societal and technological domains.
Place of work: Brig, Valais, Switzerland
Starting date: August 1, 2025, or by agreement
You lead UniDistance Suisse and, together with the relevant governing bodies, create excellent conditions for research and teaching.
You shape and promote the image and identity of the institution, based on a shared vision of the future of UniDistance Suisse.
You coordinate and implement the development of UniDistance Suisse into a recognised Swiss university in collaboration with the governing bodies of the institution and the canton of Valais. You support and develop the unique educational mission of UniDistance Suisse.
You represent the interests of the institution at local, national and international level and take an active role in the development and implementation of cantonal and Swiss higher education policy.
You strengthen and expand the national and international networks of UniDistance Suisse and enhance its profile.
You commit to implementing the values of the European University Association (EUA), «Universities without walls – A vision for 2030», at UniDistance Suisse: openness, adaptability, transnationality, sustainability, diversity, interdisciplinarity, engagement with society, autonomy and accountability.
You have an excellent academic track record equivalent to that of a candidate to an ordinary professorship in one of UniDistance Suisse’s core disciplines: economics, history, law, mathematics and computer science and psychology.
You have strong academic leadership qualities and are a decisive and proactive individual, who collaborates effectively with all stakeholders to plan strategically and implement changes in a focused and results-driven manner.
You are familiar with the Swiss and international higher education systems and bring an excellent personal network. You are knowledgeable about national and international funding programmes for teaching and research.
You have very good communication skills and experience in leading negotiations in the public and private sector.
Connections with institutions in the canton of Valais are an advantage.
You are perfectly fluent in written and spoken French or German and have excellent knowledge of the other language, as well as a strong command of English.
A renewable four-year mandate: the position is associated with a permanent ordinary professorship in one of our core disciplines, with the teaching and research obligations reduced or suspended until the Rector's term of office is complete.
The opportunity to develop and transform a recognised and accredited university institute into an accredited university in Switzerland, and to position it as such.
An environment with proactive, dedicated, motivated and talented team members and students.
An attractive workplace with a modern infrastructure and laboratories on the new campus for higher education distance learning in Brig, in a region with a high quality of life.
A work environment that fosters equity, diversity and inclusion.
We look forward to receiving your complete application by e-mail by March 15th, 2025, to the following e-mail address: rector2025@unidistance.ch.
The application documents include a motivation letter setting out your motivations and vision, a CV displaying your teaching, institutional and administrative and/or leadership responsibilities, including a list of publications, presentations, third-party fundings and any other academic record.
For further information, please contact Mr Stefan Bumann, Co-President of the Selection Committee, and Prof. Dr Corinna Martarelli, Member of the Commission, both at rector2025@unidistance.ch.
