Director of the Physical Metrology Department

The BIPM seeks a Director of the Physical Metrology Department for the following appointment:

  • Grade: A12
  • Contract: 5-year full-time fixed-term appointment (with possibility of conversion to an indefinite-term appointment)
  • Application deadline: 31 October 2026 (23h59 Paris time)
  • Department: Physical Metrology Department of the BIPM
  • Location: Sèvres (a suburb of Paris) - France

The Physical Metrology Department is responsible for maintaining and advancing world-leading capabilities in electrical and mass metrology. The Department operates state-of-the-art laboratories that provide high-accuracy measurement services to National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) worldwide.

The electricity laboratories employ quantum standards to deliver calibrations and coordinate international measurement comparisons. In mass metrology, the Department promotes global consistency in mass measurements by providing calibrations traceable to the kilogram and organizing international comparisons of kilogram realizations. A key activity is the development and maintenance of a Kibble balance enabling the realization of the kilogram as an international reference facility.

The Department consists of a team of ten highly skilled technical and scientific staff.

Principal duties and responsibilities

The Director of the Physical Metrology Department at the BIPM provides leadership to the Department through long-term strategic and operational alignment of activities with the needs of Member States. The Department Director is also responsible for day-to-day management of the Department including setting objectives, monitoring performance, budgeting and financial oversight, planning investment, maintaining the quality and scientific integrity of its technical services, and ensuring a workplace that is healthy and safe. This role is part of the organization’s management team and therefore shares responsibility with that team for strategic direction, organizational culture and implementation of decisions.

Directly reporting to the BIPM Director, the postholder will in particular:

  • Set the strategic direction for the Department including its services, priorities, and research and development;
  • Provide direct scientific and technical leadership for select high risk projects and take responsibility for scientific integrity of all Department outputs;
  • Develop annual plans, set staff objectives and monitor performance;
  • Take responsibility for the Department’s quality management and for the health and safety of the workplace through effective risk management, compliance and continuous improvement;
  • Engage with key stakeholders internally and externally to build and maintain effective relationships and develop partnerships for delivery (e.g. secondments, joint projects);
  • Oversee the implementation of organizational policies and processes in the Department;
  • Ensure alignment and collaboration with other Services and Departments to support organizational priorities and cohesion;
  • Contribute to strategy development and decision making of the organization.

Liaison and Coordination responsibilities

  • Deliver executive secretary services to the CIPM Consultative Committee that relates to the Department;
  • Coordinate and oversee the Department’s portfolio of liaison roles.

Supervisory responsibilities

  • Plan resources and manage staff to ensure efficient and effective operational delivery;
  • Lead, develop, engage and support staff to enable high performance.

Financial responsibilities

  • Plan investment to ensure continuity and evolution of required technical services;
  • Manage and approve efficient and transparent use of allocated budget;
  • Procure, negotiate, and manage contracts responsibly and in compliance with financial regulations.

Qualifications 

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic background

  • PhD in relevant technical field.

Professional background

  • Senior level experience in electrical or mass metrology;
  • At least five years’ experience in people and project management, confirmed international engagement an asset.

Skills and competencies

  • Fluency in English and ability to work in French, or commitment to progressively acquire it;
  • The ability to work in a multicultural environment and to maintain good working relations inside and outside the organization;
  • Management, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Terms of Employment & Benefits 

  • 5-year full-time fixed-term appointment, with an initial probationary period of 6 months, renewable once;
  • Competitive gross annual salary starting from 117 224 euros, plus allowances subject to eligibility, including compensation for an expatriate status.
  • Salaries and allowances exempt from income tax in France (French nationals and permanent residents in France subject to “taux effectif” of the French tax system);
  • 37 days paid holiday per year;
  • Contributory pension scheme and comprehensive private health insurance which can be extended to dependants.

More information on the Benefits and General Conditions of Employment at the BIPM

Applications and Selection process 

The BIPM encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender.

Online applications should be submitted by 31 October 2026 (23h59 Paris time).

Applications should include a full curriculum vitae (CV), a covering letter (in English or French), and the names of 2 referees who can comment on the applicant's suitability for the post (who will only be contacted with the prior permission of the candidate). Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. They may be invited to take part in a distance written test and/or in a remote interview. Thereafter, successful candidates will be invited to a face-to-face interview. A roster of suitable candidates may be established for this post. The selection process may be modified.

The BIPM retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a different grade/category, to make an appointment with a modified job description, or to offer an appointment term for a shorter duration than the one indicated in this vacancy announcement.

 

Back to the Opportunities at the BIPM

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.