Chief of Staff for Prof. Sir Kostya Novoselov

Constructor University Bremen has appointed Prof. Sir Kostya Novoselov — Nobel Laureate in Physics (2010), FRS — as its President. In this strategic, part-time capacity, Prof. Novoselov provides intellectual direction, institutional prestige, and global scientific vision while retaining his primary commitments at NUS and IFIM. The Chief of Staff (CoS) reports exclusively to the President and exists to amplify his impact, protect his time, and translate intellectual strategy into institutional momentum. This is the single point of coordination between the President's agenda and the University's executive, academic, and administrative functions. This is a role for someone who thrives on complexity, operates with total discretion, thinks three moves ahead — and finds genuine satisfaction in making an exceptional mind more effective. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Presidential Time & Agenda Architecture Own and orchestrate the President's calendar end-to-end — strategic prioritisation, preparation, and protection of deep work time Manage all inbound requests (academic, institutional, media, VIP) — filter and triage with sound independent judgement Prepare briefing materials, pre-reads, and context packs for every meeting and engagement Ensure every commitment has a clear purpose, defined outcome, and proper follow-through Strategic Programme Execution Translate the President's academic architecture vision into a tracked programme of University-wide initiatives Coordinate cross-functionally with academic leadership and executive management to advance presidential priorities at pace Monitor progress against strategic milestones; surface blockers early and resolve them proactively Maintain the President's initiative register and drive accountability without creating bureaucracy Board & Stakeholder Liaison Prepare materials and briefings for Board interactions; ensure presidential inputs are ready, timely, and impactful Serve as a trusted interface between the President and the University's senior leadership team Build and maintain relationships with key external partners: NUS, IFIM, CQT, QuEra, and global scientific networks Manage Board member relationships on the President's behalf where appropriate Communications & Correspondence Draft and manage high-level correspondence, academic communications, and institutional letters on behalf of the President Ensure tone, precision, and intellectual calibre of all communications reflect the President's standing Manage the President's representation at events where direct presence is not possible International Travel & Logistics Plan and manage all travel end-to-end: itinerary design, transfers, accommodation, visa, briefings, connectivity Coordinate with NUS/IFIM counterparts on scheduling and joint trips Maintain a 10-hour rest buffer standard; optimise travel for productivity and recovery Ensure full calendar sync and briefing packs mirrored for every trip Academic Initiative Support Support recruitment of world-class faculty and postdoctoral talent aligned with the President's academic vision Coordinate logistics of hybrid scientific collaboration model with global research groups Prepare agendas and outcomes documentation for academic working groups chaired or attended by the President Assist in building Constructor Labs concept — connecting academic programme to research infrastructure Operational Infrastructure Oversee and coordinate the supporting administrative team engaged on President-related activities Implement SOPs and tracking systems to ensure nothing is missed across parallel workstreams Manage office-readiness, connectivity, and equipment procurement at Bremen and during travel Handle confidential matters — institutional, personal, and strategic — with absolute discretion QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Essential Experience 5+ years as Chief of Staff, Senior EA, or Strategic Advisor supporting world-class scientific or academic leadership Proven track record managing complex intern…