Banknote Research and Development Expert

Banknotes
Banknotes
4114

General Information

Type of contract Fixed-term contract which may be converted into a permanent contract after three years subject to individual performance and organisational needs

Who can apply? EU nationals

Salary F/G (bracket 1 - step 1) full time monthly net salary: €5,438 plus benefits, for further information see what we offer.

Role specialisation Banknote Research and Development

Working time Full time

Place of work Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Closing date 06.01.2022

Your team

You will be part of the Research and Development (R&D) team in the Directorate Banknotes. Our Directorate is responsible for the creation, production and issuance of euro banknotes. Among other things, we are currently developing new technologies for use in future euro banknotes. 

As R&D Expert, you will join the Currency Development Division, which is responsible for the preparation of new euro banknotes. The R&D team focuses on development activities related to all technological aspects of banknotes, including security features, substrate and the environmental impact of the cash cycle. 

In order to keep banknotes attractive for the main stakeholders, the R&D team further aims to advance and deploy digital technologies for the overall cash cycle. In your role, you will join a dynamic multi-skilled team of experts who seek to continuously innovate and improve their skills and knowledge.

The ECB is an inclusive employer and we strive to reflect the diversity of the population we serve. We encourage you to apply irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or other characteristics.

Your role

As R&D Expert, you will: 
  • manage and monitor R&D activities in line with technical delivery plans, schedules and budget, together with the other members of the R&D team;
  • develop new security features and production methods with industry partners, in particular with the aim of introducing digital technologies where applicable;
  • participate in actively monitoring emerging or mature digital technologies and identifying those appropriate for improving any part of the banknote lifecycle;
  • foster the deployment of deep learning and neural network approaches to existing issues within the cash cycle with the aim of developing more efficient solutions;
  • provide technical expertise to other areas of the Directorate Banknotes or the Eurosystem;
  • contribute to the preparation of documentation for Eurosystem groups and decision-making bodies.

The position offers you excellent opportunities to apply your technical skills to improve a product used by the public throughout the euro area. You will be part of a multicultural team that strives for continuous innovation to make a positive impact on the lives of European citizens. 

Qualifications, experience and skills

Essential: 
  • a master’s degree or equivalent in STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) (click here for details on degree equivalences); 
  • in addition to the above, at least three years of professional experience (internship or traineeship can be taken into account) in which you:
    • planned and monitored R&D projects in an international environment; 
    • participated in multidisciplinary research teams and gained a broad technical background knowledge within STEM;
  • a proven track record in using modern project management methodologies, such as stage-gate or agile approaches;
  • sound experience of technology management, with the ability to monitor new technologies and evaluate their feasibility and subsequently set up selected projects;
  • sound experience of (i) drafting reports, briefings and research notes, and (ii) giving presentations to broader audiences;
  • in addition to the above, deep knowledge of digital technologies, in particular familiarity with artificial intelligence programming and deep learning methods;
  • an advanced (C1) command of English and an intermediate (B1) command of at least one other official language of the EU, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

You engage collaboratively with others. You pursue team goals and learn willingly from other people’s diverse perspectives. You signal any need for change by explaining it and proposing alternative solutions. You analyse complex information effectively and can evaluate different views to arrive at solutions. You know and anticipate stakeholder needs.

You are motivated to be part of our team and to develop and use your skills and competencies to achieve the objectives of this position.

Working modalities

We are willing to discuss part-time arrangements.

Further information

For additional information on this specific vacancy, you can speak to the hiring manager, Jean-Michel Grimal, on +49 (0)69 1344 8247 between 13:00 and 14:00 during the publication period of this vacancy notice.

Application and selection process

The recruitment process for this position will be conducted remotely. It will include a written exercise, a presentation and interviews. 
If you are not selected for this position but are still considered suitable, you will be placed on a reserve list (see step 4 of how we hire), from which you might be considered for similar positions within the ECB.
Find out how to apply for a position at the European Central Bank. Read more about joining us.