Are you a project management champion with a deep understanding of public funding mechanisms? Lightium, a pioneering force in the photonic industry, is seeking a dedicated Project/Grant Manager to acquire, coordinate, and manage our publicly funded projects. This role is crucial in ensuring the successful execution of our ambitious projects, leveraging internal and external resources to meet milestones and objectives within the framework of public-funded projects.

Position Summary

As the Grant Manager, you will contribute to acquiring and coordinating EU and national publicly-funded projects. You will coordinate the execution of project work statements, focusing on milestones and objectives. You will ensure alignment and collaboration among project partners and Lightium’s technical team, manage budgets, and handle internal and external reporting. Your role involves preparing and submitting proposals to public institutions, conducting reporting and audits, and contributing to the continuous improvement of our project management system. This position requires strong project management skills, a deep understanding of public funding processes, and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Calls identification: Identify and build a database of various funding opportunities and their deadlines across Horizon Europe, ChipAct, Eureka, InnoSuisse, etc.

Proposal Preparation: Contribute to building the ideas and consortiums and coordinate the proposal writing. Act as Lightium’s point of contact. Prepare and submit proposals to public institutions, leveraging public funding knowledge and network.

Project Coordination: Coordinate project execution to ensure completion of the work statement, focusing on project milestones, deliverables, and objectives, involving internal and external resources and partners.

Project Reporting: Responsible for all the projects’ internal and external reporting, including milestone reports, deliverables, interim, and final reports. Responsible for projects’ communication and dissemination activities, including websites, social media, and updates.

Planning and Tracking: Plan, monitor, and track projects, ensuring alignment and collaboration among project partners and Lightium’s technical team.

Support Work Packages: Support individual work package owners with project planning and tracking as needed.

Budget Management: Manage cost accounts, budget planning and controlling, and handle internal and external reporting for various projects.

Compliance and Audits: Conduct reporting and audits for publicly funded projects to ensure compliance and transparency.

What you’ll bring

Educational Background: An advanced degree (Master or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a related field. A complementary degree in project management or business administration would be a plus.

Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in project management, preferably within the framework of EU projects and public funding.

Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of project management tools and methodologies. Proficiency in budget management and financial reporting.

Public Funding Expertise: In-depth understanding of public funding mechanisms, proposal preparation, and compliance requirements.

Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports and documentation. Experience in writing technical proposals and grants. Fluency in English is required; knowledge of German or French is an advantage.

Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills, with the ability to track and analyse project performance data.

Initiative and Independence: High level of initiative, independence, and problem-solving abilities.

Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of change.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to lead and shape the execution of cutting-edge projects in the rapidly growing field of photonics.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will shape the future of telecommunications, datacom, and beyond.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package reflective of your experience and expertise.
• Become a key player in an early-phase startup and join a young, motivated, and energetic team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and be involved in leadership decisions.

We'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about building new tech from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and innovative environment. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.