Research Coordinator

 The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden, Germany, is searching for a Research Coordinator (m/f/d).

The MPI-CBG is focused on research in cell, developmental and systems biology. Our research program necessarily spans multiple scales, from molecular assemblies to organs and organisms. As an employer, MPI-CBG offers an environment that fosters open communication and collaboration; an environment with equal opportunities and support for families. The official language of the institute is English.

As Research Coordinator, you will support the institute’s Postdocs as central drivers of scientific output as well as the Managing Director (MD) in his/ her spheres of responsibility. Key functions will include in­ter­nal as well as external communication, reporting, recruitment and career development, and liaising with the Scientific Advisory Board and the Max Planck Society headquarters. This role requires an understanding individual able to combine knowledge of research, administration and operations, with interpersonal skills to work in a network of trusted relationships with several stakeholders. It requires high levels of personal credibility, discretion and resilience, as well as a flair for collaboration, planning and switching between priorities.

Within the Postdoc Program, you will recruit outstanding scientists, support their training and career development, and maintain alumni relations. Through your coordination of the program, fellows receive support in research, training, and mentorship, with a focus on developing project management and interpersonal skills. You will also support scientists to develop research profiles and navigate academic and industrial scientific networks. The ultimate goal of the program is to prepare the fellows for the job market by encouraging career planning, assisting in research promotion and nurturing entrepreneurship. Currently, about 100 postdoctoral fellows work at the institute, representing a wide range of nations and scientific expertise. MPI-CBG postdocs constitute the core of developing research projects, writing manuscripts, acquiring funding, developing new methods, building new research tools, writing new software, and launching spinoffs.

Job description and requirements

Main responsibilities

•     Liaise between the MD, Board of Directors, and institute management team, helping to ensure effective collaboration and communication between all internal stakeholders,
•     Handle business on the MD and COO’s behalf, and triage matters requiring personal attention of the MD and COO,
•     Prepare, collate and distribute information to various committees and working groups, including agendas, accompanying papers, taking minutes and dissemination of outcomes and actions,
•     Correspond on behalf of the institute with various governmental and non-governmental agencies in timely and appropriate fashion,
•     Provide detailed briefings on Max Planck Society matters ranging from legal compliance to scientific matters and policy initiatives,
•     Maintain an up-to-date digital portfolio of all institutional practices, policies and procedures,
•     Organise and host high-profile institutional events and visits
•     Coordinate recruitment of potential postdoctoral fellows and facilitate their integration
•     Provide training in project management, communication, presentation, and writing
•     Coordinate funding opportunities for postdoctoral fellowships with the grants team
•     Connect with industrial and academic partners to support career development
•     Organize retreats, symposia, external speaker seminars, and career events
•     Maintain and strengthen alumni relations within the Postdoc network

Essential qualifications

•     PhD and postdoctoral experience in life sciences or equivalent industrial experience.
•     Experience in managing research projects
•     High organizational, analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills
•     Exceptional written and oral communication skills
•     People skills including interpersonal and engagement skills
•     A pragmatic team player

Desirable qualifications

•     Business intelligence and awareness of career trends in the Life Sciences Sector
•     Insight into scientific profile development
•     Experience in behavioral assessment
•     Pedagogic training skills
•     Supportive, empathetic, transparent, and customer-oriented
•     Expertise in website management, social media, and digital communications

Our offer

•     We offer a diversified job in a young, scientifically oriented, international team in one of the most renowned research institutions worldwide
•     Salary and social benefits corresponding to qualification and experience up to salary group E13 TVöD Bund (German civil service tariff)
•     Attractive pension plan via VBL (Federal and State Government Employees' Retirement Fund)
•     Discounted job ticket (VVO) and good public transport connections
•     Support for a positive work-life balance, including assistance with family and childcare matters

The position is available immediately. The initial contract is for 2 years with the possibility of extension.

Your application

Please send your complete application materials via our online application system stating code 2023-ResearchCoordinator-6000.

The following materials should be included:

•     Cover letter indicating motivation to apply for the position
•     CV
•     Academic and professional certificates
•     Contact details of 2 approachable professional references

The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For initial inquiries, please contact Brian von Rueden, Head of Human Resources hr@mpi-cbg.de.

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
Pfotenhauerstr. 108
01307 Dresden
Germany