Scientific Coordinator (m/f/d) Full-time

Scientific Coordinator (m/f/d)

Scientific and Technical Assistance Heidelberg Structural and Cell Biology

Job Code: 21/2026

About Us

We, the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, are one of 85 institutes and research centers of the Max Planck Society (MPG) for the advancement of science. Our focus is on basic medical research. We currently employ around 270 people in science and administration, mainly at our location in Heidelberg. Another location for our institute is currently being established in Heilbronn. We are also part of the Health + Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim, an association of the region's leading life science research institutions.

The Optical Nanoscopy Department (Prof. Stefan W. Hell) at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg is seeking to fill the position of a Scientific Assistant or Coordinator (m/f/d) as soon as possible, initially for a fixed term of 2 years.

Your Tasks

• Supporting the Director in fulfilment of his duties.
• Compiling documents, texts and conceptual papers.
• Organising, coordinating and following up on meetings.
• Processing correspondence, including communication with university and non-university research institutions.
• Assisting with scientific evaluations and appointments.
• Planning and organising scientific conferences, reviews and internal events.
• Preparing and coordinating planned projects.
• Evaluating and documenting scientific research programs and project reports.
• Providing support to collaborative projects with national and international partners.
• Reviewing and analysing information relevant to research strategy, and assisting in the development of institute-related concepts.

Your Qualifications

• A university degree with above-average grades, preferably a PhD in chemistry, biology or a related field.
• A reliable, productive and independent work ethic.
• A high degree of initiative, resilience and flexibility.
• Absolute trustworthiness.
• Ability to conduct comprehensive analysis and strategic thinking.
• Above-average commitment and interest in contributing to diverse issues, including at the conceptual level.
• Excellent organisational and negotiation skills and a cooperative work style.
• Excellent command of English and German, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel between Heidelberg and Göttingen occasionally.

Our Offer

• Fixed-term employment contract for a period of two years.
• Classification in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement based on qualifications, up to Pay Grade 14 under the TVöD-Bund, as well as all social benefits in accordance with public sector regulations.
• Pleasant work environment
• Interesting and varied work with a high degree of autonomy
• Highly motivated team in an international setting
• Extensive training and professional development opportunities
• Work-life balance
• Subsidy for the Deutschland-Job-Ticket
• 30 days of vacation; starting in 2027, even 31 days
• Performance-based pay (LOB)
• Annual bonus, as well as the option to convert part of the annual bonus into up to 3 days of

The MPG strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. As the MPG has set itself the goal of employing more people with severe disabilities, applications from people with severe disabilities are expressly welcome. In addition, the MPG wants to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.

Your Application

We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal in electronic format no later than 30th September 2026.

Contact

For further information, please contact Dr. Jade Cottam Jones (jade.cottamjones@mr.mpg.de). For general questions, please contact Ms. Sabrina Giacalone (sabrina.giacalone@mr.mpg.de) from human resources.

We Look Forward to Your Application!