[Hiring] Scientific Coordinator @MPI f.Struk.u.Dyn.d.Mat

Role Description

The Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) is seeking a highly motivated Scientific Coordinator (m/f/d) for the International Max Planck Research School for Ultrafast Imaging & Structural Dynamics (IMPRS-UFAST). This position offers an excellent opportunity to apply academic experience and transferable skills in a new professional context and to develop a career in science management.

Your position

• Training Programme
  • Develop and coordinate a semester-based curriculum of scientific courses and transferable-skills training in close collaboration with IMPRS Fellows and Principal Investigators.
  • Plan and organize workshops, retreats, networking events and career-development activities tailored to the needs of doctoral researchers.
  • Regularly evaluate and further develop the training program to foster interdisciplinary exchange and professional development.
• Annual International Doctoral Recruitment
  • Coordinate the annual international recruitment and application process, from developing and publishing doctoral projects and launching the call for applications to organizing the selection symposium, conducting interviews and coordinating final admissions.
• Doctoral Mentoring and Career Development
  • Support doctoral researchers throughout their time in the programme, from admission and onboarding through to completion, serving as a trusted contact for programme-related, administrative and career matters.
  • Develop and coordinate initiatives that help doctoral researchers explore and prepare for career opportunities beyond the PhD.
• IMPRS-UFAST Office and Programme Administration
  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the IMPRS-UFAST Office and coordinate communication, collaboration and networking among doctoral researchers, academic partners and committees, national and international partner institutions, and the MPSD administration.
  • Serve as a member of the IMPRS-UFAST Executive Board and contribute to programme governance by preparing and coordinating meetings, implementing decisions, and overseeing reports, evaluations and programme documentation.
  • Coordinate the programme budget and oversee the website, guidelines, application information, records and communication channels, while contributing to quality assurance, alumni relations, academic networking and the strategic development of IMPRS-UFAST.

Qualifications

• A completed doctorate in the natural sciences; postdoctoral experience is an advantage, but not a requirement.
• A strong understanding of doctoral research, the challenges and opportunities of an academic career, and the German higher-education and research environment.
• A genuine interest in science management and in applying your academic experience and expertise in a broader professional context.
• Strong communication, coordination and project-management skills, demonstrated through experience in research, teaching, mentoring, event organisation or collaborative projects.
• A proactive, independent and structured approach to work, combined with creativity, initiative and a strong ability to work collaboratively.
• Excellent written and spoken English; very good German language skills or a willingness to develop them further are desirable.
• Intercultural sensitivity and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with doctoral researchers, senior scientists, administrative colleagues and external partners.
• Previous experience in science management is an advantage, but not a requirement.

Requirements

• Ready to broaden professional perspective and bring scientific expertise, international experience and organisational strengths into a new professional context.

Benefits

• A varied and rewarding role at the intersection of science, doctoral education, career development and science management.
• An international, interdisciplinary and collegial working environment at the Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld research campus.
• A wide range of training and professional-development opportunities.
• A family-friendly working environment and active support in balancing work, family and personal life.
• A subsidy for the Profiticket as a Germany ticket.
• Attractive remuneration and social benefits in accordance with the German public pay scale (TVöD Bund), depending on qualifications and professional experience.
• Supplementary pension provision through VBL.
• An initial contract for two years, with the possibility of permanent employment thereafter.
• The Max Planck Society is committed to gender equality, diversity and inclusion.

Your application

Please submit the following documents through our online application portal by 26 October 2026.

• A letter of motivation outlining your interest in science management, doctoral training and the development of IMPRS-UFAST.
• Your curriculum vitae.
• Copies of your relevant university degrees and doctoral certificate.
• Relevant employment certificates or references.
• A publication list, if applicable.

For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Neda Lotfiomran ( [email protected] ).

Detailed information about the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter can be found at http://www.mpsd.mpg.de .

We look forward to your application.