🎓 Academic Scientific Coordinator (m/f/d) International Max Planck Research School for Ultrafast Imaging & Stru bei MPI f.Struk.u.Dyn.d.Mat in Hamburg

The Max Planck Society is a world-leading research organization conducting cutting-edge basic research. Located in Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld, the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) investigates matter on elementary timescales. Its interdisciplinary research combines experimental and theoretical approaches, focusing on ultrafast phenomena, quantum materials, and advanced imaging methods. The International Max Planck Research School for Ultrafast Imaging & Structural Dynamics (IMPRS-UFAST) is a joint initiative of MPSD, Universität Hamburg, DESY, and European XFEL, providing outstanding international doctoral researchers with a structured training environment.

MPSD seeks a highly motivated Scientific Coordinator to guide and expand this international doctoral program. This role offers an ideal step into science management, leveraging academic experience to support the next generation of researchers.

Your position

• Training Programme
  • Develop and coordinate a semester-based curriculum of scientific courses and transferable-skills training alongside IMPRS Fellows and Principal Investigators.
  • Organize workshops, retreats, networking events, and career-development activities.
  • Evaluate and refine the training program to promote interdisciplinary exchange.
• Annual International Doctoral Recruitment
  • Manage the international recruitment cycle, from project publishing and application calls to selection symposia and final admissions.
• Doctoral Mentoring and Career Development
  • Guide doctoral candidates from onboarding to graduation as a central contact for academic and career matters.
  • Establish initiatives helping doctoral researchers explore diverse career pathways beyond academia.
• IMPRS-UFAST Office and Programme Administration
  • Direct day-to-day operations of the IMPRS-UFAST Office while strengthening communication across partner institutions and administrative units.
  • Serve on the IMPRS-UFAST Executive Board, coordinate governance meetings, implement decisions, and handle reporting.
  • Manage the budget, oversee digital communication channels, and drive strategic program development.

Your background and skills

- Completed doctorate in natural sciences; postdoctoral experience is beneficial.
- Deep understanding of doctoral research and the German higher-education landscape.
- Strong motivation for science management and applying research experience in a broader organizational context.
- Proven project management, coordination, and communication skills.
- Independent, structured, and collaborative working style with initiative and creativity.
- Excellent written and spoken English; good German skills or readiness to learn.
- Intercultural competence and strong interpersonal skills.

Our offer

- A dynamic role at the intersection of science and management with clear growth potential.
- An international, collaborative working environment at Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld.
- Extensive professional development opportunities.
- Family-friendly policies supporting work-life balance.
- Public transport subsidy (Germany Ticket / Profiticket).
- Remuneration and social benefits according to TVöD Bund public pay scale.
- Supplementary pension plan (VBL).
- Initial two-year contract with permanent employment potential.

Equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion are core values of the Max Planck Society. Applications from qualified individuals with disabilities are explicitly encouraged.

Your application

Please submit your application documents online including motivation letter, CV, university certificates, and reference letters.