The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research seeks a

Scientific Coordinator for PhD Programme

The Max-Planck-Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) together with the University of Cologne and Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf organises a structured Ph.D. programme as part of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) on

“Understanding complex plant traits using computational and evolutionary approaches”.

We seek a scientist with an interest in science management to act as a coordinator of the IMPRS and the MPIPZ Graduate School. The coordinator will be responsible for developing links with other graduate schools in the region including those of the Centre of Excellence in Plant Science (CEPLAS) and the University of Cologne. The successful applicant will be responsible for the international recruitment and selection of students, organization and coordination of teaching courses, organizing scientific symposia, as well as creating an inspiring working environment for students. There will be a part time secretarial assistance helping with administrative items and social media work.

Candidates should have excellent organizational skills and training in molecular biology, biochemistry, evolutionary biology, computational biology or a related discipline and interest in interdisciplinary research, and training of young researchers. Expertise in molecular plant sciences are desirable but not essential. We expect excellent communication skills in English while ability to communicate in German would be an advantage. The successful candidate will also have excellent interpersonal skills and will be required to routinely interact with students, researchers and administrators at all levels both inside and outside the institute. Good IT skills are also desirable.

The position is available immediately. Payment and benefits are according to E 13 TVöD. The position will initially be limited to three years with the possibility of renewal.

The Max-Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Please send your detailed application as a single pdf file to the address below by 29th September 2017 including a Curriculum vitae and a cover letter describing your motivation for applying for this position.

Ms von Ciriacy-Wantrup, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, “PhD programme Coordinator”, Carl-von-Linne-Weg 10, 50829 Köln, Email: ciriacy@mpipz.mpg.de