Information and Publications Manager (m/f/d)

Max Planck Society; Jena; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work hours

Remote up to 2 days/week

Pension plan (VBL)

Job summary

The Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) in Jena invites applications for an Information and Publications Manager (m/f/d) for a 2-year term with potential for a permanent position. The role focuses on professional management of the joint library and information service and on advancing research data management and Open Science.

Starting April 2027, the position emphasizes training researchers in AI-assisted tools, licensing, and digital publication workflows, with hybrid work

Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent in information science, library informatics, library science, or related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of research data management and digital services.
• Good knowledge of open access and open science, including licensing.
• Experience with AI-supported tools in scholarly publishing is desirable.
• Experience designing and conducting training courses is an asset.
• Excellent communication and intercultural skills; service orientation.
• Self-initiative, organizational skills, and responsibility.
• Strong IT skills and enthusiasm for new technologies.
• Strong teamwork and coordination skills.
• Excellent written and spoken German and English.

Responsibilities

• Professional management of the joint library and information service for MPI-BGC and MPI-CE.
• Design and implement research data management across institutes; provide consulting and training.
• Consult and train on digital tools and AI applications in research and publication processes.
• Develop guidelines for AI use in research.
• Support library tasks including publications management and collection.
• Promote Open Science and Open Access; advise on licenses.
• Act as interface between Directorate, research coordination, IT, and research departments.
• Assist in preparing institute reports.
• Represent the LIS in MPG-wide networks and with central institutions.

Skills

Research data management

Open access & open science

AI tools usage

Training course design

Communication skills

IT skills

Teamwork & coordination

German & English proficiency

Education

University degree in information science / library informatics

Tools

AI tools for scholarly publication

Job description

Organisation & Administration Jena

Microbiology & Ecology Earth Sciences and Climate Research

Job Code: 11/2026

Job Offer from October 29, 2026

The Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) in Jena is dedicated to interdisciplinary fundamental research in the field of Earth system sciences with a focus on climate and ecosystems. The internationally renowned institute, which currently employs around 250 people, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. Jena is known for its high-tech industry, internationally renowned research institutions and a modern university, but it also has a beautiful natural setting in the green Saale valley with steep limestone slopes. The city of Jena has an active student scene and a diverse cultural life. We are seeking an Information and Publications Manager (m/f/d) for a 2-year term with the option of a permanent position thereafter. Join us in shaping the future of scientific information services!

Background and position description

The Library and Information Service (LIS) of the Max Planck Institutes for Chemical Ecology (MPI-CE) and Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) supports researchers at both institutes with high-quality information services, as well as consulting on scientific publishing, open access, and research data management. As a shared service unit for both institutes and part of the research coordination, we offer a dynamic work environment. Starting in April 2027, we are seeking a highly motivated candidate to join our three-person team as Information and Publications Manager. The position is being advertised as a planned succession due to retirement; a comprehensive, structured onboarding process led by the current position holder is planned.

Your tasks

• Professional management and further development of the joint library and information service of MPI-BGC and MPI-CE (LIS)
• Design, implementation, and ongoing development of research data management (RDM) at both institutes, including individual consulting and training for researchers and scientific service groups
• Consulting and training on digital tools and AI applications in the research and publication process (literature search and management, manuscript preparation, databases)
• Further development of internal guidelines on the use of AI in research
• Support with library tasks, such as the management of institute publications and collection
• Active promotion of Open Science, including consultation on Open Access and licenses
• Serving as an interface between the Directorate, research coordination, institute-internal services (especially IT), and research departments regarding the topics mentioned above
• Support in the preparation of institute reports
• Representation in MPG-wide networks and exchange with central institutions

Your profile

• A university degree, ideally in information science, library informatics, library science, or a related discipline, or in a STEM field combined with relevant additional qualifications or professional experience
• In-depth knowledge of research data management and relevant digital services
• Good knowledge of open access and open science, including licensing
• Practical experience with digital tools for the scholarly publication process, particularly AI-supported tools, is desirable
• Experience in designing and conducting training courses is an asset
• Excellent communication skills, intercultural competence, and a service-oriented mindset
• Self-initiative, organizational skills, and a strong sense of responsibility
• Strong IT skills and enthusiasm for new technologies
• Strong teamwork and coordination skills
• Excellent written and spoken German and English

Our Offer

We offer you a wide range of opportunities to shape your role in a modern and innovative work environment. Through flexible work hours and the option to work remotely up to two days a week after completing your training, we promote an optimal work-life balance. Compensation is based on the TVöD Bund collective bargaining agreement and includes a company pension plan (VBL). In addition, we support your professional and personal development through numerous continuing education and training opportunities. Part-time work is generally possible. The position will be evaluated and graded following the collective agreement according to TVöD Bund; in addition, we will provide a pension plan based on the public service (VBL).

The Max Planck Society (MPS) strives for gender equality and diversity. The MPS aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore explicitly encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from all fields. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged.