Scientific Coordinator (m/f/d) | International Max Planck Research School for Ultrafast Imaging and Structural Dynamics

Max Planck Society; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Germany ticket subsidy

TVöD Bund remuneration

VBL pension

Professional development

Job summary

Max Planck Society, Hamburg, seeks a Scientific Coordinator for the IMPRS-UFAST to advance doctoral training and recruit outstanding international researchers. The role blends academia with program management and requires experience in doctoral education and excellent coordination.

The position focuses on curriculum development, mentoring, and cross-institutional collaboration within the IMPRS-UFAST framework, with opportunities for career growth and international networking.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in natural sciences; postdoctoral experience is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of doctoral research and German higher-education environment.
• Genuine interest in science management and applying academic experience.
• Strong communication, coordination and project-management skills.
• Proactive, independent and structured with collaborative mindset.
• Excellent written and spoken English; good German desirable.
• Intercultural sensitivity and ability to collaborate with researchers and partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate a semester-based curriculum of courses and transferable-skills training.
• Plan and organise workshops, retreats, networking events and career-development activities.
• Regularly evaluate and develop the training program to foster exchange and development.
• Coordinate annual international recruitment and admissions processes.
• Mentor doctoral researchers and support career development.
• Oversee IMPRS-UFAST Office operations and governance.
• Coordinate programme budget and communications, contributing to quality assurance.

Skills

Communication

Coordination

Project management

Education

PhD in natural sciences

Job description

Organisation & Administration Hamburg

Solid State Research & Material Sciences

Job Offer from September 25, 2026

The Max Planck Society is one of the world’s leading research organizations. Its institutes conduct cutting‑edge basic research in the natural sciences, life sciences, social sciences and humanities for the benefit of society. Located in Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld, the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) investigates the properties and dynamics of matter on the elementary timescales of atomic and electronic motion. Its interdisciplinary research combines experimental and theoretical approaches, with a particular focus on ultrafast phenomena, quantum materials and advanced imaging methods. International Max Planck Research School for Ultrafast Imaging & Structural Dynamics (IMPRS-UFAST) is a joint initiative of the MPSD, Universität Hamburg, Deutsches Elektronen‑Synchrotron (DESY) and European XFEL. It provides outstanding doctoral researchers from around the world with a structured and interdisciplinary training environment at the Hamburg‑Bahrenfeld research campus.

To coordinate and further develop this international doctoral program, the 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).

The 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. We are looking for a candidate who understands the opportunities and challenges of doctoral research from personal experience and is motivated to use this knowledge to support and further develop the next generation of international researchers.

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.

Your background and skills

• 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. We particularly welcome candidates with an academic background who are ready to broaden their professional perspective and bring their scientific expertise, international experience and organisational strengths into a new professional context.

Our offer

• A varied and rewarding role at the intersection of science, doctoral education, career development and science management, with scope for initiative, professional growth and the opportunity to contribute your own ideas to the further development of IMPRS-UFAST.
• An international, interdisciplinary and collegial working environment at the Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld research campus, with a modern workplace and opportunities for collaboration across institutions.
• 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. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The Max Planck Society also aims to increase the number of employees with disabilities and therefore expressly encourages applications from qualified individuals with disabilities.

For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Neda Lotfiomran. Detailed information about the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter can be found on its website.

We look forward to your application.