Scientist (m/f/d) for science communication in the field of environmental research

Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V.; Jena; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research organization in Jena is seeking a creative Scientist for science communication in environmental research. You will develop innovative communication formats to engage local communities with scientific findings. The role requires a university degree in relevant fields and proven science communication experience. This part-time position focuses on outreach within Thuringia and demands strong networking skills in both German and English.

Leistungen

Dynamic working environment

Collaboration with renowned research teams

Remuneration according to TVöD

Qualifikationen

• Proven experience in science communication, ideally in ecological, climate, or transformation research.
• Experience in translating research findings into accessible communication.

Aufgaben

• Develop innovative formats for science communication.
• Engage with the local community to stress the importance of research.
• Coordinate outreach projects with researchers.

Kenntnisse

Creativity in developing innovative communication formats

Strong communication skills

Networking experience

Ability to work in a team

German at near-native level

English proficiency

Ausbildung

University degree in biology, chemistry, anthropology, forestry, or related subjects

Doctorate preferred

Jobbeschreibung

The Max Planck Society is one of Europe\'s leading research organizations and conducts basic research in the natural sciences, life sciences, and humanities. The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena carries out fundamental research on how organisms communicate with each other via chemical signals. We analyze ecological interactions with molecular, chemical and neurobiological techniques. In the Institute, organic chemists, biochemists, ecologists, entomologists, behavioral scientists, insect geneticists and physiologists work in collaboration to unravel the complexity of chemical communication that occurs in nature.

The Max Planck Institutes for Geoanthropology, Chemical Ecology, and Biogeochemistry, all located in Jena, are jointly establishing a new position for a dedicated and creative scientist specializing in science communication.

Scientist (m/f/d) for science communication in the field of environmental research

Job Description

You develop innovative, target-group-oriented formats for science communication to bring findings from geoanthropology, chemical ecology and biogeochemistry, directly to society, particularly people working in agriculture and forestry and schools in Thuringia. The goal is to stress the importance of basic research to society and engage in dialogue with the local community.

Your tasks in detail:

• Developing and implementing new, dialogue-oriented communication formats, such as mobile exhibitions, hands-on activities in schools, forest days, and local information events.
• Building and maintaining robust networks with stakeholders from agriculture and forestry, educational institutions, local authorities, and civil society.
• Translating current research findings into accessible and locally relevant forms of communication.
• Planning and implementing events on site in Thuringia - not at the institutes
• Close cooperation with researchers from the three Max Planck Institutes and coordination of joint outreach projects

Your Profile

• University degree in biology, chemistry, anthropology, forestry, or related subjects (doctorate preferred)
• Proven experience in science communication, ideally in ecological, climate, or transformation research
• Creativity in developing innovative communication formats
• Ability to prepare scientific content in an accessible and target-group-specific manner for ordinary citizens.
• Strong communication skills, ability to work in a team, and a proactive attitude
• Experience in networking and a desire to interact directly with the public
• Willingness to travel within Thuringia; a driver\'s license (class B) is an advantage
• German at least at a near-native level and English proficiency

We offer

• A responsible and varied role at the intersection of cutting-edge research and society
• The opportunity to play an active role in shaping the field of science communication
• Close links to three internationally renowned Max Planck Institutes
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary research teams
• A dynamic working environment with flat hierarchies and creative freedom
• Remuneration in accordance with TVöD (the German collective agreement for civil servants), depending on qualifications and experience

Place of work: Jena (with a main focus of activities in Thuringia)
Job Scope: Part-time (30-35 hours per week)
Contract Duration: Initially two years

The Max Planck Society is committed to gender equality and diversity and actively supports the reconciliation of work and family life. We want to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. The Max Planck Society has also set itself the goal of employing more persons with severe disabilities. We therefore encourage them to apply. We also welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Application deadline: October 5, 2025

Contact for inquiries:
Dr. Karin Groten, [e-mail] or Angela Overmeyer [e-mail]

If we have sparked your interest, please submit your complete application documents (cover letter, résumé, relevant certificates, and work samples from communication projects, if applicable) as a single PDF.

Website: www.ice.mpg.de