Academic jobs in Germany

Strategic Initiatives

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association aims to transform tomorrow’s medicine through our discoveries of today. At locations in Berlin‑Buch, Berlin‑Mitte, Heidelberg and Mannheim, our scientists collaborate across disciplines to unravel the complexities of disease at the systems level – from molecules and cells to organs and entire organisms. Through strong academic, clinical, and industry partnerships, as well as global networks, we translate biological insights into innovations for early detection, individualized therapies, and disease prevention. Founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center is home to a vibrant community of 1,800 people from more than 70 countries.

The MDC is committed to improving human health through transformative biomedical research. We are looking for a dynamic and motivated science strategy manager to develop and shape our bioengineering and precision prevention strategic areas. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to new research directions, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and strengthen national and international partnerships at one of Europe’s leading biomedical research centers.

Reporting to the Head of the Strategic Initiatives unit and working closely with the MDC Scientific Director, the Strategy team and MDC faculty members, you will play a key role in developing and implementing initiatives at the interface of biology, AI, engineering and medicine. You will be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team, contributing to the MDC’s vision of advancing human health through data-driven, interdisciplinary science and systems medicine.

• Supporting the Scientific Director in developing and implementing institutional and scientific strategy.
• Researching strategically relevant topics and co-developing concepts for new initiatives (e.g., in bioengineering and precision prevention).
• Contributing to the establishment of major research infrastructures (such as our recent Center for AI-Accelerated Molecular Innovations in Medicine).
• Monitoring scientific developments at the MDC, within Helmholtz, and at external institutions to identify synergies and opportunities.
• Coordinating the planning, organization, and execution of strategic workshops and events.
• Contributing to cross-cutting Helmholtz initiatives (e.g., Biomedical Engineering Initiative, Health Prevention Task Force).
• Supporting the development of new strategic partnerships at regional, national, and international levels.
• Assisting with third-party funding proposals in collaboration with MDC faculty and internal units (e.g., Innovation & Entrepreneurship).
• Preparing internal strategic documents, reports, workshop summaries, and contributing to scientific communication.
• Summarizing, presenting, and visualizing organizational data and indicators for various communication formats.

Advanced university degree (Master’s) in life sciences, medicine, or bioengineering, plus a PhD in a related field.
Professional experience in these areas is beneficial but not mandatory.

• Strategic thinker with a broad scientific background and interest in shaping bioengineering and precision prevention strategies.
• Skilled in collaborating with key opinion leaders, synthesizing ideas, proposing solutions, and contributing to forward-looking strategies.
• Experienced in writing scientific concept papers and grant proposals, evaluating research, and identifying emerging fields.
• Comfortable working in international research environments and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Experienced in managing complex, multidisciplinary projects, including organizing workshops and events.
• Able to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Fluent in English; German proficiency is beneficial but not required.
• Enthusiastic, collaborative, and equipped with strong interpersonal skills.
• Motivated to work in a multicultural, diverse, and inclusive environment.

• International working environment with communication in English and German
• Interesting career opportunities and a range of opportunities for further qualification and training
• Compatibility of family and career certified by the workandfamily audit ("berufundfamilie audit")
• Support for "New Berliners" through the MDC Welcome & Family Office

• A remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD Bund), including additional company pension schemes
• A secure job
• Flexible working hours and childcare support
• The possibility of mobile working
• An idyllic green campus, which is easily accessible by bicycle, public transport or car
• Free use of Nextbike from the Buch S-Bahn station to the campus
• Subsidy for the job ticket as well as discounts in the campus canteen
• On-campus health and fitness center
• Additional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye tests, ergonomics advice at the workplace

Remuneration according to TVöD Bund, depending on the candidate’s previous experience, up to pay grade E13.

Full Time
The regular working hours amount to 39 hours per week.

April 01, 2026

Fixed Term
Initial contract for 2 years with the possibility of a permanent position upon evaluation.

January 20, 2026

Excellence in science and innovation depends on a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment. At the Max Delbrück Center, we are committed to creating such a space — one where individuals from all backgrounds can grow scientifically, professionally, and personally. As a values-driven research institute, we recognize that diversity of thought, experience, and identity is essential to our mission: advancing biomedical research to transform tomorrow’s medicine. We foster a culture of curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and shared responsibility for equity and openness. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, especially those who bring new perspectives and a collaborative spirit to our international team. Applicants are considered based on qualifications and experience, free from discrimination. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with disabilities and will ensure appropriate support is provided.

Stan Gorski
Strategic Initiatives
stan.gorski@mdc-berlin.de

Please use our online portal and submit your application including a cover letter, CV (without photo, age and information about your family status) and other relevant attachments.

If you have a foreign degree, please submit proof of the recognition of your Master's degree in Germany with your application. The proof can be determined via the anabin database and can be submitted as a PDF attachment to the application. Further information can be found at Recognition of Degrees and Achievements.

For information on fair mobility, click here: www.fair-labour-mobility.eu.

MDC Berlin-Buch
Robert-Rössle-Straße 10
13125 Berlin
www.mdc-berlin.de