Scientific Coordinator (m/f/d) International Max Planck Research School for Ultrafast Imaging & Structural Dynamics (IMPRS-UFAST) Max-Planck-Institut für Struktur und Dynamik der Materie (MPISD)
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. The 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)
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.
Your application
Please submit the below-mentioned documents through our online application portal by 26 October, 2026.
Application documents:
- a letter of motivation outlining your interest in science management, doctoral training and the development of IMPRS-UFAST
- your curriculum vitae
- copies of your relevant university degrees and doctoral certificate
- relevant employment certificates or references
- a publication list, if applicable
For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Neda Lotfiomran (neda.lotfiomran@mpsd.mpg.de). Detailed information about the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter can be found at https://www.mpsd.mpg.de.
We look forward to your application.
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