GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.
The following position is to be filled as soon as possible in the Executive Scientific Department:
Head of the group ‘Projects & International Affairs’ (f_m_x)
Reference Number 10113
The Working Group “Projects & International Affairs (PI)” is part of the team of the Scientific Executive Director and currently comprises 7 staff members. PI is the central contact point for all questions relating to international cooperation, for advice on national, European and international third-party funding and for updating the Executive Board on scientific and geopolitical aspects of internationalisation. The structural and content-related combination of research funding and internationalisation strengthens both areas. Our strategic goal is to maximise the opportunities offered by international research programmes, to initiate new projects and to position ourselves successfully in (inter)national consortia.
Your responsibilities:
- Management of the Working Group “Projects & International Affairs”, including responsibility for the budget and for personnel
- Development and implementation of strategies to strengthen the acquisition of external funding and the internationalisation of our centre
- Further advancement of the integrated approach to international cooperation and research funding by implementing synergetic funding strategies
- Maintaining and developing networks with embassies, ministries, universities and scientific organisations at national, European and international level
- Participation in national and international bodies, such as relevant working groups of the Helmholtz Association or the European Commission
- Planning and implementation of target-group-oriented information events and workshops on third-party funding and internationalisation
- Advising and supporting researchers in applying for third-party funding and establishing international collaborations
Your qualifications:
- A successfully completed scientific university degree (Master's or equivalent), preferably in the geosciences or related natural sciences, combined with an equally successfully completed PhD or comparable professional achievement, e.g. many years as head of a thematically relevant department
- Professional experience in science management, preferably at the interface between research funding and international affairs
- Ideally, experience in human resources management
- Fluent written and spoken German and English
- Good knowledge of the national and international science landscape
- Strong interpersonal skills to ensure successful and effective cooperation with administrative and scientific stakeholders in our centre
- Ability to work in a team, combined with a high degree of self-organisation and initiative
- A willingness and ability to travel in Germany and worldwide is required for the successful realization of the responsibilities
What we offer:
- Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Public service benefits
- Extensive training opportunities
- Flexible working hours and conditions
- Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
- Institute day-care centre on site
- Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
- Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
Fixed-term: 2 years with possibility of a permanent contract (permanent contract from the start for applicants currently working in a permanent position)
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 15 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam
Have we piqued your interest?
The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any questions, please contact our Representative Body for Employees with Disabilities at sbv[at]gfz.de, who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz.de.
“Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We among others do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.
Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.
