The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) conducts research to understand the principles of perception, action, and learning in natural and artificial systems that successfully interact with complex environments.

The Haptic Intelligence department of the institute focuses on understanding haptic (touch-based) interaction by both humans and robots. We draw expertise from biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, cognitive science, and other fields. Our current projects range from basic research on the sense of touch to applications in human-computer interaction and human-robot interaction.

We are looking for a:

Team Assistant (m/f/div) 50-100%

Our team unites people from around the world who thrive in an international environment and enjoy pursuing interdisciplinary research. The variety of projects that we conduct makes our work atmosphere highly dynamic and diverse. The department is looking for an enthusiastic and curious new team member to support our Director (Dr. Katherine J. Kuchenbecker) and our team of about 40 people, including other central staff, postdoctoral researchers, doctoral students, master’s and bachelor’s thesis students, interns, student assistants, and visitors.


Roles & Responsibilities

    • Support Dr. Kuchenbecker with department coordination tasks such as organizing team meetings and assigning offices
    • Act as the main liaison between the institute’s administration and the department
    • Be responsible for the administrative preparation of the hiring of new team members as well as for their onboarding
    • Provide general support to the team regarding both work at the institute and living in Germany in general
    • Carefully translate research-related documents from English to German
    • Verbally translate between English and German during public events such as Girls Day or Open House
    • Support the hosting of scientific visitors by posting visitor talk information on the institute website, planning visitor agendas, and assisting with travel planning
    • Support Dr. Kuchenbecker with planning, booking and reimbursement of her business travel
    • Organize department events such as scientific retreats

Education & Experience

    We are looking for a reliable, diligent and trustworthy person who is eager to join a dynamic international working environment. The Max Planck Society guarantees equal opportunity to all qualified applicants.

    Applicants should

    • be trained as a foreign language secretary or hold an equivalent qualification or course of study
    • have excellent communication skills in English (spoken and written), as English is the working language of the department
    • have excellent communication skills in German (spoken and written)
    • have good knowledge of common computer applications
    • be familiar with working in an international and intercultural environment
    • have work experience with similar tasks and responsibilities; any previous work experience in a research environment would be advantageous
    • have a friendly and service-oriented work attitude

Our offer:

We offer interesting, challenging, and varied tasks in an active field of research. A dedicated team awaits you in an international environment with regular opportunities for further education and training. The salary is paid in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD Bund) and the collective agreement on the federal pay scale (TV EntgO-Bund), according to your qualifications. This position is initially for 2 years, with the possibility of becoming permanent.

We provide a subsidy for the Deutschland-Jobticket (ÖPNV). Our connection to a day care center and the possibility of mobile working help you to reconcile family and career.

Application:

Your application must be submitted as one PDF and contain a cover letter in English, a curriculum vitae in either German or English and relevant certificates. Please submit your complete application through our application portal.

Inquiries about the position should be sent to Ms. Ilona Jacobi at jacobi@is.mpg.de.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity.

Closing date for applications:

The position will be open until filled.

Applications received by 15.01.2025 will be given preferential treatment.


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