Reference Number
10520
Department 1 "Geodesy" unites five scientific sections of the GFZ. The successful candidate will manage the department together with the responsible Department Director. The aim of the position is to create the best possible framework for scientific excellence by providing information, advising employees, steering and shaping processes. Key tasks include the management and strategic organisation of resources (personnel, finances, scientific infrastructures) and cooperation as well as the strategic development of the department. To this end, the Managing Coordinator of Department works closely with the department's other managers, the Executive Board divisions and the GFZ administration. The Managing Coordinator of Department assumes a lateral leadership role. She/he
1. proactively supports the Director in the preparation and implementation of decisions and provides necessary information for this purpose
2. represents the department in various internal committees and supports the implementation of decisions and recommendations as well as all related communication
3. is the central interface (information exchange, controlling, coordination) between the employees of the department and the Management Board and administrative divisions
The department primarily supports the candidate in familiarising him/herself with the complex tasks. In addition, the GFZ and the Helmholtz Association will actively promote further training in line with the candidate's individual needs as part of the function- and needs-based onboarding programme.
Your responsibilities:
4. Preparing and implementing personnel measures, investment applications, applications for third-party funding, infrastructure and resources, including spatial planning
5. Planning and controlling department-related financial and human resources
6. Collecting, processing and evaluating information and deriving tasks and work assignments for different target groups
7. Preparation and follow-up of meetings at department and board level
8. Management of the department's reporting system
9. Collaboration on strategic concepts of the department in line with those of the GFZ, including cross-divisional scientific coordination
10. Development of strategies, concepts and instruments as well as the implementation of suitable measures of the department and its organisational units (sections and working groups) for the promotion of gender equality, the promotion of young scientists, the acquisition of third-party funding and the transfer of technology and knowledge in cooperation with the corresponding executive and administrative areas at the GFZ
Your qualifications:
11. Successfully completed university degree (Master's or comparable), preferably in a geoscientific context (doctorate desirable)
12. Professional experience in financial and budget management as well as practical knowledge of project management
13. Knowledge of the national - and key aspects of the European - science and funding system
14. Strong analytical and strategic mindset
15. Excellent conceptual and organisational skills combined with very good time management
16. Communication and negotiation skills as well as a strong ability to convey complex issues and guidelines in a sensitive and context-specific manner
17. Very good verbal and written communication skills in German and English
18. Commitment, a high degree of initiative and the ability to work in a team as well as independently in a dynamic environment
19. Knowledge of the structures and work processes within the Helmholtz Association and the implementation principles of the Helmholtz Association's programme-oriented research in the research field "Earth and Environment" is an advantage
20. Expertise in research topics of the department "Geodesy"
What we offer:
21. Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
22. State-of-the-art equipment
23. Public service benefits
24. Extensive training opportunities
25. Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
26. Flexible working hours and conditions
27. Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
28. Institute day-care centre on site
29. Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
30. Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
Start date: 1st September 2025
Fixed-term: Initially 2 years (with an option of a permanent contract)
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 14 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?
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 29th June 2025. Please use our online application form only.
Required documents: CV, letter of motivation, job references