The Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) in Jena is dedicated to interdisciplinary fundamental research in the field of Earth system sciences with a focus on climate and ecosystems. The internationally renowned institute, which currently employs around 250 people, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. Jena is known for its high-tech industry, internationally renowned research institutions, and a modern university. Still, it also has a beautiful natural setting in the green Saale valley with steep limestone slopes. The city of Jena has an active student scene and a diverse cultural life. The Department of Biogeochemical Integration is looking for a foreign languages secretary (m/f/d) starting as soon as possible, 17,2 hrs/week.

Background and position description

We're seeking a highly motivated, committed team member with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who enjoys taking on new challenges and acts flexibly and in a solution-oriented manner to support the Department of Biogeochemical Integration. They will be part of the scientific service team and serve as a liaison between the scientific and administrative/technical groups.

Your tasks

• Support in planning, organizing, and executing (inter)national symposia, workshops, and conferences; organizing training courses and lectures
• Organization of business trips: travel planning and booking; preparing travel expense reports for invited national and international researchers and guests
• Oral and written communication and coordination with researchers in English and German
• General office administration and support
• Scheduling and task coordination
• Assisting international staff and guests with all administrative matters and dealings with public offices

Your profile

• Completed training as a foreign language secretary or a comparable qualification
• Excellent organizational skills, high self-motivation, and team spirit
• Excellent command of English and German, both written and spoken
• Absolute reliability and a strong sense of responsibility
• Willingness and interest in learning new skills and competencies
• Very good knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Preferred

• Experience in secretarial work in a research or academic setting
• Experience in organizing academic events

Our offer

This position is limited until February 28, 2027. The position is to be filled as soon as possible. Part-time work is generally possible. The position will be evaluated and graded following the collective agreement according to TVöD Bund; in addition, we will provide a pension plan based on the public service (VBL).

The Max Planck Society (MPS) strives for gender equality and diversity. The MPS aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore explicitly encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from all fields. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged.

Your application

Are you interested? Please send us your application with cover letter, curriculum vitae as well as names and contact information of two references summarised in a PDF file (max. 10 MB) by June 12, 2026, quoting the reference number 04/2026 by e-mail to bewerbung@bgc-jena.mpg.de or to the

Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie
Personalbüro: Kennwort “Fremdsprachensekretär”
Hans-Knöll-Straße 10
07745 Jena
Deutschland

We ask that you do not use application folders, but only submit copies, as your documents will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations after the application process has been completed. We look forward to receiving your application!