Politikwissenschaftler (m/w/d)

The Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science (Max Planck Gesellschaft, MPG) is a self-governing scientific organization funded by the Federal and State Governments. It conducts basic research in the fields of natural sciences, the humanities and the social sciences in 85 institutes and research units in Germany and abroad.

The MPG consists of three sections: the Biology and Medicine Section, the Chemistry, Physics and Technology Section and the Human Sciences Section. Each section has a Scientific Scouting Officer who supports the respective section and its institutes in identifying the next generation of leading researchers.

For the Human Sciences Section, the Administrative Headquarters of the MPG are now seeking a:

Scientific Scouting Officer (all genders) -

80% part-time initially, with a potential full-time transition effective 1 January 2029

(Reference Number 63/26)

to start as early as possible.

The Section includes a range of disciplines, notably the History of Art, Anthropology, Demography, Economics, the History of Science, Law, Neurosciences, Political Sciences, Psychology, and Sociology.

Proactive and systematic identification of outstanding scientists to support the Human Sciences Section and its Core and Appointment Commissions

Building and analyzing candidate pools, generating appropriate statistics

Using various talent acquisition tools, including but not limited to internet sourcing, data mining, social media, networking at national and international conferences, as well as other creative methods to identify outstanding candidates

Analyzing candidate lists generated through nomination calls

Implementing, maintaining and further developing candidate databases together with the two Scouting Officers of the other section

Attending international conferences, participating in public outreach to promote the MPG

Complementing the current scouting team and actively participating in constantly developing the team’s scouting concept, tackling human sciences-oriented as well as interdisciplinary scouting projects

Doctoral degree in one of the scientific disciplines of the Human Sciences Section and several years of postdoctoral experience

Education and/or postdoctoral research abroad, ideally for several years

In-depth knowledge of the German and international research landscape (including organizational and research-specific framework conditions)

Proven scientific track record and demonstrated knowledge of the respective scientific community

General interest in a broad range of scientific subjects covered in the Human Sciences Section and ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new areas of research

Solution-oriented, service-driven, creative and open-minded working style

Excellent proficiency in English (written and spoken, level C1-C2) and good proficiency in German (minimum level B2)

Excellent interpersonal communication and networking skills, in order to interact with and coordinate partners with diverse professional and multicultural backgrounds

Experience in working with AI applications or a willingness to learn how to use such systems

Willingness to adopt flexible working hours, as well as taking part in regular business travel in Germany and abroad

Experience in scouting/recruiting scientists would be desirable

You will gain fascinating insights into the outstanding research at our Max Planck Institutes.

You will help to identify the next generation of outstanding scientists for the MPG by directly interacting with its leadership and directors.

As a member of the Section Office, you will cooperate with the department "Institutes" at the Administrative Headquarters of the MPG.

You will obtain an excellent overview of the entire spectrum of scientific administration and the structure of the German research landscape.

We are offering a payment up to salary level 14 of the collective wage agreement for the civil service (TVöD Bund) as well as various benef...