The Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History (MPI-SHH) in Jena was founded in 2014 and is a growing and highly dynamic international research institution.
It consists of three interdisciplinary departments (Archaeology, Archaeogenetics, Linguistic and Cultural Evolution) and several independent research groups whose funding comes from third parties, such as the ERC, BMBF, DFG, among others.
Acquiring and managing third-party funded projects are crucial aspects of our Institute's successful work. To support our researchers in applying for research funding
(ERC, BMBF, DFG, etc.), administrating and managing successfully funded projects,
and in reporting obligations, we are seeking an enthusiastic candidate for the position of
Full-time Grants Coordinator
("Drittmittelkoordinator/in in Vollzeit")
to be filled as soon as possible for an initial duration of up to five years with the option of being extended after that period.
In this role, you will be part of the Scientific Services unit at the MPI-SHH and will work directly with the Scientific Coordinator on enhancing support infrastructures for the
Institute researchers. You will act as a first point of contact for all scientists at different academic levels in all matters relating to grants acquisition and grants management.
You will also work closely with colleagues in administration (accounting, HR, purchase) and in scientific management.
Your profile and skills:
You possess a thorough understanding of the international/European and German research funding environment as well as the processes relating to peer-reviewed research
grant applications. You are familiar with scientific institutions, ideally from previous
experience in scientific management and/or administrative roles within scientific
organizations. You are able to coordinate project financials and project timelines. You are a great communicator in both German and English, and you are able to
write and proof-read financial reports, project applications and engaging dissemination material. You possess a lot of initiative and outstanding organizational
skills. You bring excellent project and time management skills as well as good analytical skills and an affinity for numbers. You have good people skills, intercultural
competence and are a team player. Using MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint competently is natural for you.
Your experience
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Experience in management of third party funded research projects, particularly at European level
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Good finance management experience (ideally experience with accounting systems)
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Experience and knowledge of European funding schemes particularly ERC, Marie Curie, DFG and BMBF
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Experienced in working as the liaison for research between multi-faceted teams and stakeholders
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Experience of devising and updating project plans
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Advantageous: Certificate of "EU Referent/in Forschung" or similar
Your responsibilities
Administrative Project Management
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Administrative management of all externally funded grants and projects, including the set-up of new grants, amendment processes, reporting and audit processes
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Financial controlling and management of budgets (the role will be assisted by the internal Finance department)
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Coordination of scientific and financial reports; reporting to the funders as required and resolving queries.
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Communication with third party funders and all internal departments; you will act as the main administrative point of contact for these grants, for researchers, scientific
management, administration departments, external candidates and third party funders.
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Developing and improving existing workflows for an efficient project-management
New Grants Acquisition
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Information on open calls, workshops and training seminars from several third party providers
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Individual consulting (strategic search for calls which fit MPI-SHH scientific background
)
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Proposal coordination (general and institute-specific text contributions, proofreading,
editing & layout, budget planning)
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Coordination of hosting agreements and associated paperwork with the MPI-SHH Management
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Communicate internal processes and organize in-house training
You will make new calls and funding schemes known to the researchers and will be able to counsel on, or even train, junior scholars in successful grant application writing.
You will manage and maintain oversight of the preparation and costing of research
grant applications, the coordination of award set up for successful awards and the management of post-award in accordance with institute procedures. This will require you to have 'hands-on' involvement in all aspects of the award lifecycle.
What we offer:
We offer an interesting job in a competitive, dynamic, and stimulating international research
environment to start as soon as possible, ideally no later than 15th November. The position is a 100% five-year contract with the option of extension in the case of further Institute success in acquiring new projects and third-party funding. Remuneration
will follow the public service pay scale (TVöD Bund), up to group E10 according to qualifications and experience. In addition, social benefits are paid according to the regulations of the public service.
The MPI-SHH is committed to employing more handicapped individuals and especially encourages them to apply. The MPI-SHH is committed to diversity and gender equality and explicitly encourages women and members of minority groups to apply.
How and when to apply:
Please submit your application, as a single pdf file in English, consisting of the following
documents:
1) a meaningful 1-page letter of motivation indicating your earliest possible entrance date and the channel over which you have heard about the open position
2) your CV
3) relevant certificates and references
Your application is due by 9th October 2018 and is to be submitted by upload via the following link:
https://s-lotus.gwdg.de/mpg/mjws/perso/shh_grants_coordinator.nsf/application
A first round of interviews of the shortlisted candidates is expected to take place on the 17th/18th October. The top candidates from that round will then be invited to
personal interviews to take place presumably
on October 19th at the MPI-SHH. Please be aware that interviews will be held in both English and German.
For any further questions regarding the position advertised or the proposed
recruiting timeline, please contact the Scientific Coordinator Dr. Beate Kerpen (
kerpen@shh.mpg.de).