Team Assistant (m/f/div) 50-60% (Job Share)

The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) conducts research on intelligent systems that perceive, learn, and interact. Through fundamental research across computational, physical, and social dimensions, they shape artificial intelligence and robotics to advance knowledge and benefit society.

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

They are looking for a:

Team Assistant (m/f/div) 50–60% (job share)

Their team unites people from around the world who thrive in an international environment and enjoy pursuing interdisciplinary research. The variety of projects that they conduct makes their work atmosphere highly dynamic and diverse. The department is looking for an enthusiastic and curious new team member to support their Director (Dr. Katherine J. Kuchenbecker) and their team of about 45 people, including other central staff, postdoctoral researchers, doctoral students, master’s and bachelor’s thesis students, interns, student assistants, and visitors.

Roles and 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
• 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 internal presentations, doctoral defense celebrations, scientific retreats, and holiday parties

Education and experience

They 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 equivalent qualifications or course of study
• be familiar with and enjoy working in an international and intercultural environment
• 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), as German is the working language of the administration
• have good knowledge of common computer applications
• 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

The offer

This position is shared with an experienced colleague, who will provide you with dedicated guidance during your first few months. You will work closely as a team, supporting one another with open communication and a shared commitment to advance the department’s goals.

They offer

• interesting, challenging, and varied tasks in an active field of research
• an international environment
• opportunities for further education and training
• a salary 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 relevant qualifications
• a two-year contract, with the possibility of becoming permanent
• a subsidy for the Deutschland-Jobticket (ÖPNV)
• connection to a day care center and the possibility of working remotely, to help you balance 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 the application portal.

Inquiries about the position should be sent to Ms. Lindsay Nadenau at lnadenau@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.

The position will be open until filled.

Applications received by April 15, 2026, will be given preferential treatment.