Scientific Scouting Officer

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.

Your responsibilities

• 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

Your profile

• Doctoral degree in one of the scientific disciplines of the Human Sciences Section and ideally 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

Our offer

• 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 benefits.

This position is permanent and 80% part-time initially, with a potential full-time transition effective 1 January 2029. You will be based at the Administrative Headquarters of the MPG, located in the centre of Munich.

We offer a supportive work environment with flexible schedules, remote work options, and work-life balance. We invest in your professional growth through personalized development opportunities, health promotion programmes, and a company pension plan. Additional benefits include discounted public transportation passes and full access to standard public sector social benefits.

The Max Planck Society has set a goal of employing more people with severe disabilities. Applications from people with severe disabilities are expressly encouraged. The Max Planck Society is committed to gender equality and diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Have we piqued your interest?

If you are interested, please send your complete online application (Reference Number 63/26), including a personalized cover letter, to our human resources department, indicating your possible starting date. We look forward to getting to know you.

Application deadline: 2 October 2026

MAX-PLANCK-SOCIETY
for the Advancement of Science e. V.
Administrative Headquarters
Abteilung Personal und Personalrecht

www.mpg.de