Technical Assistant (m/f/d) | Drylandproject

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 230 people, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2022. Jena is known for high-tech industry, internationally renowned research institutions and a modern university, but 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. For the research group Dryland Ecosystem Processes in the Department of Biogeochemical Processes, we are inviting applications for a Technical Assistant Drylandproject (m/f/d) in part time with 65% until 2025 December 31, with possible extension.

Background and position description

In the framework of a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary project between the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), we are looking for a technical assistant to coordinate and conduct analysis of plant and soil samples from dryland ecosystems. These data will contribute to improving our understanding and predictions of dryland carbon cycles under global environmental change, such as rising CO2 and temperature, and thus facilitating sustainable development of dryland ecosystem services

Your tasks

• Participate in field sampling campaigns
• Preparation and analysis of plant samples for functional traits
• Supervision of interns, students, student assistants

Your profile

• Successfully completed vocational training as a technical assistant or comparable qualifications
• Laboratory experience in processing and analysis of plant samples
• Ability to work in a team
• English and German communication and coordination skills

Our offer

• Work in the attractive international environment of an interdisciplinary research institute of the Max Planck Society as well as in a friendly and team-oriented working environment
• Participation in a strongly interdisciplinary research project across MPI and CAS institutions
• Regular participation in modern career-oriented training and further education opportunities
• Use of company prevention offers in the health sector
• Use of the Dual Career Network and other campus offers

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 a s names and contact information of two references summarised in a PDF file (max. 10 MB) by e-mail to bewerbung@bgc-jena.mpg.de or to the

Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie
Personalbüro: Kennwort “08/2024 ”
Hans-Knöll-Straße 10
07745 Jena

by May 20, 2024, quoting the reference number 08/2024. 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.

Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Jianbei Huang (hjianbei@bgc-jena.mpg.de) for details about the position. 

We look forward to receiving your application!