About the opportunity
The University of Cologne is seeking an Administrative Assistant / Secretary (f/m/d) to join the Institute of Biochemistry within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Working in the research group led by Prof. Dr. Günter Schwarz, the position supports academic and administrative operations across research in metabolism and neurobiochemistry, as well as degree programs in biochemistry and molecular medicine. Primary duties include human resources processing, university and third-party fund management via SAP, travel organization and reimbursement, event coordination, academic course administration, and general secretarial duties.
Salary and benefits
- Permanent employment contract starting February 1, 2027
- Remuneration up to pay grade TV-L Entgeltgruppe 8 (subject to personal and collective bargaining prerequisites)
- Full-time position (39.83 hours per week) with divisible/sharable full-time options
- Flexible working hour models
- Support with work-life balance and family integration
- Extensive continuing education and professional development opportunities
- Comprehensive occupational health management programs
Who can apply?
- Successfully completed vocational training in administrative or commercial fields, or equivalent skills and professional experience
- Solid knowledge and practical experience with computers and standard office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Experience in higher education and financial resource administration (especially SAP) is highly desirable
- Very good spoken and written German language skills, along with good spoken and written English skills
- Strong organizational capabilities, accountability, and independent working style
- Friendly, approachable, and professional demeanor
Required documents
- Comprehensive application documents
- Proof/certificates verifying sought qualifications and education
- Submission without an application photograph
When to apply
- Application deadline: November 6, 2026
- Position start date: February 1, 2027
How to apply
- Submit your complete application online through the official University of Cologne job portal (jobportal.uni-koeln.de)
- Reference job advertisement number TUV2610-01 in your submission
- Ensure documents do not contain an application photo
- Direct any procedural or position questions to Dr. Franziska Neuser at f.neuser@uni-koeln.de
Additional information
- Reference number: TUV2610-01
- Working hours: 39.83 hours per week
- Applications from women will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the North Rhine-Westphalia Equal Opportunities Act (LGG NRW)
- Applications are explicitly welcomed regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation and identity
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Experienced administrative and secretarial professionals with prior familiarity handling SAP finance tools or higher education administration in Germany
- Candidates possessing strong German fluency paired with practical working English in an international university setting
- Organized administrators seeking long-term stability via a permanent German public service (TV-L) contract
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires on-site administrative and reception duties in Cologne, Germany, operating under a standard 39.83-hour week
- High proficiency in written and spoken German is required for day-to-day administrative documentation and student/faculty interactions
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position offers an immediate opportunity to secure a permanent, public-sector administrative career within a leading European research university. It is well suited for administrative staff seeking predictable public service salary structures, professional development, and family-friendly flexible working arrangements.
Our take
A prime opportunity for German-speaking administrative specialists and office managers with commercial or vocational training looking for a permanent post in higher education administration. It is not suitable for applicants seeking remote-only employment or those without professional working proficiency in German.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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