About the opportunity
The Chair of Materials Discovery and Interfaces at the Institute for Materials is seeking a temporary Postdoctoral Scientific Coordinator (m/f/d) to manage central tasks for the Collaborative Research Center SFB 1625 (“Atomic-scale understanding and design of multifunctional mixed crystal surfaces with complex chemical composition”). The coordinator will support the spokesperson, board, and project leaders, facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, organize events (meetings, workshops, colloquia), assist with the project proposal for the second funding period, and contribute to public relations and the SFB’s research.
Salary and benefits
- Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of personal responsibility
- Employment at one of Germany's largest universities within the University Alliance Ruhr
- Qualified onboarding and collaboration in a dedicated, appreciative team
- Opportunities for flexible working arrangements (mobile work and telecommuting)
- Remuneration according to the TV-L E13 pay scale of the German public service collective agreement
- Free language courses (German and English) provided by the university
- No teaching obligations if funding is derived exclusively from external third-party sources
Who can apply?
- A very well-completed university degree in an engineering or natural science discipline, along with a completed PhD
- Profound experience in science management and scientific collaborative projects (ideally DFG-SFB, research groups, or comparable large-scale projects such as EU)
- Strong understanding of interdisciplinary research
- Excellent German and English language skills, with proficiency in digital work and communication formats
- High level of initiative, structured working style, and strong implementation skills in complex processes
- Confident demeanor and strong communication skills for interacting with partners in science, administration, and external organizations
- Organizational talent, assertiveness, high resilience, stress tolerance, and goal-oriented working style
- Ability to moderate complex interactions
Required documents
- Complete and informative application documents uploaded as a single PDF file, including:
- Cover letter (motivation letter)
- Curriculum vitae (CV) with certificates
- Complete list of publications
- The three most important publications
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by September 29, 2026
How to apply
- Apply online via the official application portal using the reference number (ANR) 6075
- Upload all required documents as a single PDF document
- For inquiries, contact S. Thienhaus at +49 234 32 29972
Additional information
- The position is temporary until September 30, 2027, as a parental leave replacement (Elternzeitvertretung)
- The position is full-time, but part-time is possible upon request
- The place of work is Bochum, Germany
- The Staff Council (Personalrat) has the right to participate in all selection interviews and can secure participation in the entire process upon request (contact wpr@rub.de)
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum is an equal opportunity employer and explicitly encourages applications from women and individuals with disabilities
- Application costs (travel, accommodation, loss of earnings, etc.) for interviews cannot be reimbursed
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…
- PhD holders with experience in science management or large-scale collaborative research projects.
- Professionals with strong organizational and communication skills capable of moderating interdisciplinary interactions.
- Individuals comfortable navigating complex administrative and research processes.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a temporary position serving as a parental leave replacement, ending September 30, 2027.
- The role requires high resilience and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders, including board members and project leaders.
- Applicants should confirm if their professional background in engineering or natural sciences aligns with the specific needs of the SFB 1625 center.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is a great fit for someone looking to pivot from pure research into science management or coordination. It provides a unique vantage point into how large-scale, DFG-funded research centers operate, which is excellent experience for a career in academic administration or research leadership.
Our take
An excellent opportunity for experienced researchers looking to transition into a coordination role, though less suitable for those seeking a permanent research-focused career.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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