Scientific Advisor (f/m/div) “China Competence”

Scientific Advisor (f/m/div) “China Competence”

The Max Planck Society is a self-governing scientific organization funded by the German federal and state governments. The MPG conducts basic research in the natural sciences and humanities across 84 institutes and research centers in Germany and abroad, making it one of the leading international research institutions with numerous Nobel Prize winners in its ranks.

The “International Relations” unit in the Research Policy and External Relations Department is accepting applications for a two-year position. The position will consist of 39 hours per week in Berlin and begin as soon as possible.

Scientific Advisor (f/m/div) “China Competence”
(reference number 149/24)

The People’s Republic of China is the Max Planck Society’s strongest research partner in Asia. As a scientific advisor, you will assist the Unit for International Relations to develop support services for MPG scientists. Your core task will require you to conduct in-depth scientific research and analyses in Chinese and English. At the same time, you will be responsible for the establishment of services for the researchers, the MPG management, and the MPI administrations. The position is associated with the Lise Meitner Research Group “China in the Global System of Science” at the MPI for the History of Science.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Development of services and support for MPG researchers who collaborate with partners in China
• Advising MPG researchers in the process of cooperating with China
• Preparation of assessments in addition to the formal legal reviews of the legal department, based on the most important publicly available information (specifically in Chinese)
• Monitoring relevant developments in the Chinese science system and in China’s science policy
• Supporting the preparations for decision-making processes of the MPG China Council
• Collecting the knowledge gained at the Max Planck institutes and by researchers and communicating it via the MPG China Portal and in (digital) workshop formats

Who you are

• Graduate degree (PhD) in a natural or technical science subject or in the field of China or social sciences, ideally with knowledge of the Chinese research landscape in the natural and technical sciences
• Extensive knowledge of the political system of the People’s Republic of China and the structures of the Chinese science system
• Experience in academic communication as well as communication with scientific partners in China
• Ability to evaluate Chinese language sources
• Project work experience, i.e. conception and implementation of independent projects, scientific analyses, and the dissemination of research results in various formats and for different target groups
• Experience in public relations work
• Interest in familiarizing yourself with new, research-policy relevant international topics
• Very good organizational and conceptual skills as well as a service-oriented approach
• Ability to work in a team, communication skills and stress resistance, as well as a high degree of self-motivation
• Willingness to travel
• Fluency in written and spoken Chinese and English; knowledge of German is not essential

What we offer

As part of a fixed-term employment contract limited to two years, we offer you a salary up to salary group 14 TVöD (federal government) and various social benefits, depending on your qualifications and professional experience. You can find non-binding information on salary in the public service pay scale (TVöD Bund). The office in Berlin is easily accessible by public transport.

What you can expect from us

• Support for a balanced work and family life through flexible working time
• Personal development offers through a wide range of individual training measures and a comprehensive range of health programs and a company pension scheme
• Discounted tickets for the use of local public transport
• Social benefits from the public service (federal government)
• Remote work is limited possible

The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more people living with severe disabilities. Applications from people living with severe disabilities are explicitly encouraged. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Job details

Title: Scientific Advisor (f/m/div) “China Competence”

Published: 2024-12-30

Application Deadline: 2025-01-19 23:59 (Europe/Berlin)