Job description:

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: "Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

The following position is available in the Administrative Department at the GFZ across the teams Human Resources and Finances:

Reference Number 10388 Your responsibilities:

• Coordination of the workflows in the secretariat as well as business transactions for personnel and finances (e.g. appointment coordination, telephone, post and email communication, file management, information research); support of the crisis team
• Contact person for internal and external enquiries; correspondence in German and English, including independent translations and maintenance of the internet and intranet pages in both languages
• Independent organisation of meetings, creating presentations and taking minutes
• Preparation of reports, statistics, surveys and support in quality and document management
• Organisation of business trips and events (e.g. working groups in the Helmholtz Association, company-run, blood donation appointments, departmental retreats), including welcoming guests
• Ordering and administration of office supplies, IT equipment, occupational safety equipment and services
• Support with onboarding and offboarding for the Human Resources and Finance departments, as well as coordination of the assistance group at the research centre
• Assistance with applications (e.g. housing assistance, company daycare centres) and coordination of the parent-child office
• Assistance with job advertisements and internship contracts for the Human Resources and Finance departments

Your qualifications:

• Completed commercial or administrative training, ideally as a foreign language secretary or similar; multilingual skills are an advantage
• A foreign language certificate or equivalent (English, B2 level)
• Several years of professional experience as an assistant to a head of department or similar, preferably in an international and interdisciplinary context
• Bilingual in German and English, one language business fluent, the other very good; additional languages an advantage
• Confident use of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Adobe applications; knowledge of CMS (e.g. TYPO3)
• Strong sense of integrity, coordination and communication skills, as well as a service-oriented and precise working style
• Independent, result-oriented and discreet work style; high flexibility, ability to work under pressure, quick comprehension and ability to learn new methods independently
• Professional experience in science management or public administration is an advantage

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunities
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
• Institute day-care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
  

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 2 years (with option of a permanent contract)
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 8 according to "TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam Have we piqued your interest?If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 21st September 2025 . Required documents: CV and cover letter Desirable documents: referencesPlease use our online application form only.

The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer.

"Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We among others do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Beate Kessler via email or telephone +49 (0) 331-6264-1611. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.