The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association aims to transform tomorrow’s medicine through our discoveries of today. At locations in Berlin-Buch, Berlin-Mitte, Heidelberg and Mannheim, our scientists collaborate across disciplines to unravel the complexities of disease at the systems level – from molecules and cells to organs and entire organisms. Through strong academic, clinical, and industry partnerships, as well as global networks, we translate biological insights into innovations for early detection, individualized therapies, and disease prevention. Founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center is home to a vibrant community of 1,800 people from more than 70 countries.

The MDC is committed to improving human health through transformative biomedical research. Our goal is to pioneer discoveries for preventing, treating, and ultimately curing disease. The MDC is looking for a dynamic and motivated science manager to develop and shape our bioengineering and precision prevention strategic areas. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to new research directions, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and strengthen national and international partnerships at one of Europe’s leading biomedical research centers.

Reporting to the Head of the Strategic Initiatives unit and working closely with the MDC Scientific Director, the Strategy team and MDC faculty members, you will play a key role in developing and implementing initiatives at the interface of biology, AI, engineering and medicine. You will be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team, contributing to the MDC’s vision of advancing human health through data-driven, interdisciplinary science and systems medicine.

The position supports the MDC Scientific Director in developing and implementing institutional strategies, fostering new scientific initiatives, and advancing strategic partnerships in areas such as bioengineering and precision prevention. The role involves coordinating strategic projects and events, contributing to funding proposals and communications, and monitoring research developments to identify emerging opportunities within the MDC and its networks.

Job Description

Supporting the Scientific Director in developing and implementing institutional and scientific strategy.
Researching strategically relevant topics and co-developing concepts for new initiatives (e.g., bioengineering, precision prevention).
Contributing to the establishment of major research infrastructures (such as AI2M).
Monitoring scientific developments at the MDC, within Helmholtz, and at external institutions to identify synergies and opportunities.
Coordinating the planning, organization, and execution of strategic workshops and events.
Contributing to cross-cutting Helmholtz initiatives (e.g., Biomedical Engineering Initiative, Health Prevention Task Force).
Supporting the development of new strategic partnerships at regional, national, and international levels.
Assisting with third-party funding proposals in collaboration with MDC faculty and internal units (e.g., Innovation & Entrepreneurship).
Preparing internal strategic documents, reports, workshop summaries, and contributing to scientific communication.
Summarizing, presenting, and visualizing organizational data and indicators for various communication formats.

Requirements

Advanced university degree (Master’s) in life sciences, medicine, or bioengineering, plus a PhD in a related field.

Professional experience in these areas is beneficial but not mandatory.

Desired profile

Strategic thinker with a broad scientific background and interest in shaping bioengineering and precision prevention strategies.
Skilled in collaborating with key opinion leaders, synthesizing ideas, proposing solutions, and contributing to forward-looking strategies.
Experienced in writing scientific concept papers and grant proposals, evaluating research, and identifying emerging fields.
Comfortable working in international research environments and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
Competent in managing complex, multidisciplinary projects, including organizing workshops and events.
Able to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Fluent in English; German proficiency is an advantage but not required.
Enthusiastic, collaborative, and equipped with strong interpersonal skills.
Motivated to work in a multicultural, diverse, and inclusive environment.

We offer

international working environment with communication in English and German
interesting career opportunities and a range of opportunities for further qualification and training
Compatibility of family and career certified by the workandfamily audit (“berufundfamilie audit”)
Support for "New Berliners" through the MDC Welcome & Family Office

You Also Benefit From

a remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD-Bund), including additional company pension schemes
a secure job
flexible working hours and childcare support
the possibility of mobile working
an idyllic green campus, which is easily accessible by bicycle, public transport or car
free use of Nextbike from the Buch S-Bahn station to the campus
Subsidy for the job ticket as well as discounts in the campus canteen
On-campus health and fitness center
additional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye test, ergonomics advice at the workplace

Max Delbrück Center

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Science Manager Bioengineering & Precision Prevention (m/f/d)