Student Assistant Position (m/f/d) | Max Planck Research Group Biosocial

Job Offer valid until March 16, 2026

The Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin is an internationally oriented research institute. We want to understand how and why humans develop differently, which factors play a role in this, and how these factors influence each other. Driven by the conviction that we can shape our living conditions in such a way that all people can realize their personal potential throughout their lives, we study our behavior, our development, and our competencies in relation to our physical, social, and technological environment.

The Max Planck Research Group “Biosocial – Biology, Social Disparities, and Development” (MPRG Biosocial) at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development invites applications for a Student Assistant Position (10-20 hours/week)

The position is for 1 year and is available from April 2026 on, but later start dates are possible.

The MPRG Biosocial studies how genetic influences and social inequality interact to shape life-course trajectories, with lasting implications for adult socioeconomic attainment and agingrelated health. The group is led by Principal Investigator Dr. Laurel Raffington.

The MPRG Biosocial is seeking an organized and motivated student assistant (m/f/d) to join our team. This role involves providing proactive support in science coordination and assisting with ongoing research projects. Key responsibilities include supporting ongoing research on gene-environment interplay, including assistance with data preparation, literature reviews, and documentation. You will help with the preparation and implementation of an online survey study on public perceptions of DNA biomarker applications. Additionally, the role includes science coordination and administrative support tasks such as compiling scientific reports, supporting internal processes, and assisting with research logistics and collaborations.

The working hours for this position are approximately 40-80 hours per month, with flexible scheduling. The hourly rate is €15,18 for students in bachelor's programs and €15,84 for students in master's programs. Applicants should be able to commit to this position for at least 1 year.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support scientific research projects on gene-environmment interplay and activities of other team members as needed.
• Support project on online survey studies investigating public perceptions of DNA biomarker applications.
• Assist in coordinating international research collaboration agreements and organizing an international conference.
• General organizational tasks, e.g. creating task lists and schedules, making reservations.
• Careful documentation/filing.
• Participation in team meetings.

Working Conditions:

• Approximately 10-20 hours per week with flexible scheduling.
• Hourly rate: €15.18 for bachelor's students, €15.84 for master's students.

Qualifications:

• Enrollment at a German university in a field such as biology, psychology, or a related area.
• In-person attendance at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin.
• Minimum commitment of 1 year.
• Proficiency with data science tools, experience with online survey studies, interest in human genomics, and scientific research experience.
• Excellent commitment, reliability, and attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and German.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both in a team and independently.
• Strong social and interpersonal skills.

Our Offer:

The Max Planck Institute for Human Development offers an excellent research infrastructure, including support staff and equipment. It provides an international research environment, with English as the working language. The research group fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment both within the group and in international collaborations. The following benefits are also available:

• A stimulating and friendly working environment in a dedicated team located in Berlin-Dahlem.
• Excellent public transport connections (U3 Breitenbachplatz, barrier-free).
• Job ticket.
• Institute canteen and biodiverse institute garden.

Diversity and severe disability

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity, because diversity, equality, and inclusion enrich our community and promote scientific excellence. We have therefore set ourselves the goal of increasing the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented and employing more people with severe disabilities. With this in mind, we expressly welcome applications from people who are often underrepresented in the workplace due to characteristics such as gender identity, disability, religion, ethnicity, and age. Our website gives you an impression of how we understand and live diversity and what opportunities we offer to respond to your individual needs: www.mpibberlin.

mpg.de/diversitaet

Your Application:

Please send your application documents (cover letter with details of your availability, CV without a photo, relevant work certificates, proof of enrollment in a German university), preferably as a single PDF file, via email to Dr. Laurel Raffington (sekraffington@mpibberlin.mpg.de) by March 16, 2026.