Research Coordinator | Center for Affective and Automatic Neuroscience 

Job Offer valid until June 15, 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 to-be established Center for Affective and Automatic Neuroscience (CAAN) led by Prof. Dr. Mara Mather at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development invites applications for a Research Coordinator (EG 13 TVöD; 39 hours/week) 

The position is initially a two-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension. It should be filled as soon as possible, as it will be critical for preparing the launch of this center. 

The Center for Affective and Automatic Neuroscience (CAAN) will be established at the MPIB starting July 1, 2026. CAAN will investigate how the affective and autonomic changes of adulthood shape cognition, emotion, and the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease — and how safe, scalable physiological interventions can influence these trajectories. The program integrates four strands: 

• Emotion–cognition interactions in aging: mapping the brain mechanisms that allow older adults to maintain emotional well-being despite the physiological changes of aging. 
• Brainstem imaging methods: developing next-generation 7T multimodal measures of locus coeruleus structure and function, including pCASL blood-flow measurement in the brainstem. 
• Autonomic trajectories from age 20–60: the first longitudinal study to track parasympathetic decline and sympathetic shifts across this age range alongside CSF amyloid-β and locus coeruleus measures, testing whether midlife autonomic changes trigger the earliest pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. 
• Causal tests via breathing interventions: randomized trials using slow-paced and 4-7-8 breathing to influence autonomic balance and measure downstream effects on AD biomarkers, cerebrovascular reactivity, emotion, and cognition. 

Job Description 

The research coordinator’s main objective is to provide science-oriented administrative support to the director for functions that require closer familiarity with the scientific process. Among others, tasks will relate to budget planning and funding acquisition, organization of scientific conferences, workshops, visits and symposia, organization of ethics applications, and external liaison with collaborating partners. Furthermore, the research coordinator will collaborate with the institute’s administration regarding hiring freelances and negotiating service contracts for research purposes.

Requirements 

Applicants should hold a university degree (PhD is a bonus) and have at least two years of management experience in scientific contexts including the organization of scientific events, preparation of ethics applications as well as research grant applications, and research progress reports. The job holder should have relevant knowledge in the acquisition and administration of research funds, excellent German and English knowledge in speech and writing, the ability to develop basic understanding of our research topics, and be able to work independently. Experience in clinical settings is a plus. 

Our Offer 

The Max Planck Institute for Human Development offers an excellent 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: 

• Access to the training programs offered by the Planck Academy of the MPG 
• Flexible working hours 
• Option of mobile working (up to 40%, depending on work processes) 
• Annual bonus payment in accordance with the TVöD (German public sector pay scale); 30 days of vacation, plus December 24 and 31 off 
• Kindergarten partnerships with dedicated places 
• Parent-child rooms at the institute 
• Excellent public transport connections (U3 Breitenbachplatz, barrier-free) 
• Job ticket 
• Institute canteen and biodiverse institute garden 
• Various offers related to “health in the workplace” (e.g., fitness room, massage services, yoga) 
• Extensive support services, e.g., International Office, representative for disabled employees, equal opportunities officer, mental health support 
• Diversity-sensitive working environment (e.g., exchange formats, networking, barrier-free and gender-neutral toilets) 

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.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/diversitaet

Your application 

Please use our recruitment platform for your application. We also accept applications via email (kruse@mpib-berlin.mpg.de) or regular mail (MPI for Human Development, Dr. Imke Kruse, Lentzeallee 94, 14195 Berlin). The application should entail the following documents in a single PDF file: a cover letter describing your work experience, your CV, and employment references. Please submit your application without a photo. Applications must be submitted by June 15, 2026, to ensure consideration. However, review of applications will continue until the position is filled. If you have any questions about the position advertised, please contact kruse@mpib-berlin.mpg.de.