The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) was founded in 1817 and is one of the most important research institutions in the field of biodiversity. At its twelve locations throughout Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research at an international level. At the Görlitz site, the renowned Senckenberg Museum of Natural History is located in a historic town with a region that is particularly close to nature and well worth living in.
The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung with its head institute in Frankfurt (Main) is looking for the following person for the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz:
Administrative Assistant (m/f/d) for the ERC Project CARBONWEB
(50% part-time position / 20 weekly working hours)
Are you an organized and proactive professional (m/f/d) with a passion for supporting cutting-edge scientific research? The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung invites you to join our team at the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz as an Administrative Assistant for the Project Coordinator (50% part-time position) to support the ERC-funded project CARBONWEB, ideally starting May 1st, 2025.
About the Project
Soil food webs drive 90% of terrestrial primary production and regulate one of the largest carbon pools on Earth – yet they remain poorly understood. The CARBONWEB project aims to fill this gap by analysing soil food web dynamics and their role in global biogeochemistry. Our research integrates data from the global Soil BON monitoring network, controlled experiments, and modelling.
Your role will be instrumental in coordinating administrative processes, facilitating communication, and ensuring smooth project execution. You will collaborate with an international team spanning 33 countries, the administrative team at Senckenberg Görlitz, and ERC representatives.

Your tasks:

• Develop and organize project documentation
• Establish administrative processes between the project team, Senckenberg administration, and ERC representatives
• Assist in communication with international collaborators within the Soil BON Foodweb network
• Organize project meetings, retreats, and workshops
• Manage the dissemination of project progress via the website and social media
• Oversee administrative management of the ERC project
• Handle accounting and preparation of project reports
• Monitor project budget and financial processes
• Implement procurement procedures and award processes in compliance with legal regulations

Your profile:

• Commercial training or equivalent qualification
• Extensive experience in project administration
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken)
• Experience with travel expense management and travel expense law
• Knowledge of German public procurement law
• Confident in handling financial figures and budgeting,
• Very good knowledge of MS Office and administrative software, including SAP
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment

Additional Advantages:

• Intercultural competence, as well as service-oriented thinking and acting
• Independent, structured and efficient way of working with a focus on details and flexibility
• Ability to set priorities and work to deadlines

What is awaiting you?

• An exciting, responsible and rewarding role in a world-renowned research organisation with motivated and professional peers
• Flexible working hours and remote work options – Family-friendly working conditions (certified by the „audit berufundfamilie“) – Open and collegial environment – Senckenberg badge in connection with free admission to all Senckenberg museums – Special annual payment (according to TV-L) – Company pension scheme – 30 days

Location and Contract Details
Place of employment: Görlitz, Saxony (Germany)
Employment scope: Part-time (50% of a full-time position, 20 weekly working hours)
Contract duration: Fixed-term for 5 years (starting ideally May 1st, 2025)
Salary: Planned salary group E 8 TV-L (in accordance with German public sector agreements)
Diversity and Inclusion
Senckenberg is committed to diversity. We benefit from the different expertise, perspectives and personalities of our staff and welcome every application from qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, ethnic or cultural origin, religion and ideology, sexual orientation and identity or disability. Applicants with a severe disability will be given special consideration in case of equal suitability. Senckenberg actively supports the compatibility of work and family and places great emphasis on an equal and inclusive work culture.
You would like to apply?

Submit your application as a single PDF document, including:

• Cover letter (1 page) detailing your experience, skills, motivation and fit for this role
• CV
• Copies of academic/vocational certificates and work references

• Develop and organize project documentation
• Establish administrative processes between the project team, Senckenberg administration, and ERC representatives
• Assist in communication with international collaborators within the Soil BON Foodweb network
• Organize project meetings, retreats, and workshops
• Manage the dissemination of project progress via the website and social media
• Oversee administrative management of the ERC project
• Handle accounting and preparation of project reports
• Monitor project budget and financial processes
• Implement procurement procedures and award processes in compliance with legal regulation