Project Manager (m/f/d) | Earth observation / climate research missions (NGGM and GRACE-C)

Job Offer from June 01, 2024

The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) is the largest research institute in the world specializing in general relativity and beyond. The institute is located in Potsdam and in Hanover.

Our departments "Laser Interferometry and Gravitational Wave Astronomy" and "Precision Interferometry and Fundamental Interactions" are involved in the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) project, an ESA Class L satellite mission to measure low-frequency gravitational waves. The technology for measuring minute changes in distance with the aid of lasers has been and is being used in several geodesy satellite missions (GRACE-FO, GRACE-C, NGGM) to determine changes in the Earth's gravitational field caused by anthropogenic influences. GRACE-C is a satellite mission of DLR and NASA / JPL (expected launch date 2028). Next Generation Gravity Mission (NGGM) is an ESA satellite mission (launch date after 2030).

For our location in Hanover, we are looking for a temporary full-time position for a Project Manager (m/f/d) for the Earth observation / climate research missions (NGGM and GRACE-C).

As this is project funding, we can only advertise the position for 2 years at a time. However, an extension is possible if the next project phase is funded - which we assume will be the case. Part-time employment can be arranged on request.

• Project coordination of AEI contributions to the Earth observation/climate research missions (GRACE-C, NGGM) in cooperation with our European and American partners at ESA, NASA and industry
• Creation and updating of schedules, budget planning, resource monitoring
• Monitoring the project progress of internal contributions and externally commissioned companies and institutes
• Interface function between researchers and administration (purchasing, HR department, export control)
• Support in drafting contracts and applying for project funding, e.g. tenders for contracts, procurements, job advertisements
• Coordination and reporting to the department's program office

• Degree in a technical or scientific subject, e.g., industrial engineering, physics, engineering sciences, aerospace engineering
• Experience in the implementation of technical projects, ideally in the fields of: Research, electronics, optics, space technology
• Confident in dealing with industrial project partners and institutional stakeholders
• Familiar with standard project management methods, e.g. classic and agile project management (IPMA, PMBOK, PRINCE2, Space Project Management, SCRUM or comparable)
• Confident in communicating with internal and external stakeholders
• Structured way of working and proficient in using modern MS Office solutions (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and common project management tools
• Team player, communicative and able to quickly familiarize yourself with new tasks
• You enjoy taking an active role in the project in addition to planning and monitoring
• High technical affinity
• Strong service orientation
• Very good written and spoken German and English language skills

We offer you a versatile activity in an international working environment, extensive opportunities for further education and training as well as an excellent working atmosphere in a friendly, committed team. Flexible working hours and the compatibility of career and family are a matter of course for us. Remuneration and social benefits are based on qualifications in accordance with the collective wage agreement for the public sector (TVöD).

The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. The AEI and the Max Planck Society welcome persons with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity (Code of Conduct ). The institute promotes a healthy work-life balance by offering all employees a family support service.

If you have any questions, please contact our program office, E-Mail: [email protected]

We will start considering applications June 1st until the position is filled.

We have aroused your interest? Then we look forward to receiving your complete application (cover letter, curriculum vitae, letters of reference, certificates and other supporting documents) without a photograph, which you should submit as a single PDF document exclusively via our online application portal .

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