Foreign language secretary (f_m_x) - Space Physics and Space Weather GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences
GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this in line with our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.
For section 1.5 Space Physics and Space Weather (department “Geodesy”), we are looking for a:
Foreign language secretary (f_m_x) - Space Physics and Space Weather
Your responsibilities:
- Organising, coordinating, and managing workflows and administrative processes for the section (appointment coordination, processing of mail and emails, filing, document management, and information research)
- Handling correspondence in German and English, including translation and editing of foreign-language texts as needed
- Monitoring the section budget, budget control, and management of third-party funded projects
- Processing and reviewing orders for the section
- Organising recruitment procedures within the section
- Assisting the section management, including scheduling and travel coordination
- Providing organisational support for national and international guests and visiting scientists
- Managing the section’s publications in the GFZ database
- Organising events such as conferences, workshops, outreach and social events
- Maintenance and updating of the section’s website
About You:
Required qualifications:
- Completed training as a foreign language secretary or a commercial/administrative qualification, with proven (recognised certificate) ability to perform secretarial and administrative tasks in English (written and spoken), or a comparable qualification
- Proficiency in German and English (both at a minimum C1 level)
- Confident use of the internet, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software (e. g., Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint), as well as administrative software (e. g., SAP, Typo3)
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Excellent coordination skills and the ability to handle complex situations in a structured and goal-oriented manner
- Independent and systematic working style
Desired qualifications:
- Knowledge of additional foreign languages is an advantage
What we offer:
- Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Public service benefits
- Extensive training opportunities
- Flexible working hours and conditions
- Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
- Institute day-care centre on site
- Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
- Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 2 years
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 8 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam
Apply
Have we piqued your interest?
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 25th May 2026. Please use our online application form only.
Required documents: CV, cover letter and certified proof of English language proficiency
The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer.
“Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We, among others, do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures, which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.
Data protection information for applicants.
In case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Prof. Dr. Yuri Shprits via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 331 6264-3559.
Reference number
11234
Additional actions
About the employer
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences
The GFZ is Germany’s national center for research on the solid Earth. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges—ranging from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and preserving our environment in times of global change to the responsible management of natural resources. We are a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest scientific organization. With approximately 1,200 staff and around 500 visiting researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz research area “Earth and Environment,” combining cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration.
Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies of Earth’s systems and leverages advanced technologies and infrastructures to explore solutions and bring our knowledge into society. We do all this in line with our vision: “In tune with the Earth—to preserve it as a habitable planet.”
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