The Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics investigates information processing in the brain. The institute uses experimental, theoretical and computational methods to study perception, memory, decision- making, motor performance and more, and to develop appropriate recording and imaging techniques. The Institute is multidisciplinary, has excellent facilities and close links to the neighbouring Max Planck Institutes and the University of Tübingen. As soon as possible, we are looking for a

Head of Operations (m/f/d)

The role
The Institute is being restructured such that scientific departments and independent research groups will be supported by a collection of Core Facilities and Services. The Head of Operations will be responsible for all aspects of these centralized Core Facilities and Services. Along with the Head of Adminstration and the Assistant to the Managing Director, s/he will be one of the three senior administrative managers in the Institute, reporting to the Collegium of Directors and Fellows via the Managing Director. The first Cores include the Workshops, IT, Communications and Animal Services. Other Cores will be built in the future as appropriate to scientific needs across the Institute. These Cores are in various stages of development. The Head will be responsible for the organisation, management and supervision of the smooth operation of all of them, including planning, staffing and budgeting. The Head will have a particularly significant influence on the design and implementation of the Cores that are being developed and restructured. Responsibilities

• Supervision of the existing facilities, helping their re-organisation into effective Cores
• Design and implementation of currently planned Cores
• Identification of the need for new Core facilities (such as human neuroimaging) in response to demand from the Institute, and then designing and implementing these Cores
• Planning and managing the long-term evolution of all the Cores
• Line management of the leaders of the Cores; supervision of the Cores, including their financial operations and monitoring their day-to-day operation
• Setting comprehensive targets for the Cores, and monitoring the achievement of these targets by analyzing and interpreting data and key metrics to ensure that they run smoothly and efficiently
• Ensuring fair and efficient use of resources, including the planning and implementation of internal allocation mechanisms across the Institute
• Reporting orally and in writing to the Managing Director of the Institute, the Collegium, the Faculty and the Scientific Advisory Board
• Supporting the Managing Director in the quotidian operation of the institute, and being a member of the team of senior administrative managers

Requirements

• University degree in a natural science field, and an affinity with basic research
• Proven experience in the management of Core Facilities and Services
• Excellent organisational and leadership qualities, combined with a very strong service mentality
• Skills in personnel management, finance and administrative IT
• Competence in strategic planning
• Superior abilities at innovative decision-making and problem-solving
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Fluency in spoken and written German and English
• Experience in a German academic environment is desirable

We offer the chance to make a substantial difference in the operation of a world-class, interdisciplinary and international research Institute. Remuneration is based on TVöD (federal government) plus company pension scheme (VBL). There is significant opportunity for training and personal development. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from persons with disabilities. Please send your application in one PDF file to: headofoperations@tuebingen.mpg.de.
Applications until April 21, 2019 are preferred.

Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics
Max-Planck-Ring 8, 72076 Tübingen
www.kyb.mpg.de