Fish Unit Team Lead  (m/f/d)

The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden, Germany, is an international research institute focused on cell and developmental biology. Currently, about 500 employees from over 50 countries work at the institute in a highly collaborative and curiosity-driven environment. Our interdisciplinary research programs span multiple scales of magnitude, from molecular assemblies to organelles, cells, tissues, organs, and organisms. MPI-CBG has twice been awarded the title “Best Place to Work” (Academia and postdocs) by the journal “The Scientist”. The Center for Systems Biology Dresden (CSBD) is a leading research center in theoretical and computational approaches to living systems; its research program combines computer scientists, theoretical physicists, mathematicians, and engineers with biologists and medical researchers to create a vibrant, interdisciplinary working environment. Our institute is well known for its flat organizational structure, collegiality, shared resources, equal opportunities, and family support.

The MPI-CBG is hiring a Fish Unit Team Lead (m/f/d).

We seek a highly communicative and motivated person to work and oversee operations in our state-of-the-art Fish Unit, which is a critical resource for our research programs. You will lead a team of trained animal caretakers and work with scientists, ensuring the highest standards of care and welfare for our aquatic model organisms. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge scientific discoveries and advance our understanding of fundamental biological processes.

As team lead in our fish unit, you will be responsible for administrative and husbandry duties, including but not limited to the following tasks:

• Husbandry and oversight of the fish unit: fish feeding, breeding, stock keeping of lines (e.g., wildtype), regular health monitoring of the fish colony, and facility maintenance
• Carrying out experimental tasks as agreed with key users
• Developing and implementing protocols for the optimal care and maintenance of fish colonies, ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory guidelines
• Training and guiding staff members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• Onboarding, training, and guiding new fish unit users
• Operate and manage the unit’s animal database
• Managing supplies, obtaining and verifying quotations, placing orders, keeping records, and ensuring the facility is well stocked

Qualifications

• Research technician (MTA/BTA), professional training as a research animal caretaker, or comparable qualification
• Professional experience using zebrafish as a model system for scientific purposes, or in aquacultural animal husbandry and fisheries, or the equivalent is required
• FELASA (or similar) certificate would be an advantage
• Strong communication skills in German and English
• Ability to motivate a team and work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
• Excellent organizational abilities, structured work style, and keen attention to detail
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements governing the use of aquatic model organisms in research (e.g., animal welfare regulations)
• Proven track record of experience in a research environment
• Good software skills

What we offer 

• A varied and interesting job in a modern, scientific, and international environment.
• Remuneration based on qualifications, activities, and experience in accordance with TVöD Bund (salary agreement for public service)
• Social benefits of the public service (company pension scheme (VBL), annual special payment, subsidy for VVO job ticket, group accident insurance)
• Opportunities for regular professional exchange and individual training and personal development
• Active measures to promote company health management and work-life balance

The fulltime position is for 2 years with the expectation of prolongation contingent on the agreement of both parties.

Your application 

Please submit your complete application via our online application system stating 2024-FishFacility-BMS-4030 initially by 10.05.2024 via:
https://recruitingapp-2443.umantis.com/Vacancies/583/Application/CheckLogin/2?lang=eng

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit a single PDF file comprising:
(1) Cover letter explaining your motivation
(2) CV
(3) Relevant academic and professional certificates

Initial questions about the position can be addressed to Brian von Rueden, Head of Human Resources, via hr@mpi-cbg.de.

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
Pfotenhauerstr. 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
http://www.mpi-cbg.de

• The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, and other components of identity.
• The Max Planck Society specifically aims to increase the proportion of women in the areas in which they are underrepresented. We therefore explicitly invite women to apply.
• The Max Planck Society is further committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
• The Max Planck Society supports the compatibility of family and career and is certified according to the "berufundfamilie" (“job and family”) audit.
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