Equal Opportunities

In accordance with the equal opportunity principles of the Max Planck Society, the MPIfG supports the diverse lives and identities of its employees. We offer men and women family-friendly working conditions. We welcome applications from women, especially in the areas in which women are underrepresented, and we support women in their career development. Employees with disabilities are supported according to their individual needs.

The MPIfG's equal opportunity officer, Claudia Werner, and her deputy, Dr. Karen Lillie, offer support, advice, and assistance on all matters relating to equal opportunities and actively promote gender equality and sensitivity to related issues at the Institute. They are in regular contact with the Institute management and are involved in the hiring process. The equal opportunity officer at the Max Planck Society is Dr. Ulla Weber.

Our international office supports researchers in applying for a visa or residency permit and communicating with the immigration authorities. It helps incoming employees find accommodation when they move to the area and manages the MPIfG's guest apartments, which are located close to the Institute and can be booked for short-term stays at market rates.

Support for (Early-Career) Women Researchers

By taking specific measures that raise awareness of equal opportunity issues, we aim to increase the proportion of women in the sciences and ensure equal opportunities for women at the Institute. The Max Planck Society has set the specific goals of supporting women scientists more broadly and noticeably increasing the proportion of women. For this purpose, the MPG offers special employee development programs and start-up support for women researchers.

Balancing Work and Family Life

It is important to us that we offer a good working atmosphere and a family-friendly environment so that our employees can balance their working and family lives. The MPIfG offers flexible hours and work models as well as support with child and elder care. MPIfG employees have priority for spots in Froebel day-care centers. Our partner pme familienservice offers our employees an online portal as well as personal consultations and support with organizing child care according to their individual needs.

The spouses or partners of researchers with employment contracts of two or more years at the MPIfG are eligible to use the services of our partner, the Dual Career Center at the University of Cologne, in their local job search.