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 provide family-friendly working conditions for all, encourage women to apply for open positions, especially in areas in which they are underrepresented, and offer career development opportunities for women. We support employees with disabilities according to their individual needs.
The MPIfG's gender equality officer and her deputy offer advice and assistance around gender equality and equal opportunities and work to raise awareness and sensitivity to related issues at the Institute. They are in regular contact with the Institute management and are involved in all stages of hiring. The Central Gender Equality Officer of the Max Planck Society is Dr. Ulla Weber.
Our international office assists 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 available to book for short-term stays.
(Early-Career) Support
By taking specific measures that raise awareness of equal opportunity issues, we aim to increase the proportion of women researchers and ensure that all genders have equal opportunities at the Institute. The Max Planck Society has set itself the specific goals of supporting women’s careers more broadly and significantly raising the number of women in science. It offers a number of employee development programs and start-up support specifically designed for women.
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 work and family life. The MPIfG has flexible working hours and flexible work models. It provides access to support with childcare or other caring responsibilities, and MPIfG employees have priority for spots in Froebel day-care centers. Our partner pme familienservice offers employees an online service portal, personal consultations, and support with organizing childcare to meet their specific 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.