Project Assistant (m/f/d/x)

About the Role

The German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research Halle-Jena-Leipzig (iDiv), in partnership with Leipzig University, invites applications for the position of Project Assistant (m/f/d/x) supporting the international research project "Conserving Cultures: Integrating Ape Behavior into Global Conservation Strategies" within Erin Wessling's Junior Research Group “Behavioural Conservation.” This project involves monitoring cultural behaviors of great apes with fieldwork primarily across West and Central Africa and collaborating with international partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the project leader with budgeting, planning, and monitoring of project finances, including processing requests and handling procurement and travel with university and iDiv offices.
• Coordinate communication with field teams regarding schedules, material shipments, and data transfers, supporting standardized data collection procedures.
• Organize and support stakeholder events such as workshops in West Africa and online webinars, handling invitations, participant management, and travel logistics in collaboration with local partners.
• Perform basic data cleaning, manage datasets, and ensure regular backups according to protocols.
• Translate input from project leaders and researchers into concise written materials (summaries, info sheets, presentations) and assist with basic design of presentation slides.
• Arrange business travel for project members.
• Plan and coordinate internal meetings and online calls with multiple work packages and global partners.
• Contribute content such as text and images for project websites, newsletters, and other communication platforms.

Candidate Profile

• Completed vocational training relevant to office or public administration, or equivalent qualification.
• Professional experience in project coordination or organization, ideally within universities, research institutions, NGOs, or international cooperation contexts.
• Competence in data handling, structured filing, and documentation.
• Experience collaborating with international partners.
• Proficiency in English (minimum C1), solid command of French (minimum B2), and good German skills (minimum B1), both spoken and written.
• Basic experience in preparing data for analysis is preferred.
• Familiarity with large datasets, camera trap video libraries, R or other programming languages is advantageous; applicants should specify relevant skills.
• Interest in nature conservation, biodiversity, and great ape behavior. Prior on-site experience in Africa, especially francophone regions, in coordination or support roles is a strong plus.
• Excellent organizational skills, careful and methodical work style, and high reliability.
• Strong communication abilities, teamwork, and intercultural sensitivity.

What We Offer

• Dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary work environment.
• Modern workplace with flexible work hours and hybrid work options to promote work–life balance.
• Comprehensive occupational health management benefits.
• Salary according to collective wage agreement (TV-L 9a) including annual bonuses and pension schemes.
• Subsidized travel pass, e.g., Deutschlandticket.
• Internationally diverse team with support services for international staff (Welcome Centre, German courses).
• Located in Leipzig, a vibrant city known for culture and a welcoming atmosphere for international workers.

Additional Information

This part-time position corresponds to 60% of a full-time workload and is funded through project financing until December 31, 2030. The earliest possible start date is soon after hiring. Leipzig University actively encourages qualified women and applicants with disabilities to apply and provides assistance regarding accessibility. Applications are to be sent by August 13, 2026, directly to the project leader. For inquiries, candidates may contact Dr. Erin Wessling by phone.