Veterinary Head of Laboratory Animal Facility (m/f/d)

The Max Planck Institute for Immunobiology and Epigenetics is currently seeking to fill, with immediate effect, the position of Veterinary Head of the Laboratory Animal Facility (m/f/d) responsible for the breeding and care of genetically modified animals. The position is initially limited to two years with the intention of establishing a long-term working relationship. Our goal is to integrate you sustainably into our team and grow together. We place great value on fostering potential and giving you the time and opportunity to grow into the role of Head of Animal Facility and to fulfill it successfully over the long term.

The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics (MPI-IE) in Freiburg, Germany, is an interdisciplinary research institution that conducts basic research in two key areas of modern biology: Immunobiology and Epigenetics. Central questions address the molecular basis of cell type identities, as they are regulated during immune cell differentiation, metabolic response and epigenetic chromatin adaptation.

Your tasks

As Head of Animal Facility, you will assume both the technical and organizational management of the animal facility within a renowned research institute. You will ensure that all experimental animal procedures are scientifically sound, ethically responsible and justified, and fully compliant with legal regulations.

Your duties include the technical and operational management of the animal facility with a focus on animal protection, animal welfare, and quality assurance, as well as the planning and organization of animal housing with a focus on mice and fish.

You will work closely with the resident veterinarian, the head animal caretaker, the technical staff and the animal-welfare officer, all of whom will expertly support you in this responsible role.

Your Further Responsibilities particularly include

• Organizational management and administration of animal housing facilities; supervision of the animal care team in close coordination with the head animal care technician
• Providing technical support for construction projects in close coordination with the technical staff
• Implementation of the 4R principles and the ethical guidelines of the Max Planck Society in collaboration with the animal welfare officer and the veterinarian
• Introduction, optimization and enforcement of internal standards, documentation, and audits for quality assurance
• Providing expert advice to researchers and project leaders on ethical, legal, and technical aspects of experiments involving animal models
• Personnel management through mentoring, continuing education, and training of employees in the laboratory animal facility

Your profile

• A completed university degree in veterinary medicine with a license to practice, or a completed university degree in biology or a similar field