Work and family

Work and family

The compatibility of work, research and family is a central concern of the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics. The institute’s management, its group leaders, the personnel department and the Gender Equality Officer all work hand in hand to address this concern. Various offerings and programs should provide (expectant) parents with all the necessary information and support during this major life change. These offerings notably include childcare services and flexible working hours.

In this way, the MPI-IE supports its employees during pregnancy and also advises them on various offerings from both the institute and the MPG. In addition to the offer of a six-month contract extension for female scientists during pregnancy and childbirth, there is also an offer of additional childcare subsidies during business trips and professional development opportunities.

Furthermore, the institute offers numerous care options for the next generation. In addition to the daycare center “Little Scientists”, which is in the immediate vicinity of the institute, a parent-child room and a laboratory for expectant and nursing mothers are among the institute’s important offerings. There is also a framework agreement with the family services company pme to provide child- and eldercare.

Offerings at a Glance

FRÖBEL-Kindergarten „Kleine Forscher“ // „Little Scientists“
The MPI-IE offers childcare in the immediate vicinity of the Institute. The facility is managed by FRÖBEL Group, a non-profit company that runs numerous daycare centers across the country. The kindergarten has 10 nursery and 20 preschool spaces.
Parent-child working room
The MPI-IE offers all employees with children a well-equipped parent-child room where employees can bring their children to work when necessary.
Laboratory for Expectant and Nursing Mothers
The well-being of expectant & nursing mothers as well as their children is an important responsibility for the institute. Therefore, the MPI-IE offers a special laboratory that meets the specific safety requirements of pregnant and nursing employees.
Having a family…
Are you coming to Freiburg with your family or planning to start a family? The MPI-IE provides comprehensive information and support expectant employees in many family-related matters. more
Family service
In cooperation with pme, a family services company, the MPI-IE offers its employees free placement services for various childcare possibilities: daycare, pre-school, daycare for sick children, holiday camps and many more.
Childcare subsidy for infants
Research successfully at Max-Planck – also with a baby. This pilot project from the Max Planck Society and the Max Planck Foundation grants young MPG researchers a financial contribution towards monthly childcare expenses. more

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