Head of Security

Part of the prestigious Max Planck Society based in Germany, MPFI is the first and only Max Planck institute in the United States. Situated in the growing biosciences cluster on the “John D. MacArthur Campus" in scenic Palm Beach County, Jupiter, Florida, MPFI provides a vibrant, collaborative, and curiosity-driven fundamental science research environment. MPFI is seeking a Head of Security to support its research community through the management of security operations. The selected candidate will have the exciting opportunity to support the Institute, applying their expertise in supervising and managing security operations and serving as the primary coordinator for security, safety, and incident response activities. MPFI’s Head of Security ensures the protection of MPFI’s staff, visitors, assets, and critical infrastructure, in coordination with MPFI’s leadership. The selected candidate serves as the primary on-site (or on-call) incident lead for non-routine security, safety, and facilities-related events, including coordination with internal stakeholders and external responders; develops, maintains, and trains security staff on response protocols for critical system alarms (HVAC, lab equipment, fire/life safety, access control, environmental alerts, etc.), including escalation thresholds and emergency call trees; owns the development, maintenance, and regular review of security SOPs, post orders, and emergency response procedures, ensuring alignment with institutional risk, regulatory expectations, and best practices; holds security staff accountable for strict compliance with post orders, policies, and procedures, and is accountable for the consistent execution of MPFI’s security program to ensure the safety and security of staff, visitors, assets, and infrastructure; ensures onboarding, refresher training, and scenario-based drills are conducted and documented; ensures patrol protocols are followed and conducts on-foot patrols as needed to support operations, coverage gaps, incident response, or quality assurance; oversees and manages third-party security vendors if applicable, including performance monitoring, post order compliance, and coordination with MPFI leadership; ensures timely, accurate, and actionable incident reporting, including clear documentation, leadership notifications, and follow-up coordination with facilities, IT, HR, or external partners as appropriate; monitors systems such as surveillance systems, lab equipment alarms, door entrances and exits (including mechanical rooms and stairwells), fire and life safety equipment, parking lots, grounds and perimeter (using surveillance systems); ensures that emergency evacuation areas are free of obstructions, unauthorized access, and safety hazards; enforces change-of-command protocols, including structured start- and end-of-shift handovers, incident briefings, alerts, and equipment issue communication; maintains active communication via Institute provided communication equipment (i.e. radios or other portable devices) including following incident reporting to the proper call trees; manages building access by ensuring that badge access follows the internal approval process (for initiating and discontinuing access); manages visitor access following protocol; manages access to sensitive areas, including offices of senior leadership, HR, finance, and lab spaces following protocol; maintains high standards of customer service, professional judgement, and confidentiality, including ensuring that uniforms are clean, badges are visible, and the demeanor is respectful; conducts regular risk assessments and post-incident reviews to identify trends, gaps, and improvement opportunities, and provides recommendations to MPFI leadership; serves as the primary security point of contact during standard business hours and participates in an on-call rotation for after-hours incidents as required; and performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned. A Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline and a minimum of five (5) years of related experience in a similar facility is required (or equivalent combination of education and experience. A High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of ten (10) years of related experience may be considered equivalent. Prior experience must include: experience in a supervisory role; experience with video surveillance systems, monitoring systems (scientific equipment strongly preferred), and investigations and incident reports; experience with computing and software such as Microsoft Office, Internet Browsing, and Access Control Software. The selected candidate must successfully complete MPFI’s annual security certification program; must possess and maintain a valid Security Officer Class “D” license and must be trained in AED, CPR and First Aid. As the first face for individuals entering the facility, MPFI’s Head of Security must possess outstanding customer service, attention to detail and accuracy, excellent communication skills (both written and verbal, in English), high levels of discretion, professional judgment, ethics and confidentiality. Physical and Cognitive RequirementsAn employee in this role must have the ability to perform the following physical and cognitive requirements of this position with or without reasonable accommodation:Employees in this position must be able to regularly lift and carry items up to 50 lbs. to waist height, lifting deliveries and other items; as well as perform repetitive motions with arms, wrists and hands. Must have good vision (with or without corrective lenses) and good hearing (with or without hearing aids); must be able to stand for a minimum of 2 hours, walk and complete a 30 minute patrol simulation to include internal corridors, mechanical rooms, and perimeter, must be able to walk up and down four flights of stairs without assistance and pass a stairs endurance test.Employees in this position must have the ability to stay attentive and alert for prolonged periods; must have ability to engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills to assess situations, make quick decisions, and report incidents accurately; must have the ability to recall information, and adjust to a wide range of unpredictable situations and changing priorities. Further details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process. For more information & to apply online visit

Created: 2026-02-24