The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) and the adjacent Center for Systems Biology Dresden (CSBD) are basic research institutes that pursue a mission to advance multiscale biological discovery through innovative and cutting-edge mathematics, physics, and computation. Currently about 500 employees from over 50 countries work at the institute in a highly collaborative and curiosity-driven environment. MPI-CBG has twice been awarded the title “Best Place to Work” (Academia and postdocs) by the journal “The Scientist”. Employees appreciate the collegial atmosphere, as well as the family-friendly and flexible working conditions. The official language of the institute is English.

The Nanoscale Optical Bioimaging group aims at developing innovative optical microscopy techniques to create new tools for studying biology processes in real time at nanoscale resolution. The group utilizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining ideas from different fields of natural sciences including chemistry, physics and engineering.

Your Role:
We are seeking a highly motivated hard- and software development engineer to join our group. You will support a variety of different developments in the field of nanoscale optical microscopy. The successful candidate will:

• Provide expertise in mechanical engineering and programming to build custom optical setups.
• Design and construct optomechanical components for cutting-edge optical microscopy developments.
• Support and train students at various levels of expertise, from master's to Ph.D. students in engineering and programming.
• Maintenance and support for custom built optical setups.
• Lab organisation, ordering and indexing of materials, safety documentation.

• Bachelor's, Master's, or equivalent degree in engineering, computer science, physics, or related fields
• Experience in mechanical design.
• Expertise in software development.
• Good level of the English language is required.

Desirable Skills:

• Expertise in electronic engineering.
• Expertise in multiple programming languages.
• Expertise in optical engineering focussed on optical microscopy.
• Experience with hardware description language (VHDL, Verilog, …).

• Salary corresponding to qualification and experience according to TVöD Bund (German civil service tariff).
• The initial contract is for 2 years with the possibility of extension based upon mutual agreement. Starting date is flexible.
• Benefits include 30 days vacation, annual bonus payment, comprehensive insurance, and an attractive pension plan via VBL (Government Employees' Retirement Fund).
• Discounted job ticket (VVO) and good public transport connections.
• Support for a positive work-life balance, including assistance with family and childcare.
• A broad network for career development and training through the Max Planck Society.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their complete application by 11 April 2025 via our online application system at careers.mpi-cbg.de stating 2025-HardwareSoftwareEngineer-2530. Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis until the position is filled. Kindly include the following materials:

• Cover letter indicating the motivation to apply for this position.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including publication list if applicable.
• Contact details of at least two referees.

Inquiries & Next Steps:
For informal inquiries, please contact Michael Weber, via weber@mpi-cbg.de. Questions regarding contract, compensation or benefits may be addressed to hr@mpi-cbg.de. For further information about the MPI-CBG and the CSBD see www.csbdresden.de, www.mpi-cbg.de.

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
Pfotenhauerstr. 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
http://www.mpi-cbg.de

• The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, and other components of identity.
• The Max Planck Society specifically aims to increase the proportion of women in the areas in which they are underrepresented. We therefore explicitly invite women to apply.
• The Max Planck Society is further committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
• The Max Planck Society supports the compatibility of family and career and is certified according to the "berufundfamilie" (“job and family”) audit.
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