Scientific Staff Member (f/m/div) for the Imaging Facility

About the Institute
The Max Planck Institute of Biophysics is a leading international research institute that uses and deve­lops biophysical, biochemical, and computational methods to investigate the structure, dynamics, and function of cellular systems at the molecular scale. It has about 200 employees from more than 25 countries and is located on the Campus Riedberg in Frankfurt am Main.

The Imaging Facility provides for the institute – as well as for the neighboring MPI for Brain Research – with expertise and equipment for all modern types of microscopy. In addition to supporting ongoing scientific projects, we also develop, custo­mize, and establish new setups, methods, and proto­cols, con­tinually pushing the experimental boundaries. More information about our work and the wide range of microscopes in the facility can be found online (http://brain.mpg.de/imaging).

For our team we are looking for a

Scientist (f/m/div)

This is a full-time position, starting as soon as possible and initially limited to two years and will be paid according to the TVöD (German public service) salary scale. Social benefits correspond to those of the public service.

Your task

• Supporting scientists in their work on the microscopes, in particular regarding optimization of sample preparation and microscope configuration
• Developing and establishing innovative microscopy methods
• Maintenance, alignment, and quality control of research microscopes, in particular super-resolution microscopes
• Theoretical and practical training of researchers
• Selection, purchase, and installation of new microscopes and other optical devices

Your qualification

• Diploma or Master’s degree in physics or life sciences, PhD as an advantage
• Excellent knowledge of principles and methods of optics and microscopy (including fluorescence, con­focal microscopy, super-resolution and single-molecule microscopy, nonlinear optics, properties of light sources and detectors)
• Extensive experience with commercial microscopes
• Fluent in English and German
• High level of motivation and independence combined with excellent organi­zational and teamwork skills

The following additional qualifications are welcome:

• Experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining optical systems
• Experience in characterizing optical systems and microscopes as well as carrying out quality control on microscopes
• Experience with data analysis (in particular image analysis) in a programming language (ideally Python)
• Experience with image processing software (e.g., ImageJ, Imaris, arivis, Amira)
• Experience with research in the fields of biophysics or biology
• Experience of working in an imaging facility
• Knowledge of electronics, e.g., for device control

Our offer

• A position with responsibility, independence, and varied tasks
• A highly interactive atmosphere and support in an international and cooperative team
• Flexible working hours
• Company pension scheme
• Family services (baby and children’s rooms at the institute, on-campus daycare center)
• Health management (e.g., fitness courses)
• Cafeteria and bistro in the institute
• Good public transport connections and a subsidy for the Germany Jobticket

Your application

The application should include a cover letter detailing your motivation and qualifications for the position, a CV, contact details for at least one reference, as well as transcripts.

Please apply by February 2nd, 2025, via https://www.biophys.mpg.de/open-positions. Applications received after this date will only be considered if the position cannot be filled otherwise.

Candidates with international experience are strongly encouraged to apply. The working language within the group is English.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We are also committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in our workforce. Therefore, applicants of all backgrounds and identities are welcome.