The Department for Sensory and Sensorimotor Systems of the Max-Planck-Institute for Biological Cybernetics studies the processing of sensory information (visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory) in the brain and the use of this information for directing body movements and making cognitive decisions. The research is highly interdisciplinary, and uses theoretical and experimental approaches, including human psychophysics, and animal behaviour, imaging, electrophysiology, and computational modelling. Department website: www.lizhaoping.org

We are currently looking for a

Lab Engineer / Research Technician (m/f/d) 100%

to join us at the next possible opportunity.

The position

You will provide hardware, software, and managerial support for a diverse set of brain and neuroscience research activities. This includes:

• Computer and IT support of Windows and Linux systems
• Programming and debugging of computer code, especially at the stage of setting up new equipment or new experimental platforms
• Hardware repairs and troubleshooting
• Equipment inventory and maintenance
• Supervising and training of new equipment users
• Setting up, updating and managing the database of knowledge and data from research projects, personnel and activities
• Setting up and managing the procedures for data entry and data query for lab members in this database
• Be part of a department administrative team for planning and implementing departmental policies and projects.

Since the department is interdisciplinary, with research activities including human visual psychophysics, neural imaging and animal behavior, we are looking for an individual who has a broad technical knowledge base, and who is curious, open-minded, and able to adapt and learn new skills and solve new problems quickly. The set of skills that the individual should either already have or can quickly learn includes: MATLAB/Psychotoolbox, Python/OpenCV, Julia/OpenGL, Java, graphics and display technologies, EEG equipment and similar, eye tracking, microscope, laser, optics, electronics/controllers/sensors, Arduino/Raspberry Pi, etc.

Your profile

• Completed university degree (Bachelor, Master, or Ph.D. level) in natural sciences or engineering (Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Neuroscience or a similar field).
• Evidence or track record of broad technical skills and/or experience.
• Curiosity about our research topics
• A high level of resilience and professionalism
• Ability to anticipate problems and skills in project management.
• Strong command of English; fluency in German is highly desirable

We offer

We offer highly interesting, challenging and varied tasks; you will work closely and collaboratively with scientists, students, programmers, administrative staff, and central IT and mechanical/electronic workshop support to help achieve the scientific goals of the department. A dedicated team awaits you in an international environment with regular opportunities for further education and training. The salary is paid in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD Bund), based on qualification and experience and will include social security benefits and additional fringe benefits in accordance with public service provisions. This position is initially limited to two years, with the possibility of extensions and a permanent contract.

The Max Planck Society seeks to employ more handicapped people and strongly encourages them to apply. Furthermore, we actively support the compatibility of work and family life. The Max Planck Society also seeks to increase the number of women in leadership positions and strongly encourages qualified women to apply. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity.

Your application

Your application must contain a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and relevant certificates. Please note
that incomplete applications will not be considered.

The position is available immediately and will be open until filled. Preference will be given to applications received by June 30, 2021. We look forward to receiving your application (including a cover letter, your CV, relevant certificates, and three names and contacts for reference letters) by E-Mail in PDF format (in one file) to: jobs.li@tuebingen.mpg.de, where also informal inquiries can be addressed.