The Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden is an international research institute focusing on cell and developmental biology. Currently, approximately 500 employees from over 50 countries work in a highly collaborative and curiosity-driven environment, bringing together computer scientists, theoretical physicists, mathematicians, engineers, biologists, and medical researchers to conduct groundbreaking interdisciplinary research. The MPI-CBG is known for its flat organizational structure, collegiality, shared resources, equal opportunities, and family support. The institute has twice been voted “Best Place to Work” by The Scientist magazine.
Student Assistant (HiWi/ SHK) (m/f/d) in Nanoscale Optical Microscopy
Dr. Michael Weber’s group aims to develop innovative optical microscopy techniques to create new tools for studying biological processes in real time with nanoscale resolution. The group takes a multidisciplinary approach, combining ideas from various natural science fields, including chemistry, physics, and engineering. English is the primary working language in the Weber lab and the institute.
Job description:
We are seeking a highly motivated student assistant to support experimental work and lab operations. Tasks may include:
- Performance characterization of opto-mechanical setups, electronics, and lasers (bench tests, test series, documentation).
- Assembly and alignment of optical components (mounts, stages, mirrors, lenses; basic opto-mechanics).
- Electronics support (simple circuits, cabling, basic troubleshooting).
- Lab maintenance & inventory (preparing stock components, replacing consumables, keeping the optics lab tidy and safe).
Your qualifications:
- Current student enrollment at a German university, preferably in physics or engineering
- Good English proficiency
- Ability to work independently and carefully at the bench
- Interest in optics/photonics and experimental research.
- Basic electronics knowledge; programming experience (e.g., Python/Matlab) is a plus.
Our offer:
- Part-time student job (HiWi/SHK position) from 10 to 19 hours per week.
- Work days and times with flexible scheduling.
- Compensation follows the rates for student assistants at the Max Planck Society (€13.80/hour without a degree, €14.40/hour with a first degree).
For further details on the open position, please contact Dr. Michael Weber via email weber@mpi-cbg.de.
Your Application:
We invite you to submit your complete application materials via our online system at https://careers.mpi-cbg.de stating 2025-HiWi-Optimal Microscopy-2530 initially by 7 November 2025. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Kindly include the following:
- A one-page motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) including publication list as applicable
- Academic transcript of records
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
Pfotenhauerstr. 108
01307 Dresden, Germany
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.
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