Lead Fish Unit Technician in Biomedical Services

Lead Fish Unit Technician in Biomedical Services

The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden, Germany, is an international research institute focused on cell and developmental biology. Currently, about 500 employees from over 50 countries work at the institute in a highly collaborative and curiosity-driven environment. Our interdisciplinary research programs span multiple scales of magnitude, from molecular assemblies to organelles, cells, tissues, organs, and organisms. MPI-CBG has twice been awarded the title “Best Place to Work” (Academia and postdocs) by the journal “The Scientist”. The Center for Systems Biology Dresden (CSBD) is a leading research center in theoretical and computational approaches to living systems; its research program combines computer scientists, theoretical physicists, mathematicians, and engineers with biologists and medical researchers to create a vibrant, interdisciplinary working environment. Our institute is well known for its flat organizational structure, collegiality, shared resources, equal opportunities, and family support. 

The MPI-CBG is hiring a Lead Fish Unit Technican in Biomedical Services.

We seek a highly communicative and motivated person to work and oversee operations in our state-of-the-art Fish Unit, part of the broader Biomedical Services team, a critical resource for our research programs. You will work closely with a team of animal caretakers to ensure the highest standards of care and welfare for our zebrafish and to provide excellent service to our scientists. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge scientific discoveries and to shape the daily interface between facility operations and research as we seek to understand fundamental biological processes.

Your Role:

In our fish unit, you will be mainly responsible for three key areas: zebrafish husbandry and daily operations, workflow coordination and user training, as well as administrative duties, including but not limited to the following tasks:

Zebrafish Husbandry & Facility Operations

• Daily care, including feeding, health monitoring, water quality, and system checks.
• Breeding and colony maintenance, including coordination and stock keeping of several genetic backgrounds.
• Routine maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting of aquatic systems and facility equipment.

Coordination & Training 

• Coordinating daily schedules and workflows in the fish unit and serving as a technical point of contact.
• Training and onboarding new staff members and scientific users (zebrafish handling, facility rules, best practices, animal database).
• Supporting continuous improvement in processes, workflows, and animal welfare

Administration & Quality Assurance

• Managing the unit’s digital animal database and ensuring accurate records.
• Monitoring supplies, obtaining and verifying quotations, placing orders, and ensuring stock availability.
• Supporting protocol development (SOPs) and maintenance in alignment with regulatory and ethical guidelines (TSchG, FELASA).

Required Qualifications:

• Trained research animal caretaker, research technician (MTA/BTA), or comparable qualification.
• Professional experience with zebrafish, aquacultural animal husbandry, or similar.
• Excellent organizational abilities, structured work style, and keen attention to detail.
• Strong written and spoken communication in German and English.
• Strong skills in digital record-keeping and routine administrative software.
• Working knowledge of the legal and welfare standards for aquatic research animals.

Desirable Skills:

• FELASA (or similar) certificate would be an advantage.
• Ability to work with and motivate a team in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Proven track record of experience in a research environment.

 

What We Offer:

• A varied and meaningful role in a modern, international research environment.
• A collaborative and respectful collegial atmosphere within a dynamic community.
• Access to state-of-the-art scientific facilities and technical equipment.
• Remuneration based on qualifications, activities, and experience in accordance with TVöD Bund (salary agreement for public service).
• Social benefits of the public service (company pension scheme (VBL), annual special payment, subsidy for VVO job ticket, group accident insurance).
• Regular opportunities for continuous training and professional exchange.
• Active measures to promote workplace health management and work-life balance.

The initial contract is for 2 years with the expectation of prolongation contingent on the agreement of both parties.

Your Application:

Please submit your complete application via our online application system stating 2025-FishFacility-BMS-4030 initially by 31.12.2025. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

1.  Cover letter explaining your motivation
2. CV 
3. Relevant academic and professional certificates

Initial questions about the position can be addressed to Brian von Rueden, Head of Human Resources, via hr@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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