The Max Planck Institute for Brain Research (http://www.brain.mpg.de/) is a research institute focused on understanding the brain. Researchers from various disciplines (e.g. biology, physics, mathematics, engineering) work together on this challenging and exciting topic in our modern research building at the Campus Riedberg. The state-of-the-art imaging facility strongly supports the scientists in our institute with high expertise and the latest equipment providing various types of modern microscopes and optical methods. In addition to our support of the ongoing scientific work at our institute, we are developing and implementing cutting-edge tools in the areas of optics and microscopy to advance the research beyond what is currently possible. For the support of the imaging facility, we are looking for a

Fulltime scientist starting from June 2017

The contract will be limited to two years.

The tasks include

• development and implementation of novel optical methods
• selection and setting up of optical systems
• theoretical and practical training of institute members
• support of the scientists during their work on the microscopes.

The following requirements should be fulfilled:

• Degree (Masters, Diploma or higher) in physics or life sciences
• Excellent knowledge of principles and methods of optics and microscopy (including fluorescence, confocal microscopy, contrast enhancing methods for transmission microscopy, properties of light sources and detectors)
• Longterm experience with commercial microscopes, in particular with confocal laserscanning microscopes
• Experience in designing, implementing and maintaining optical systems
• Experience in characterizing optical system and microscopes as well as carrying out quality control on microscopes
• Experience with data analysis (in particular image analysis) in a programming language (ideally Matlab)
• Experience with software for image processing (e.g. ImageJ, Imaris, Arivis, Amira)
• Fluent in English and German
• High degree of motivation and self-reliance combined with excellent organizational and team work skills

The following additional qualifications are welcome:

• PhD in physics or life sciences
• Experience with biological research, ideally in the field of neuroscience
• Experience in working in an imaging facility
• Experience in working with two-photon excited fluorescence and / or harmonic generation and/or superresolution microscopes and/or biological samples (cell culture, brain slices, in vivo experiments)
• Experience with additional physiological techniques (e.g. patch clamp recordings)
• Knowledge of electronics, e.g. for device control

We offer a position with great versatility in an enjoyable and international environment. The salary is determined according to the german TVöD based on qualification and experience including social security benefits.

The Max-Planck-Society is an equal opportunity employer who wants to increase the number of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore explicitelty encouraged to apply. The Max-Planck-Society is an equal opportunity employer striving to employ handicapped people; applications of disabled candidates are thus explicitly desired.

We are looking forward to your application. Please send your CV, motivation letter, and references – preferably via E-mail – until April 30^th 2017 to

Max-Planck-Institut für Hirnforschung,
-Personalstelle-
Max-von-Laue-Str. 4
60438 Frankfurt am Main.
E-Mail: HR@brain.mpg.de