Scientist / Engineer in Biological Laboratory Automation - #2783756

The newly established Biological Automation Facility at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden develops automated experimental workflows for the institute’s research groups and core facilities. We aim to transform biological protocols into robust, reproducible, and well-documented systems by combining experimental biology with laboratory robotics, software development, and integrated data acquisition. Through this work, we aim to generate well-characterised quantitative datasets and link automated experiments with physical models, enabling closed-loop workflows in which measurements inform models and model predictions guide subsequent experiments.

Your Role:

Within this framework, you will translate biological protocols into reliable, reproducible automated workflows for research groups across MPI-CBG. Combining hands-on laboratory work, robotics, and software development, you will take projects from initial feasibility assessment to validated systems ready for routine use. Your tasks will include:

• Working with research groups to define scientific goals, biological constraints, technical requirements, and criteria for success.
• Independently planning and managing projects, assessing feasibility, setting milestones, and communicating progress and resource needs.
• Developing and refining automated experimental methods, from sample preparation and liquid handling to experimental execution and data acquisition.
• Integrating laboratory instruments and robotic systems for reliable operation across experimental procedures.
• Developing, testing, and maintaining software for instrument control, experimental processes, and data processing, using version control and well-documented code.
• Validating and benchmarking new methods with biological controls, assessing sample quality, reproducibility, throughput, and robustness.
• Maintaining and improving established systems through troubleshooting, calibration, cleaning, servicing, and recovery after interruptions.
• Documenting protocols, equipment configurations, and experimental data, including metadata and execution logs, and training colleagues to use validated methods.
• Contributing to the presentation and publication of developed methods and results.

Your Profile:

• A degree in biology, biotechnology, bioengineering, computational biology, automation engineering, robotics, or a related field, preferably at PhD level. Candidates with a relevant Master’s degree (MSc/MEng) or Diplom-Ingenieur are also encouraged to apply.
• Strong practical understanding of biological experiments and experience developing, adapting, or validating laboratory protocols.
• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python, with the ability to develop reliable and maintainable scientific software.
• Experience planning and implementing scientific or technical development projects, including systematic testing and troubleshooting.
• Excellent English communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Experience with liquid-handling platforms, laboratory robotics, instrument integration, or automated experimental workflows is advantageous.
• Familiarity with experimental data and metadata systems would be advantageous, as would an interest in physical modelling, AI-assisted experimental design, or closed-loop experimentation.

Our offer:

• An opportunity to help establish a new scientific facility at the interface of experimental biology, robotics, and software engineering.
• A full-time position with an initial two-year contract and the possibility of an extension for up to three additional years.
• Salary and benefits in accordance with the German public-sector collective agreement (TVöD Bund), up to EG13.
• Public-sector benefits including 31 days of annual leave, full social coverage, and supplementary pension (VBL).
• A discounted public-transport job ticket (VVO) and excellent transport connections.
• Support for work-life balance, including assistance with family and childcare matters.
• A broad network for career development and training through the Max Planck Society.

Your Application:

Please apply through our online system at careers.mpi-cbg.de by 20 November 2026, stating code 2026-Postdoc-Automation-1132

Please include:

• A CV, including relevant publications and/or examples of technical or software projects.
• A brief cover letter describing your motivation and experience in experimental method development, laboratory automation, or scientific software.
• Contact details for at least two referees.

Scientific inquiries may be addressed to Lars Hubatsch ([email protected]), Biological Automation Facility. For questions about the contract, compensation, or benefits, please contact Human Resources ([email protected]).

The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden is an international research institute bringing together experimental biologists, engineers, physicists, and computational scientists. Around 500 people from more than 50 nations work in its highly collaborative research environment. The institute places particular emphasis on shared research infrastructure and interdisciplinary approaches. English is the working language of the institute.