The Max Planck Institute for Medical Research is seeking a Postdoc/project engineer (m/f/div) for the Department of Cellular Biophysics.

Description

Recently, researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research have developed a novel coating method that mimics nanometer-scaled moth eye structure for anti-reflection applications. To date, conventional mass-production of such structures was complex and expensive. In contrast, our nanoAR method has the potential to be more easily extended to produce larger, commercially more interesting volumes. Our workgroup thus investigates the possibilities to extend the application of the nanoAR technology into various optical and technological fields. In this context, we are seeking a Postdoc/project engineer for a temporary project.

Postdoc / project engineer (m/f/div)

YOUR TASKS

• Developing new fabrication processes for CaF₂, sapphire, and BK glass
• Collaborating closely with industry partners in areas including lasers, imaging cameras, and display technologies
• Preparing and supporting patent application documents
• Performing physics-based simulations to support process and device development
• Develop new application cases and proof-of-concept demonstrations based on nanoAR technology.
• Anti-contamination solution for nanostructures

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• Good knowledge of optics/imaging/display technology, knowledge of anti-contamination for nanostructures is a plus
• High motivation and interest in developing new technologies for real-world applications
• Good experimental skills in optical lab or cleanroom
• A master/PhD degree in physics/chemistry/material science
• Experience with numerical simulation is a plus
• Team-player attitude
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English

OUR OFFER

The position will be located in the Stuttgart/Heilbronn site of our institute as part of the Department of Cellular Biophysics.
Salaries and contract will be based on qualifications and previous professional experience according to the Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD Bund) guidelines.
The position is limited to 1 year with possible extension.

We, the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, are one of 84 institutes and research centers of the Max Planck Society (MPG) for the advancement of science. Our focus is on basic medical research. We currently employ around 270 people in science and administration, mainly at our location in Heidelberg. Another location for our institute is currently being established in Heilbronn. We are also part of the Health + LifeScience Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim, an association of the region's leading life science research institutions.

The MPG strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. As the MPG has set itself the goal of employing more people with severe disabilities, applications from people with severe disabilities are expressly welcome. In addition, the MPG wants to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.

YOUR APPLICATION

We look forward to receiving your application, including letter of motivation, CV and transcripts via the portal in electronic format no later than February 15, 2026. Please note applications received via email cannot be considered, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

CONTACT

For further information, please contact Dr. Zhaolu Diao
([email protected]).

For general questions, please contact Sabrina Giacalone 
([email protected]) from human resources.

Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research
Jahnstraße 29
69120 Heidelberg
Germany

www.mr.mpg.de/en
LinkedIn: @mpimr
Bluesky: @mpi-mr.bsky.social