IT Systems Engineer (m/f/d)

 The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Göttingen conducts fundamental research in the field of solar system physics. With its approximately 300 staff members, it is one of the leading institutes in the field of solar physics and planetary research. In particular, the institute is involved in numerous international space missions.

The institute invites applications for an IT Systems Engineer (m/f/d) to work for the PLATO Data Center (PDC)

PLATO is a space mission of ESA’s Cosmic Vision Program, which aims to detect and characterize a large sample of exoplanets and their host stars. PLATO will be launched in 2026. At the MPS you will be part of a professional team working on multiple projects of the PDC. The MPS is a leading space research institute in Germany. The MPS is located in Göttingen and offers employees world-class facilities and an excellent working environment. The MPS has a long history of successful contributions to European and international space missions.

Your Tasks

• Contribute to the PDC system architecture and operations concept by defining a high availability environment that supports performant access to 10+PB of science data
• Setup and maintain the PLATO cluster environment running Kubernetes and Docker Swarm, including selecting and maintaining the hardware, network and operating systems
• Act as the technical interface between the PLATO development team and institute IT department
• Support the development team in setting up and maintaining the CI/CD chains
• Contribute to the production of PDC technical documentation in compliance with the applicable standards
• Participation in project meetings when required, which may imply traveling

Your Profile

• Strongly interested in working on a long-term space project (PLATO will launch in 2026)
• Bachelor or Master of Science degree in computer science or relevant experience
• Experience in managing Kubernetes and/or Docker Swarm
• Experience in partaking in a continuous integration workflow (i.e., gitflow and jenkins) as well as working as part of a SCRUM team
• Experience in administering Linux machines
• Ideally experienced in working with SLES 15 or comparable distributions
• Ideally experienced in high volume cold storage backup solution
• Ideally experienced in working with scientific code
• Very good command of the English language

Employment Conditions

• Remuneration is according to the German public salary scale TVöD-Bund
• Arrangements for flexible working time
• Arrangements for work and family life balance
• Health promotion services

Our Offer 

The position is available for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of an extension that is contingent upon performance and funding. The position may be filled by 1 October 2022 at the earliest.

Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with the German Collective Agreement for the Public Service (the baseline is TVöD E13, but the level would depend on your education and work experience)

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equity and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are explicitly encouraged.

Your Application

Please apply with a CV and application letter in English (certificates and reference letters may be in German) and the names and contact details of at least two references using our application portal. We look forward to receiving your online application via our portal.

Applications will be reviewed from September 01, 2022.

For any questions regarding the tasks contact Martin Schäfer, schaeferma@mps.mpg.de. 

For further information about the institute please visit our homepage https://www.mps.mpg.de.

Senior Research Fellow (Postdoc) (f/m/d) | Law

 The Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law in Heidelberg invites applications for up to two full-time positions to start as soon as possible as a Senior Research Fellow (Postdoc) (f/m/d) in the Max Planck Research Group ENSURE led by Dr Carolyn Moser (Law, alternatively Political Science), Reference: SRF-CM22.

About the group

The war in Ukraine marks the coming of age of the European Union (EU) as a geopolitical actor. Indeed, we are already witnessing the first legal and political changes at the EU level in response to the aggression against our neighbour. And it is very likely that even more profound governance transformations will follow to cope with the new geopolitical realities – be it in terms of actors and competences, decision-making and regulation, financial arrangements and industrial policy, or international cooperation and partnerships. The aim of the Max Planck Research Group ENSURE (European security revisited) is to explore and critically assess the – potentially significant – reshaping of law and governance triggered by this geopolitical adjustment. In addition to examining specific policy areas central to European security (e.g. energy, IT, defence), the group also investigates the challenges associated with key new security threats and phenomena (e.g. climate change, health emergencies, food shortages). 

Job description

The enthusiastic Senior Research Fellow (PostDoc) will conduct innovative research in the fields of international and European law and governance, with a particular emphasis on EU security matters. Ideally, the candidate sets up their own multi-year project(s) complementing the ENSURE research agenda. He or she will furthermore contribute to joint projects, publications, and academic events of the group. The position entails no formal teaching requirements. 

Profile and requirements 

• A (recent or nearly completed) PhD in law (alternatively political science) related to the research topic of the group
• Publication record commensurate with the level of the position
• Outstanding analytical and writing skills
• Excellent command of written and spoken English; command of German or French is an advantage
• Versatile team player able to handle deadlines
• Experience with qualitative methods desired (knowledge of quantitative methods is a plus) 

Conditions of employment 

The position starts as soon as possible. The initial appointment will be for 3 years, on a full-time basis (39h/week), with the possibility of renewal based on funding and performance. The salary and social benefits are determined in accordance with salary group 14 of the German public service pay scheme (TVöD-Bund). The workplace is Heidelberg (Germany), while remote work options exist. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and interdisciplinary team that forms part of a vibrant international research community at one of Europe’s most renowned public law institutes that offers outstanding research conditions. 

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equity and diversity. It seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and hence encourages applications from such qualified individuals. 

How to apply 

Have we sparked your interest? Please submit your application electronically using a single pdf-file, indicating your name and the reference SRF-CM22 in the object line to: bewerbungen@mpil.de. Please do also specify your earliest possible starting date.

In order to receive full consideration, please apply at the latest by 9th September 2022. 

Applications should consist of the following documents:

• Research proposal (max. 3 pages), outlining the candidate’s research agenda (including methods) and its connection with the research group
• CV, including a list of publications
• Copies of academic records
• Up to three manuscripts, such as one chapter of the PhD thesis or an article (no more than 50 pages in total)
• Contact details of up to two academic referees

Contact information 
For inquiries about the group or the position, please contact Dr Carolyn Moser at ensure@mpil.de. 

PhD position on the ecological forecasting of dryland vegetation dynamics (m/f/d)

 The Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) in Jena is dedicated to interdisciplinary fundamental research in the field of Earth system sciences with a focus on climate and ecosystems. The internationally renowned institute, which currently employs around 230 people, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2022. Jena is known for high-tech industry, internationally renowned research institutions and a modern university, but it also has a beautiful natural setting in the green Saale valley with steep limestone slopes. The city of Jena has an active student scene and a diverse cultural life.

For the department of Biogeochemical Signals we are inviting applications for a PhD position on the ecological forecasting of dryland vegetation dynamics (m/f/d) in full time, three years, extension possible.

Background and position description

Drylands cover ~45% of global land area, are home to ~40% of the global population and harbor more than 20% of global biodiversity. However, drylands face significant challenges from climate change (e.g. changes in temperature and precipitation patterns) and intensified anthropogenic activities and disturbance (e.g. over-grazing) leading to land degradation and desertification. Despite the severe consequences, our ability to accurately assess and predict dryland vegetation dynamics remains uncertain, largely due to lack of understanding of the biological and ecological mechanisms/processes driving the spatial-temporal dynamics of dryland vegetation under climate change and land use changes.
In the framework of a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary project between the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS-RCEES and CAS-ITP), the proposed projects provide a unique platform for the candidates to integrate knowledge and expertise across disciplines to improve our predictive capacity of seasonal to interannual changes in dryland carbon-water relations under global environmental change, such as rising CO2, increasing aridity and temperature, or nitrogen deposition.

Your tasks

• Synthesize complementary streams of long-term monitoring observations (eddy covariance, soil moisture, remotely sensed vegetation indices) and observations from field and process studies carried out across a gradient of dryland ecosystems in the DRYLAND project using the QUINCY model.
• Use the data-constrained model to assess the predictive skill in forecasting seasonal to interannual responses of carbon and water fluxes to climate variability and extremes.
• Evaluate the impact of future scenarios of climate and land-use change on dryland carbon and water fluxes and potential climate feedbacks.

Your profile

• Master's degree in Environmental/Earth system science, environmental engineering, physics or a computational science.
• Very good programming skills in a modern script language (e.g. python, R, Julia), and/or programming language (e.g. FORTRAN, C++).
• Knowledge on global change ecology and dryland processes, experiences in process-based numerical ecosystem or land surface modelling and Experience with data-assimilation or ensemble simulation techniques would be very advantageous
• Good English written and communication skills.

Our offer

• Work in the attractive international environment of an interdisciplinary research institute of the Max Planck Society as well as in a friendly and team-oriented working environment.
• Participation in a strongly interdisciplinary research project, with close collaborations with the MPI-BGC Processes Department (Prof. Susan Trumbore, processes understanding), CAS-ITP (Prof. Shilong Piao, eddy-covariance fluxes and remote sensing), Prof. N MacBean (Western University, Canada), as well as other MPI and CAS institutions.
• State-of-the-art biosphere models (e.g. QUINCY), and excellent programming support.

Part-time work is generally possible. The position will be evaluated and graded following the collective agreement according to TVöD Bund; in addition, we will provide a pension plan based on the public service (VBL).
The Max Planck Society (MPS) strives for gender equality and diversity. The MPS aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore explicitly encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from all fields. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged.

Your application

Please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Sönke Zaehle (szaehle@bgc-jena.mpg.de) for details about the position. Are you interested? Please send us your application with cover letter, curriculum vitae as well a s names and contact information of two references summarised in a PDF file (max. 10 MB) by e-mail to bewerbung@bgc-jena.mpg.de or to the

Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie
Personalbüro: Kennwort “36/2022”
Hans-Knöll-Straße 10
07745 Jena

by September 9, 2022, quoting the reference number 36/2022. We ask that you do not use application folders, but only submit copies, as your documents will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations after the application process has been completed. We look forward to receiving your application!

PhD Position (m/f/d) | Process Understanding of Dryland Vegetation Dynamics

 The Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) in Jena is dedicated to interdisciplinary fundamental research in the field of Earth system sciences with a focus on climate and ecosystems. The internationally renowned institute, which currently employs around 230 people, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2022. Jena is known for high-tech industry, internationally renowned research institutions and a modern university, but it also has a beautiful natural setting in the green Saale valley with steep limestone slopes. The city of Jena has an active student scene and a diverse cultural life. For the department of Biogeochemical Processes we are inviting applications for a PhD position on the process understanding of dryland vegetation dynamics (m/f/d) in full time, three years, extension possible.

Background and position description

Drylands cover ~45% of global land area, are home to ~40% of the global population and harbor more than 20% of global biodiversity. However, drylands face significant challenges from climate change (e.g. changes in temperature and precipitation patterns) and intensified anthropogenic activities and disturbance (e.g. over-grazing) leading to land degradation and desertification. Despite the severe consequences, our ability to accurately assess and predict dryland vegetation dynamics remains uncertain, largely due to lack of understanding of the biological and ecological mechanisms/processes driving the spatial-temporal dynamics of dryland vegetation under climate change and land use changes.
In the framework of a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary project between the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS-RCEES and CAS-ITP), the proposed projects provide a unique platform for the candidates to integrate knowledge and expertise across disciplines to improve our process understanding of seasonal to interannual changes in dryland carbon-water relations under global environmental change, such as rising CO2, increasing aridity and temperature, or nitrogen deposition.

Your tasks

• Participate in joint field campaigns and collect field data and plant/soil samples at selected sites across gradients of environmental conditions.
• Coordinate analysis of plant functional traits to identify the key processes that determine plant carbon-water relations in a changing environment.
• Integrate data collected in the Dryland project and the existing databases (TRY and FLUXNET) to investigate plant carbon-water relations across scales.

Your profile

• Master's degree in ecology, biology, geography, biogeochemistry, or environmental sciences
• Experience in field/greenhouse experiments and/or laboratory analysis on plant ecology
• Knowledge on plant ecology/ecophysiology, experience or interest in stable isotopes (e.g., 13C, 18O, 15N) and Radiocarbon would be very advantageous
• Good English written and communication skills.

Our offer

• Work in the attractive international environment of an interdisciplinary research institute of the Max Planck Society as well as in a friendly and team-oriented working environment.
• Participation in a strongly interdisciplinary research project, with close collaborations with the MPI-BGC Signals Department (Prof. Sönke Zaehle, Terrestrial Biosphere Modelling), CAS-RCEES (Prof. Bojie Fu, ecosystem service assessment), and CAS-ITP (Prof. Shilong Piao, eddy-covariance fluxes and remote sensing), as well as other MPI and CAS institutions.
• Top-level research facilities and infrastructure, and excellent technical support.

Part-time work is generally possible. The position will be evaluated and graded following the collective agreement according to TVöD Bund; in addition, we will provide a pension plan based on the public service (VBL).

The Max Planck Society (MPS) strives for gender equality and diversity. The MPS aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore explicitly encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from all fields. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged.

Your application

Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Jianbei Huang (hjianbei@bgc-jena.mpg.de) and/or Prof. Susan Trumbore, PhD (trumbore@bgc-jena.mpg.de) for details about the position.

Are you interested? Please send us your application with cover letter, curriculum vitae as well a s names and contact information of two references summarised in a PDF file (max. 10 MB) by e-mail to bewerbung@bgc-jena.mpg.de or to the

Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie
Personalbüro: Kennwort “37/2022”
Hans-Knöll-Straße 10
07745 Jena

by September 9, 2022, quoting the reference number 37/2022. We ask that you do not use application folders, but only submit copies, as your documents will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations after the application process has been completed. We look forward to receiving your application!

PhD Position (m/f/d) | Alkaloid Biosynthesis, Evolution and Engineering in Medicinal Plants

 The department of Natural Product Biosynthesis (Prof. Dr. Sarah E. O’Connor) at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena invites highly motivated candidates to apply for a 3-year PhD position to study alkaloid biosynthesis, evolution and engineering in medicinal plants. 

Project description

Plants produce countless chemically diverse natural products, or specialized metabolites. Alkaloids are a type of natural product that are widely used as medicines. If we discover the biosynthetic genes and enzymes that are responsible for the production of these medicinally important alkaloids, then we can use synthetic biology or engineering approaches to enable better access to these medicines. Ipecac alkaloids have been widely used pharmacological agents for many years. Interestingly, these compounds occur in two evolutionary distant plants suggesting that the biosynthetic pathways evolved independently; in other words, nature developed two different biosynthetic pathways for these molecules.

The aim of this PhD project is to discover the genes of the biosynthetic pathways of ipecac alkaloids in these two distantly related medicinal plant species. Then, the pathways can be compared, contrasted, and recombined using state of the art plant-based production platforms. The PhD candidate will use cutting edge metabolomics and transcriptomics approaches to identify enzyme candidates, screen for activities, characterize active enzymes in vitro and in vivo and reconstitute both natural and synthetic pathways. 

Candidate requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with training in biochemistry and molecular biology. Experience and good experimental skills in molecular techniques and mass spectrometry are an advantage. Knowledge about plant natural products, specialized metabolism or biochemistry is desirable but not essential. A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biotechnology or related disciplines is required for this position.

We are offering

a 4-year PhD position. Payment will be based on the tariff contracts for the public service (65% TVöD E13). We provide an excellent research environment with enthusiastic scientists from different nationalities in the department of Natural Product Biosynthesis led by Prof. S.E. O’Connor (www.sarahoconnor.org) at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena, Germany (www.ice.mpg.de). The PhD student will be associated with the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS, http://imprs.ice.mpg.de).

How to apply

Please send your application as a single pdf in English including a letter of motivation and research interests, CV, relevant certificates (degree certificates etc.) and the name and address of at least one referee to Prof. O’Connor: phd-alkaloid@ice.mpg.de.

Review of applications will begin on August 31st, 2022, and continue until the position is filled. The position is available from October 1st, 2022.

Postdoc Position (m/f/d) | X-ray Spectroscopy

 The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion (MPI CEC) in Mülheim an der Ruhr studies fundamental chemical processes for energy storage in chemical molecules.

Within the DFG funded Collaborative Research Center (CRC) /Transregio 247 "Heterogeneous Oxidation Catalysis in the Liquid Phase" the Inorganic Chemistry department of the FHI and the Inorganic Spectroscopy department of the MPI CEC is offering a Postdoc position (m/f/div) in X-ray spectroscopy.

The position is available immediately. The postdoctoral position is initially for 24 months, with the possibility of an additional one-year renewal.

The position will be based in the Department of Inorganic Spectroscopy in Mülheim an der Ruhr, but will require frequent travel to Berlin, as well as other synchrotron radiation facilities. The successful candidate will be supervised by Prof. Serena DeBeer and will work in close collaboration with Dr. Olaf Rüdiger and Dr. Axel Knop.

Your tasks

The appointed researcher will investigate the working structure of spinel and perovskite model catalysts active and selective on the liquid phase oxidation under working and quasi in situ conditions using different X-ray spectroscopy techniques. With this approach we will contribute to the main goal of the CRC/TRR 247 that aims at bringing heterogeneous oxidation catalysis in the liquid phase to a level of fundamental understanding that is comparable to metal catalysis in the gas phase, i.e. to unravel the nature of the catalytically active sites and the reaction mechanisms.

This position will offer the opportunity of combining operando X-ray spectroscopy measurements   in the soft-, tender and hard X-ray energy range, measuring absorption and also emission, both resonant and non-resonant. Dedicated electrochemical cells have been implemented and will be further developed.  The operando experiment in the soft and tender X-ray range will be performed mainly at the synchrotron radiation facility BESSY in Berlin. The measurements in the hard X-ray range will be conducted at the PINK beamline at BESSY as well as at other international synchrotron radiation facilities, including the ESRF, Diamond Light Source, and PETRA. The project builds on a strong collaboration with the co-applicants of the Electron Microscopy group of the Inorganic Chemistry Department of the Fritz-Haber-Institute (Dr. Thomas Lunkenbein) and the electron paramagnetic resonance group (Dr. Alexander Schnegg). Further collaboration with partners within the CRC/TRR 247 will be established.

Your qualifications

• Completed scientific higher education and PhD in natural sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, Physical Chemistry or Chemical Engineering) preferably with a specialization in heterogeneous catalysis or energy science.
• Experience with X-ray spectroscopy measurements and analysis at synchrotron beamlines would be ideal
• Interest and experience in instrumentation design and engineering tasks (e.g., assembly and construction of in situ cells).
• Proven ability to write publications.
• Experience performing and analyzing complex experiments with a high drive to solve scientific and practical/instrumental challenges independently.
• Collaborative spirit, teamwork, and excellent English skills.

Our offer

We offer an international, dynamic working environment in a renowned research institute, family-friendly jobs and flexible working hours. Remuneration is according to TVöD (federal government), in line with your qualifications and professional experience. In addition, the usual social benefits of the public service (federal service) are granted.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Your application

Your detailed application should include a cover letter with description of past experience, a curriculum vitae with the contact details of three referees and a copy of your degree certificate. If we have aroused your interest then please send your application preferably in digital form until 31st August 2022 stating 

the reference code “SD016” to:

Professor Dr. Serena DeBeer
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion
Stiftstrasse 34-36
45470 Muelheim an der Ruhr
Germany

E-Mail: serena.debeer@cec.mpg.de

Encrypted data transfer is possible on the site Cryptshare.mpg.de.

Further information regarding the data protection for applicants can be found on our webpage:

https://www.cec.mpg.de/en/career/data-protection-information-for-applicants

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (f/m/d) | isoTROPIC Research Group

 The isoTROPIC Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropolgy (formerly known as Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History – MPI-SHH), Jena, Germany is pleased to announce a new open vacancy for a postdoctoral researcher position exploring human history in the tropics. The fulltime position will be for a period of up to 3 years and based in Jena, Germany.

The isoTROPIC Research Group is a permanent Max Planck Independent Research Group opened at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History in 2022. Headed by Dr. Patrick Roberts, it uses multidisciplinary archaeological, historical, biochemical, palaeoenvironmental, and remote-sensing approaches to study the human past in the tropics.

The isoTROPIC Research Group also hosts a state-of-the-art Mass Spectrometry laboratory which applies innovative stable isotope approaches to study past human diets, environments, and mobility, both within the tropics and more generally, with projects ranging from Pleistocene Arabia to Medieval Spain. The laboratory applies bulk approaches to a variety of archaeological materials (teeth, bones, charred plants, sediments), as well as compound-specific analysis of plant wax biomarkers from sediments.

Candidate tasks

The successful candidate will play a central role in the Research Group and its outputs. This call is for an open postdoctoral position and candidates should submit a 3-page proposal (in addition to their CV) that addresses the above questions in line with the isotope facilities and methodologies utilized within the isoTROPIC group, with a particular focus on plant wax biomarker analyses and stable isotope analysis of those biomarkers.

The successful candidate will also play a central role in the day-to-day running of the isotope laboratory as well as operation of our Mass Spectrometers, ensuring high-quality analyses and high sample throughput. They should be keen to assist with ambitious research projects and able to work diligently, meet deadlines, and assist students and researchers in using equipment in the laboratory.

Previous practical experience with the running and maintenance of Mass Spectrometers for isotope analysis is an absolute requirement. Candidates should be able to assist with:

1. Day-to-day operation and upkeep of a GC-C-irMS system and biomarker extraction set-up.
2. The running of additional Mass Spectrometers including a Thermo DELTA V Advantage Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer coupled to an elemental analyzer and a Thermo DELTA V Advantage Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer coupled to a Gas Bench II Interface.
3. Overseeing the entire pipeline for archaeological and palaeoenvironmental isotope analysis, from sampling to pretreatment to analysis and interpretation.
4. Supporting PhD students in developing lab-based and Mass Spectrometry skills.

Candidate qualifications

The ideal applicant will have a strong background in Archaeological Science, Geology, Chemistry, Environmental Archaeology, or Earth Sciences, or a strong track record of isotope applications to the study of past human diets and environmental interactions. In-depth practical and theoretical experience in utilising the isotope facilities available within the isoTROPIC group is also essential.

Other prerequisites include evidence of strong oral and written communication skills, including an outstanding publication record, commensurate with career stage. Willingness to work as part of a team and the ability to complete tasks in a timely and structured fashion are also necessities.

Essential:

• PhD in Archaeological Science, Geology, Chemistry, Environmental Archaeology, or Earth Science or a similar discipline.
• Hands on, practical experience exploring stable isotope applications to archaeological or palaeoenvironmental records.
• Practical and theoretical experience with the Mass Spectrometry systems available within the isoTROPIC group, with a particular focus on biomarker analyses.
• Practical experience in developing and utilizing pretreatment protocols for isotope analysis in archaeological or palaeoenvironmental contexts, with a particular focus on biomarker extraction.

Advantageous:

• A track record of innovative archaeological isotope project development and completion
• Experience with archaeological, historical and palaeoenvironmental datasets
• Experience in linking records of past human behaviour and human-environment interactions to contemporary challenges
• Experience running, or helping to run, day-to-day operation of a laboratory
• Outreach skills in the context of communicating isotope approaches to the past to the general public.

Our Offer

We offer a unique opportunity to develop cutting edge research in the city of Jena that is renowned for its position at the intersection of Biogeochemical, Ecological, and Archaeological research. The Max Planck Society promotes these multidisciplinary connections and this position offers the candidate the possibility of making the most of such networks and become a leader in novel isotopic approaches to the study of the human past. The candidate will also have the opportunity to work closely with members of the Institute beyond the isoTROPIC Research Group, including within the Department of Archaeology.

The position will ideally begin on the 1st of November 2022 though some flexibility in start date is possible. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more individuals with disabilities and especially encourages them to apply. We are also committed to encouraging diversity and actively challenging biases based on gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion and other components of identity.

The Max Planck Society is supporting the compatibility of family and career and is certified according to the "berufundfamilie" (“job and family”) audit.

Renumeration will follow the public service pay scale (TVöD), according to the candidate’s qualifications and experience up to paygroup 13. In addition, social benefits are offered as per the regulations of the German Civil Service, f.e. occupational pension and subsidies for public transport.

Please submit your application (which should include a cover letter, a 3-page project proposal, CV of no more than 3 pages, list of publications with a maximum of 10 relating to the topic, and any relevant certificates) by September, 16th. You are also required to submit three references which are also due by September, 16th. Please submit your application as a single pdf file in English using the link below.

https://lotus2.gwdg.de/mpg/mjws/perso/shh_p040.nsf/application

Contact for more information:
Dr. Patrick Roberts, Email: roberts@shh.mpg.de

Computer Scientist or Physicist

 The Max-Planck-Institute for Physics (MPP) in Munich participates in many international projects in particle and astroparticle physics, see www.mpp.mpg.de for further details. Together with the Max Planck Computing and Data Facility (MPCDF) at Garching, the institute operates locally and internationally networked computing and storage services. Part of the services is used as a Tier-2 centre within the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid (WLCG), see wlcg.web.cern.ch. The institute invites applications for the position of a computer scientist or physicist (m/f/d) to join the MPP team, working in close collaboration with the MPCDF.

Your tasks

• Procurement, installation and operation of hard- and software components of Linux clusters and storage systems
• Support of data management for MPP‘s scientific projects
• Supervision of the middleware layer for integration into the WLCG

Your profile

• University degree in computer science or physics (Master, diploma, or equivalent)
• Several years of experience with large software projects
• Profound skills in programming languages such as perl, python and unix shell
• Experience with the operation of Linux clusters including virtualization and Linux containers
• Good communication capabilities, willingness to acquire new skills, flexibility, and a team oriented working style
• Good mastery of the English language (project language is partially English), basic knowledge of German or the willingness to acquire it

Our offer

• Temporary employment for an initial period of two years (extension possible)
• Remuneration according to TVöD (Bund) depending on qualifications and experience
• Full-time 39 hours/week (part-time employment is also possible)
• Challenging and varied tasks in an international research project
• Extensive training and very good opportunities for continuing education
• Support in arranging childcare options
• Very good connections to public transport and discounts on the Munich public transport system and Deutsche Bahn

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. Queries may be directed to Dr John Kennedy (jkennedy@mpcdf.mpg.de) and Dr Stefan Kluth (skluth@mpp.mpg.de). Information about the MPCDF may be found on the internet at www.mpcdf.mpg.de.

Your application

Please send your complete written application by September 15, 2022 electronically to jobs@mpp.mpg.de.

Max Planck Institute for Physics 
(Werner Heisenberg Institute)
Personnel department
Föhringer Ring 6 
80805 München
Germany

The Max Planck Institute for Physics collects and stores personal data that you send for your application. 

Master Thesis - Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor for the Detection of Biomarkers

 We aim to develop a mass sensitive sensor for the detection of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The pandemic still persist but the detection of corona infections by qualitative rapid diagnose tests has proven being an effect instrument to limit the virus’s spread. Nevertheless, quantitative point of care sensors are still rare although providing valuable information on the patient health status. In this project, the quantitative detection of the coronavirus should be achieved by measuring the shift of the frequency of surface acoustic waves during the specific binding of spike proteins of the coronavirus. The surface acoustic waves (SAW) are stimulated via microelectrode transducers deposited on ultrathin piezoelectric films. These films are modified by novel DNA receptor molecules that can selectively bind the spike protein similar to antibodies. However, on the way to detect those spike proteins, still several implementation steps need to be optimized for the successful operation of the sensor.

Your tasks in detail are:

• Fabrication of sensor chips in the clean room of the Forschungszentrum Jülich
  
• Tuning the composition of the piezoelectric films facilitating high sensor sensitivity and low detection limits. This optimization is done in collaboration with the Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung - IKZ in Berlin.
  
• Perform high frequency electrical measurements, prepare and work with buffer solutions as model biologic fluid
  
• Independent characterisation of the composition of both the sensor as well as surface modifications

Your Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, material science, or physical chemistry
  
• Experiences in coding
  
• Ability to communicate with scientists and technicians from various disciplines
  
• Well-structured and systematic research approach
  
• Independency
  
• Passion for science

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• An interesting and socially relevant topic for your thesis with future-oriented themes
  
• Multifaceted work in an interdisciplinary and international setting, as well as a cooperative work environment
  
• Fantastic research equipment facilities
  
• Work in a state of the art clean room
  
• All equipment required to execute the project is available
  
• A national collaboration with the IKZ in Berlin
  
• Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience alongside your studies
  
• Qualified support through your scientific colleagues
  
• The chance to independently prepare and work on your tasks
  
• Flexible working hours as well as a reasonable remuneration
  
• Forschungszentrum Jülich located closely to Belgium and the Netherlands with strong links to the ABCD Region (Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf) which is one of the leading high-tech
  

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation/identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

We look forward to receiving your application by 30.9.2022

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Master Thesis - Exploring machine learning capabilities to enrich the estimation of regional decarbonization potentials in the transport sector

 The aspects of your job are as follows:

• Literature review on different spatial data imputation, disaggregation, validation, and quality labelling techniques
  
• Combing different public databases and collecting useful data related to the transport sector in a database. Identifying challenges during this process.
  
• Implementation of suitable solutions to the identified challenges
  
• Validation of the results
  
• Writing the thesis

Your Profile:

• Very good academic marks in computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field of study
  
• Ability to work autonomously and analytically within a project team
  
• Ideally you already have experience in programming (Python and SQL), relational databases, and APIs
  
• A high affinity for topics related to machine learning and transport infrastructure
  
• Fluent oral and written proficiency in English

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• Highly motivated and international working group in one of the largest research institutions in Europe
  
• Intensive thesis supervision at a flexible workplace
  
• Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure
  
• Flexible working hours as well as a reasonable remuneration
  

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible.

APPLY NOW