Scientist Jobs in Germany at Max Planck SocietyÂ
Are you searching for scientist jobs in Germany that combine scientific excellence, leadership, and global impact? This exciting job opportunity for life science graduates at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry offers a rare chance to lead a cutting-edge core facility in Germany. Located in Martinsried, this role places you at the heart of one of the world’s most prestigious research environments within the Max Planck Society, advancing gene editing, lentiviral technologies, and biomedical discovery.
About the Max Planck Society
The Max Planck Society is one of the world’s foremost organizations for basic research, renowned for scientific excellence across biology, medicine, chemistry, and physics. With institutes across Germany and international collaborations worldwide, it offers outstanding Scientist jobs and long-term career development opportunities for global talent in the life sciences.
Job Details
- Job Title: Application Scientist / Facility Head (m/f/d)
- Location: Martinsried, Germany
- Field: Developmental & Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Immunobiology, Infection Biology & Medicine, Structural & Cell Biology
- Job Code: 2026_04
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Application Deadline: March 6, 2026
The Scientist Job Position in Germany
The newly established Lentiviral Core Facility is seeking a skilled and motivated Application Scientist / Facility Head (m/f/d). The facility provides lentivirus-based services to support the institute’s scientific community in gene editing and gene transfer, including large- and small-scale genetic screening.
The role plays a central part in driving innovative lentiviral platforms, harmonizing vector and screening strategies across the institute, and ensuring efficiency, quality, and reproducibility. The position serves as the primary point of contact for investigators, oversees one technician, and requires a high degree of initiative and flexibility in a dynamic research environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and modify vectors for cDNA transfer and lentiviral particle production
- Develop and modify vectors for single-target CRISPR-Cas9-based gene modification and advise investigators on quantification of targeting events
- Develop and maintain a limited collection of cell lines for virus production and testing, including selected Cas9-positive lines
- Acquire and maintain CRISPR libraries for whole-genome and focused genetic screening, including loss-of-function CRISPR-Cas9 and CRISPRi/a libraries
- Produce lentiviral particles from defined and certified cell lines
- In collaboration with the Next Generation Sequencing facility, develop protocols to quantify guide representation and library quality prior to investigator-led screening
- Support investigators with screening strategies to achieve desired outcomes
- Maintain detailed electronic records of vectors and libraries in compliance with gene technology guidelines
- Engage with investigators before, during, and after project execution to ensure project success and troubleshoot issues
- Adhere to biosafety level S2 requirements, including documentation, record keeping, plasmid and virus storage, and waste disposal
Candidate Profile
- PhD in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related disciplines)
- Proven expertise in molecular biology techniques
- Experience with lentiviral S2-based work is advantageous but not required
- Strong problem-solving skills and experience troubleshooting complex experiments
- Flexibility, accountability, and openness in project development and documentation
- Ability to acquire and optimize new technologies and experimental approaches
- Experience working in small teams while interfacing with larger research groups and core facilities
- Ideally, prior experience in personnel management
- Strong service orientation and ability to establish administrative structures for an efficient core facility
- Fluency in English and German; German is required for biosafety documentation and reporting
What Is Offered
- A varied and responsible role at one of the largest institutes of the Max Planck Society
- Flat hierarchies and an open-door culture
- Remuneration according to TVöD (federal), up to salary group 14, including:
- Annual special payment
- Performance-related bonus
- Company pension (VBL), capital-forming benefits, and standard public-sector social benefits
- Support for work–life balance, including on-site childcare and family services
- Company health management and sports facilities (e.g., bouldering wall, tennis courts, EGYM Wellpass)
- Subsidized public transport ticket
- Initial two-year contract with the possibility of extension to a permanent position
Application Process for Scientist Jobs in Germany
Applications must be submitted via the online application portal. Applications submitted by email will not be considered for data protection reasons.
For inquiries regarding the position, applicants may contact:
Dr. Stephan Uebel
Email: [email protected]
Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry
Am Klopferspitz 18
82152 Martinsried, Germany
Phone: +49 89 8578-0.
