Technician (m/f/d) for Laboratory Infrastructure

Technician (m/f/d) for Laboratory Infrastructure

The Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD). is located at the Science Campus Hamburg-Bahrenfeld and investigates dynamical phenomena within matter down to the elementary timescales of atomic and electronic motions, the femtosecond or attosecond timescale. The focus is on the use of short wavelength ultrafast probes, such as X-rays or electron pulses, which are capable of measuring atomic and electronic structures in matter of all kinds.

The MPSD currently consists of five scientific departments focusing on solid state physics and theoretical methods in these fields. The MPSD is a partner in the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science (CFEL), collaborating with the Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY), European XFEL (EuXFEL) and the University of Hamburg in the development of science based on the X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELs).

The Department for Nanoscale Quantum Materials

is seeking a

Technician (m/f/d) for Laboratory Infrastructure

Your position

We are looking for a hands-on, versatile technician who keeps our laboratories running. You will be the go-to person for the technical infrastructure and day-to-day operations of our experiments. This role complements our engineering and scientific staff, with a focus on practical work, maintenance, and operational readiness. Your tasks will include:

• Infrastructure Maintenance: Independent maintenance, servicing, and monitoring of the laboratory’s technical systems (including vacuum pumps and vacuum systems, gas supply installations, and cryogenic equipment). Implementation of, and adherence to, associated laboratory safety protocols and standards
• Installations: Installation and modification of laboratory infrastructure, such as connecting and exchanging pressurized gas cylinders, and routing gas, cooling water, and vacuum lines.
• Mechanical Assembly: Planning and executing mechanical work, including the assembly, installation, and relocation of scientific equipment, as well as constructing experimental support frames and enclosures (e.g., using aluminum extrusion profiles). Performing electromechanical tasks such as soldering, crimping, and custom cable/connector assembly.
• Coordination: Coordinating deliveries, storage, and workshop logistics; liaising with external service technicians, facility management, and contractors.
• General Lab Support: Providing proactive, hands-on assistance for daily laboratory operations as an integral part of the research team.

Your qualification

• Education: Completed vocational training (Berufsausbildung) in a relevant technical trade, such as Electronics Technician (Elektroniker/in), Mechatronics Technician (Mechatroniker/in), Precision Mechanic (Feinmechaniker/in), Plant/HVAC Mechanic (Anlagenmechaniker/in), Refrigeration Technician (Mechatroniker/in für Kältetechnik), Physics Laboratory Assistant (Physiklaborant/in), or equivalent skills acquired through substantial professional experience.
• Work Style: A strong hands-on mentality, practical problem-solving skills, and genuine enjoyment of a broad, varied range of technical tasks within an active experimental environment. A careful, safety-conscious, and independent approach to work.
• Language Skills: A solid command of German (essential for liaising with external contractors and local technical infrastructure) combined with functional, conversational English to communicate within our international research team (or a strong willingness to improve existing English skills).
• Teamwork: Team spirit and the flexibility to thrive in a dynamic, evolving research environment.

Desirable, but not required:

• Practical experience with vacuum technology, cryogenics, or the handling of pressurized and liquefied gases.
• Knowledge of low-voltage electrical installations, measurement electronics, or sensor cabling.

Our offer

We offer an innovative environment, which will give you the opportunity to develop your own ideas at the forefront of ultrafast science embedded in the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science (CFEL). We offer a position according to the German public pay scale (TVöD). The position is initially limited to two years, with possibility of extended employment. Collaborations with experimental groups in Hamburg and other locations are planned.

The Max Planck Society and our group specifically strive for gender and diversity equality. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and we are committed to improve gender balance. Furthermore, 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.

Our commitment to equal opportunity

The Max Planck Society is committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to improving gender balance.

Our equality and inclusion statements

We encourage applications from all backgrounds and we are committed to improve gender balance. Furthermore, 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.

Our contact and closing notes

We look forward to receiving applications and learning about what you can contribute to our team.