State-certified technical assistant (m/f/d), specialization in chemistry

State-certified technical assistant (m/f/d), specialization in chemistry

Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena

Type of Job

Scientific and Technical Assistance

Microbiology & Ecology Earth Sciences and Climate Research

Job Code: 01/2026

Job offer from February 17, 2026

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 280 people, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. Jena is known for its 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. At the earliest opportunity, we are looking for a State-certified technical assistant, specialization in chemistry (m/f/d) in full‑time with a 2‑year fixed‑term contract.

Background and position description

The MPI-BGC hosts a central analytical laboratory for the European research infrastructure Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) – a Europe‑wide measurement network for observing long‑term trends in greenhouse gases with 40 atmospheric measuring stations. The ICOS Flask and Calibration Laboratory in Jena supports these field stations in collecting air samples and performs highly accurate analyses on these samples. From 2026 onwards, such sampling is intended to be carried out additionally at established background stations distributed worldwide, which are operated by international cooperation partners. This should allow for a better assessment of the comparability of measurements from ICOS and other laboratories and ensure the availability of such measurement data. The position holder will work in a team of 13 employees. The focus of the work is on performing gas chromatographic analyses of these air samples and handling the internal logistics of the air samples, including managing and maintaining the sample containers, as well as communicating with all internal and external scientists involved at the measuring stations.

• Measuring greenhouse gas concentrations in air samples using gas chromatography
• Handling the logistics of sample containers (flasks)
• Testing, cleaning, repairing and filling sample flasks
• Sample registration and flask management in the laboratory database (documenting incoming samples and entering metadata; documenting work steps on flasks and shipping)
• Communicating with internal and external scientists and measuring station managers in German and English
• General tasks related to ICOS laboratory operations

Your profile

• Completed occupational training as a state‑certified technical assistant with a specialization in chemistry, chemical engineering, laboratory technology, or comparable qualifications
• Experience in general analytical chemistry and/or environmental chemistry; experience with gas samples is desirable
• Experience in handling hazardous substances and pressurised gas containers is desirable
• Good written and spoken German and English (B2 level each)
• Strong team, communication skills and service orientation
• Initiative and sense of responsibility
• Very good time and priority management
• A goal‑oriented, structured, and careful way of working

Our offer

We offer thorough training. 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

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

by 17th March 2026 , quoting the reference number 01/2026 . 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!