Job Offer from February 11, 2026
The Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence (MPI-BI) is one of more than 80 independent research institutions within the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science. The Institute operates at two locations southwest of Munich: Seewiesen and Martinsried. Approximately 500 staff members from over 50 countries investigate the fundamentals of how organisms adapt to constantly changing environments and achieve complex goals, abilities we call "biological intelligence".
In the context of a collaborative project with Prof. Emilie Macé at the University of Göttingen, the Avian Sleep research group at MPI-BI seeks to hire a Research Assistant – Neuroethology (m/f/d) with strong computational skills and an interest in whole-brain imaging.
Who we are
From jellyfish to humans, all animals sleep. Why all animals require at least some periods of sleep and what functions sleep fulfills is a topic of active research. In the Rattenborg lab, we wish to understand what functions sleep fulfills in birds – a group with a different evolutionary path, yet sleep patterns are remarkably similar to those of other mammals, including humans. In this project, we are using a novel brain imaging method, functional ultrasound imaging, to capture the activity of the whole brain in naturally sleeping birds. In particular, we aim to better understand what role REM sleep plays in processing emotional memories at a whole-brain level.
Who you are
We are seeking a motivated research assistant to support and contribute to the data processing and data management on this project. Specifically, you will:
- Integrate new data processing tools into existing analysis pipelines
- Preprocess, analyze, visualize and interpret brain activity data (fUSi, electrophysiology)
- Conducting statistical modelling
- Maintain and document analysis pipelines
- Support the technical workflow of lab experiments
This position is ideal for a Master’s degree graduate with strong computational expertise and a keen interest in neuroimaging and functional data analysis, who wishes to gain hands-on experience with diverse neuroscience datasets and modern analytical methods.
Qualification criteria: Experience working with Matlab or experience with Python and willingness to learn Matlab are required. Experience with functional data (fMRI, calcium imaging) or image processing is a plus. Experience working with birds is not necessary. We are looking for individuals who enjoy collaborative projects, are proactive, reliable, self-sufficient and comfortable working in a rapidly developing field.
What we offer
- An interesting, multifaceted and rewarding job in a scientific, modern and international environment
- Opportunities for regular professional exchange, individual training and further qualification
- Remuneration according to TVöD Bund, depending on qualifications, activities and experience
- Social benefits of the public service (company pension scheme (VBL), annual bonus, subsidized MVV job ticket, group accident insurance)
- Modern workplaces and active company health management
- Work-life balance (cooperation with a family service)
- A diverse working environment where equal opportunities and diversity are actively promoted
The position is initially limited to a period of 1 year.
The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society wants to increase the proportion of women in areas in which they are underrepresented. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more disabled people, who are thus explicitly encouraged to apply.
If interested, please apply with a succinct letter of motivation, a CV and the contact details of two references to Gianina Ungurean gianina.ungurean@bi.mpg.de.
For more information, please visit our homepage at www.bi.mpg.de
Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence
Am Klopferspitz 18 | D-82152 Planegg, Martinsried
Eberhard-Gwinner-Strasse | 82319 Starnberg - Seewiesen