The Max Planck Zentrum für Physik und Medizin (MPZPM) is an interdisciplinary, joint research center of the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), the Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER) and the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL). Research at the MPZPM focuses on the study of cells in the context of their microenvironment, the space that connects and encloses a variety of cell types in a tissue.

The vision of the scientists at the MPZPM is to map and model the physical phenomena and link them to specific biological functions. These phenomena will provide clues as to how the stiffness of cells correlates with the spread of cancer metastases, how immune cells respond to perturbations, what microenvironment is needed for the regeneration of damaged neuronal tissue or how a virus leads to a widespread infection.

For the new research group of Dr. Violas Introini, we are looking for a

Lab Manager (m/f/d)
full-time (39h / week)
About us:
We are a newly established research group focused on understanding the vascular pathogenesis of malaria disease. We combine biophysics, tissue engineering, and infection biology to model the human tissue-specific vasculature and study how Plasmodium parasites interact with it.
Our interdisciplinary team integrates 3D microfluidic models, live-cell imaging, and clinical isolates to address fundamental and translational questions at the interface of physics and medicine.

Your Role
We are looking for a proactive and organized Lab Manager to help build and manage our lab from the ground up. You will be central to establishing a collaborative, safe, and efficient research environment. Responsibilities include:
• Setting up lab infrastructure and systems (inventory, protocols, databases)
• Managing orders, budgeting, and vendor communication
• Coordinating equipment maintenance and service contracts
• Ensuring compliance with biosafety and health & safety regulations
• Supporting primary cell culture and regular qPCR tests
• Experience and interest in malaria culture is a plus
• Hands-on experience in microscopy (brightfield and fluorescence, confocal)
• Training and onboarding new lab members
Contribute to ongoing scientific projects and, if desired, pursue your own independent research project within the lab’s scope.

Your Profile
• Degree in a relevant field (e.g. biology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering)
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology and/or human cell culture
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Enthusiastic about science and lab operations
• Native German and Fluent English (lab language)
• Experience with infection disease models is advantageous
If you are passionate about advancing research through cutting-edge, we want to hear from you! Join us as we embark on this exciting journey to establish a world-class facility at the forefront of scientific innovation.

Our Offer
• The opportunity to shape a new lab at the Max-Planck-Zentrum
• Work in a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary environment at the intersection of life sciences and physics
• Excellent support and training opportunities
• Excellent employee benefits
• A collaborative and exciting team passionate about infectious diseases
The position is remunerated according to qualifications and experience in accordance with the collective agreement of the public service (TVöD Bund) and is limited in time (probably 6 years). In addition, we offer a company pension scheme via the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder (VBL). You will be part of an open team in an international environment and will find a very good working atmosphere. We offer you the possibility of flexible working hours. Our institute attaches great importance to occupational health management and carries out regular measures. We are open to change and ideas. The compatibility of work and family is also very important to us, which is why we are happy to support you in finding suitable childcare facilities.

Interested in joining our team?

Please submit your CV, a brief motivation letter, and contact information for two references via our online application tool by August 6th 2025. We look forward to welcoming you to Introini Lab!

Contact Information: viola.introini@mpzpm.mpg.de

The Max Planck Society strives to ensure a workplace that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities irrespective of gender, nationality or disabilities of the applicants. 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.

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