Application Scientist / Facility Head Lentiviral Core Facility (m/f/d)

Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry; Planegg; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual special payment

Company pension

Childcare facilities

Active company health management

Job ticket subsidy

Job summary

A leading research institution in Bavaria is seeking an Application Scientist / Facility Head for their Lentiviral Core Facility. This role involves modifying and developing gene transfer vectors and comprehensively supporting researchers with lentivirus services. Candidates should possess a PhD in molecular biology or a related field, along with proven expertise in molecular biology techniques. Strong problem-solving skills and fluency in both English and German are essential. The position offers extensive benefits and a two-year initial contract with the possibility of extension.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific field like molecular biology or biochemistry is required.
• Proven expertise in molecular biology techniques is necessary.
• Experience with Lentivirus S2-based work would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Modify and develop vectors for cDNA transfer and lentivirus particle production.
• Provide advice on single-target CRISPR-Cas9-based gene modifications.
• Oversee a limited cell line collection for virus production and testing.
• Collaborate on protocols to quantify library guide representation.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Problem-solving abilities

Experience with CRISPR-Cas9

Customer interaction

Teamwork

Fluency in English

Fluency in German

Education

PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field

Job description

The Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB) in Martinsried is one of the world's leading research institutions in the fields of biochemistry, cell and structural biology, and biomedical research. With approximately 30 scientific departments and research groups and about 750 employees, the MPIB is one of the largest institutes of the Max Planck Society.

The newly formed Lentiviral Core Facility is seeking a skilled and motivated

Application Scientist / Facility Head Lentiviral Core Facility (m/f/d)

Full-time

The Lentiviral Core Facility will provide lentivirus-based services to support the MPIB’s scientific communities' needs for gene editing and transfer, including large- and small-scale genetic screening.

You will play a key role in driving the innovative use of lentivirus platforms that cover a wide range of gene transfer and screening applications tailored to the needs of the investigators. You will also harmonize vector and screening strategies across the institute with the goals of efficiency matched with quality of results and, at the same time, optimize vectors and libraries. You will act as the customer’s primary contact for this service and will discuss project strategy with the end users. You will oversee the work of one technician and we expect a high level of initiative. Flexibility to adapt to an ever-changing user and project landscape is key to success in this role.

In this role, you will:

• Modify and/or develop vectors for cDNA transfer and associated lentivirus particle production
• Modify and/or develop vectors for single-target CRISPR-Cas9-based gene modification and provide advice to the investigators for quantifying targeting events
• Develop and maintain a limited cell line collection for virus production and testing, including limited Cas9+ lines
• Acquire and maintain CRISPR libraries for whole genome screening and focused libraries. The libraries will include loss-of-function CRISPR-Cas9 approaches and CRISPR-i/a libraries
• Produce Lentivirus particles from defined and certified cell lines
• In collaboration with the Next Generation Sequencing facility, develop protocols to quantify library guide representation and quality, prior to investigator-based screening and assist investigators with screening strategies to obtain the desired outcome(s)
• Maintain detailed records of vectors and libraries in electronic form that are transferable within groups at the institute and provide a permanent record according to the gene technology guidelines and rules
• Engage with investigators prior to project implementation, during and after the project is complete to ensure their needs are met and troubleshoot problems as needed
• Adhere to biosafety requirements within the laboratory environment (i.e., S2) including documentation and record keeping of all activities including storage of plasmids, virus particles and waste disposal

Your profile

• A PhD in a relevant scientific field (e. g., molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry or related disciplines)
• Proven expertise and experience in molecular biology techniques. Experience with Lentivirus S2‑based work is not required but would be considered an advantage
• Flexibility and openness in project development, record keeping and accountability
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a track record of troubleshooting complex experiments
• Ability to acquire and optimize new approaches and incorporate new ways of thinking and experimentation
• Ability to work in a small, focused team but interface with larger groups at MPIB as well as other core facilities at MPIB. Ideally, some experience in managing personnel.
• Inclination to work with customers and their projects and to set up the administrative framework necessary for running an efficient service operation.
• Fluency in English and German. German is necessary for record keeping and reporting in regard to biosafety regulations

What we offer

• An interesting and varied job 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 an annual special payment, an annual individual performance-related bonus
• Company pension (VBL), capital-forming benefits, and other standard social benefits of the public sector (federal)
• Reconciliation of work and family life through the institute's own childcare facilities and cooperation with a family service
• Active company health management and sports facilities (including a bouldering wall, tennis courts, company fitness through EGYM Wellpass)
• Subsidy for the job ticket

The initial contract will be for two years, with the possibility of extension into a permanent assignment.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Furthermore, we are committed to increasing the representation of individuals with disabilities in our workforce and therefore encourage applications from such qualified individuals.

Application

Are you interested? Then please submit your application via our online application website.

Please note: Applications by e-mail will not be considered for data protection reasons.

Applications will be accepted immediately until March 6th, 2026. We look forward to receiving your application.

For further information, please visit our homepage at www.biochem.mpg.de.

For any inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Stephan Uebel [e-mail].