Max Planck Research Group Leader at the MPI for Intelligent Systems (Stuttgart site)

Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems; Stuttgart; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full independence in research

Considerable funding for personnel and equipment

Infrastructure and central services support

Job summary

A leading research institute in Stuttgart is seeking a Max Planck Research Group Leader to establish a new research group in intelligent systems. The role emphasizes independence in conducting research with considerable funding provided. Ideal candidates will have a doctoral degree, a strong international research record, and the capability to lead innovative projects in fields such as robotics and human-machine interaction. Applications are open until January 7, 2026.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have a strong international track record of creative research.
• Successful applicants will be able to establish an internationally visible research program.
• Ability to establish an internationally visible research program.

Responsibilities

• Establish one new independent research group at the Stuttgart site.
• Contribute to diverse areas including robotics, human-machine interaction, and healthcare.
• Collaborate with MPI-IS groups, Cyber Valley partners, and international researchers.

Skills

Creative research

Strong international track record

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

Max Planck Research Group Leader at the MPI for Intelligent Systems (Stuttgart site)

Join to apply for the Max Planck Research Group Leader at the MPI for Intelligent Systems (Stuttgart site) role at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems

The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI‑IS) seeks to advance intelligent systems that perceive, learn, and interact through fundamental research across computational, physical, and social dimensions. We shape artificial intelligence and robotics to advance knowledge and to benefit society. The institute takes a highly interdisciplinary approach that combines mathematics, computation, engineering, materials science, and biology. The Stuttgart site of the institute concentrates on physical realizations of intelligent systems, often with medical applications. We currently have two departments, Haptic Intelligence and Robotic Materials, as well as seven independent research groups: Biomimetic Materials and Machines, Cyborg Robotics and Intelligent Sensing, Embodied Social Interaction, Mechanics for Intelligent Structures, Neuromechanics of Movement, Organizational Leadership and Diversity, and Robotic Composites and Compositions. The open position is funded by the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (Max Planck Society) and the State of Baden‑Württemberg and is part of Cyber Valley, a research consortium in artificial intelligence and robotics with partners from academia, startups, and industry.

We are looking for outstanding candidates in the field of intelligent systems to establish one new independent research group at our institute's Stuttgart site. Potential areas of research can include, but are not limited to, the following:

Robotics

all areas, especially

• Soft robotics
• Bioinspired or biohybrid robotics
• Physical intelligence at all length scales
• Materials science for robotics
• Electronic skin and stretchable electronics
• Sustainable robots
• Intelligent driving and power electronics for untethered robots
• Tactile sensing and touch processing

Human‑Machine Interaction

• Human‑robot interaction
• Haptic interfaces
• Social aspects of intelligent systems
• Intelligent systems for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

Robotics for Healthcare

• Medical robotics
• Surgical robotics
• Rehabilitation robotics

Learning Systems

• Robot learning
• Machine learning

Candidates should have a strong international track record of creative research. Successful applicants will be able to establish an internationally visible research program of their own design within our institute. Max Planck Research Group Leader positions offer individuals holding a doctoral degree an excellent springboard to high‑level scientific positions.

The salary package is based on the W2 remuneration group of the German Federal Civil Service Remuneration Act (Bundesbesoldungsgesetz – BBesG). As a leader of a Cyber Valley Max Planck Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, you will enjoy full independence in conducting scientific research within your field and, in particular, will not be subject to restrictions when choosing, prioritizing and carrying out your scientific work. Group leaders are provided with considerable funding for personnel, equipment, and running costs, which enables them to focus the bulk of their energy on their research. Group leaders and their group members also benefit from the infrastructure, central services, and administration of MPI‑IS. Each Max Planck Research Group is limited to a term of six years. Depending on research progress, and taking funding possibilities and labor legislation into account, a group leader’s employment contract can be extended once by three years on an individual basis according to scientific criteria and after a positive evaluation.

The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems is an equal‑opportunity employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, gender identity, or any other non‑job‑related criteria. MPI‑IS recognizes the importance of a multicultural community of students, faculty, and staff who seek to advance our commitment to diversity. We are committed to attracting and retaining diverse staff and will honor each individual’s experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. The Max Planck Society wishes to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented; women are therefore explicitly encouraged to apply. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of employees with severe disabilities in its workforce; applications from persons with severe disabilities are expressly desired.

Application

Applications should contain a short cover letter; a three‑page research statement describing your past, present, and future research activities; a one‑page diversity statement describing your experiences with and commitment to diversity; and a CV including your full list of publications. All documents should be prepared in English and should be submitted as a single pdf file through our online application system.

In addition, at least two professional reference letters must be submitted directly by the referees before the application deadline. After you have registered in our online application system, you will receive further information about how these letters should be submitted.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [e-mail].

The closing date for applications is January 7, 2026.