Student Research Assistant (m/f/div) for functional biomaterials and biolab research

Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems; Stuttgart; On-site; EUR 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart is seeking a Student Research Assistant to support functional biomaterials and biolab research, offering hands-on experience in biomaterials characterization, cell culture, and biolab operations with tasks defined in consultation with the team. Applicants should be enrolled at a German university, have mammalian cell culture experience, good English, and be available for 16–20 hours per week on-site.

Compensation is 15.61 € per hour.

Qualifications

• Interest in biomaterials research and experimental biology.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and passaging/maintenance.
• Current enrollment at a German university.
• Ability to work on site in Stuttgart, Germany.

Responsibilities

• Characterize functional biomaterials and assess their mechanical/thermal properties.
• Perform in‑vitro biocompatibility assays on biomaterials.
• Prepare and replenish cell culture media, buffers and other laboratory solutions.
• Manage biolab consumables and monitor stock levels.
• Document procedures and contribute to data collection and analysis.

Skills

Biomaterials research

Cell culture experience

English communication

Education

Currently enrolled at a German university

Job description

Student Research Assistant (m/f/div) for functional biomaterials and biolab research

The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) conducts research 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 benefit society.

We are looking for a

Roles & Responsibilities

The student assistant position is paid on an hourly basis and offers the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in biomaterials research, cell culture and biolab operations, while also being exposed to ongoing research in biohybrid robotics. The exact responsibilities and tasks can be discussed and agreed upon with the selected candidate. The successful candidate can start as soon as the hiring process is completed.

Possible tasks include:

• Support the physicochemical characterization of functional biomaterials, including their mechanical, thermal and stability properties.
• Perform biocompatibility assessments of biomaterials using established in‑vitro assays.
• Prepare and replenish cell culture media, buffers and other laboratory solutions.
• Support the management of biolab consumables, reagents and growth media, including monitoring stock levels and organizing supplies.
• Document experimental procedures, maintain cell culture records, and contribute to the collection and analysis of experimental data.

Education & Experience

Applicants should:

• Have a strong interest in biomaterials research and experimental biology.
• Have previous hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture, including routine cell passaging and maintenance.
• Be highly motivated, reliable, and well organized.
• Be currently enrolled at a German university.
• Be interested in working in an international and interdisciplinary research group.
• Have good oral and written communication skills in English.
• Be able to work on site at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart, Germany.

Our offer

Master students holding a Bachelor’s degree will be paid 15,61 € per hour, minimum 16 hours to maximum 20 hours per week. The job will start as soon as possible. We offer a modernly equipped workplace, a strongly international working environment, as well as the affiliation to a daycare center for young children.

Application

Applications should include the following documents):

• A résumé in English
• A brief cover letter in English
• Curriculum vitae, including a summary of education, research experience, relevant skills, and (if applicable) publications and software contributions
• Current certificate of enrolment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung)

Please send the requested documents via the application portal.

Closing date for applications: 15.12.2026.

For further questions, please contact Antonia Georgopoulou [e-mail].

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. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in its workforce in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.