Materials scientist (m/w/d) (Physiker/in)

About us

The Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin (MPZPM) is an interdisciplinary joint research center of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER). Research at MPZPM addresses fundamental questions in medicine, aiming to understand living systems, biological processes, and their pathological changes from a novel physical perspective.

Facility Leader - Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) Facility at MPZPM
Core Facilities (CF) at MPZPM provide cutting-edge technologies and form an essential part of the center’s scientific infrastructure. The Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) Facility is equipped with state-of-the-art microfabrication technologies housed within a cleanroom at MPZPM. LoC can also draw on the capabilities of another nanofabrication cleanroom facility at MPL. The unit supports researchers in developing advanced microfluidic chips, microtools and physiologically relevant microenvironments for studies at the interface of physics and medicine. We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Facility Head to manage and further develop the Lab-on-a-Chip facility. You will oversee daily operations, ensure safe and efficient laboratory workflows, support scientific users from diverse backgrounds and contribute to the design and development of innovative methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

Lead, mentor, and support scientific and technical staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team.
Oversee facility operations, including planning, budgeting, maintenance, and strategic development.
Train and support users from diverse scientific backgrounds.

Technical Expertise & Scientific Support

Ensure reliable operation of cleanroom infrastructure and microfabrication equipment.
Provide expert guidance in microfabrication, microfluidics, and lab-on-a-chip system development.
Contribute to the development of new microstructured materials, microfluidic chips, and advanced LoC technologies.

Innovation & Development

Support interdisciplinary research projects and facilitate knowledge transfer across scientific fields.
Develop novel microfluidics-based methodologies and provide SOPs to ensure reliable and reproducible use.
Propose and discuss organizational and infrastructure improvements with the MPZPM board, focusing on optimized workflows, state-of-the-art technologies, and strategic upgrades aligned with the institute’s priorities.
You bring:

MSc or PhD in physics, biophysics, chemistry, materials science, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
Experience in managing laboratories, particularly cleanrooms, including staff supervision and operation of microfabrication workflows.
Strong organizational, leadership, and project-management skills, with a track record of building or expanding scientific infrastructure.
Expertise in developing microfluidic technologies.
Capability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across scientific disciplines. English is the primary working language; knowledge of German is advantageous.
Experience in technology transfer, device development, or industry collaboration is a plus.

Ideal Technical Competencies (some of the following):

Microfabrication & Lithography: photolithography, soft lithography, micropatterning of rigid and soft materials, biomolecule patterning via microcontact printing or LIMA photopatterning.
Microfluidics & Lab-on-a-Chip Systems: design, production, and integration of microfluidic chips with fluidic, optical and electronic components.
Soft Material Microstructuring: hydrogels, droplet microfluidics, and other soft materials relevant to biomedical applications.
3D structuring using Digital Light Processing (DLP) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM).

A state-of-the-art Lab-on-a-Chip facility within an inte...