Postdoctoral Researcher Position (m/f/div)

Max Planck Research Groups Cyborg Robotics and Intelligent Sensing, led by Dr. Antonia Georgopoulou and Robotic Composites and Compositions (RoCoCo), led by Dr. Buse Aktaş, are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join a new collaborative project that combines the groups’ complementary expertise, bridging magneto-mechanical material programming and biohybrid sensors and actuators.

They offer a Postdoctoral Researcher Position (m/f/div) In Magnetically Actuated Organoids at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems

About the project

The project focuses on transforming biological organoids into active, programmable units by integrating sensing and actuation. Unlike conventional passive organoids, these “organobots” can perform tasks and interact with external systems, enabling precise control in biohybrid robotics. Remote magnetic actuation preserves critical organoid functions such as self-organization, self-repair, and tissue contractility, avoiding the interference and electrolysis issues caused by traditional electrical stimulation. This approach allows seamless integration of sensing and actuation, overcoming key limitations in current biohybrid systems. This approach opens new avenues for dynamic drug testing, disease modeling, and controllable therapeutic implants.

Specific research directions and activities include:

• Development of hydrogel-based organobots embedded with magnetic particles, enabling remote-controlled actuation and integrated sensing while preserving biological function.
• Assessment of biocompatibility and control over organoid self-organization to ensure functional integration
• Design and evaluation of magnetic actuation strategies enabling controlled deformation, coordination, and interaction of organobots with external system.

The details of the research and its specific milestones will be determined jointly with the candidate and will depend on the expertise and interests of the candidate.

Education and experience

• Doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, electrical engineering, materials science, robotics, or a related field
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken)
• Experience in preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings
• Experience with building custom mechatronic experimental setups and/or one or more forms of prototyping (e.g., mold-making and casting, microfabrication, wet lab experience, hydrogel synthesis) is an advantage
• Prior work and research experience in organoid development, magnetic hydrogels, 3D bioprinting, biomedical robots is a plus, but not required
• Interest in mentoring and co-mentoring visiting students, summer interns, and/or master’s students
• Interest in applying for postdoctoral fellowships is a plus, but not required.
• Interest in helping establish a new lab, not only by shaping its research focus, designing the lab space, and selecting new equipment, but also by contributing to the development of its organizational structure and culture

The offer

• An international, multidisciplinary, and highly motivating working environment
• Extensive mentoring, supervision, and career-planning support from two PIs
• Access to state-of-the-art lab facilities, including advanced fabrication and testing equipment
• Collaborations with world-leading research groups at MPI-IS and beyond
• Networking opportunities through conferences, seminars, and research visits
• Competitive salaries and fully funded positions
• Financial contribution to the job ticket (ÖPNV)
• The preferred start date is September 1, 2026. The position is fully funded for one year

Application

Applications should include a curriculum vitae (in English, with a complete list of publications), a cover letter, a transcript from your current or most recent academic program and contact information for 2-3 references. In the cover letter (written in English, no longer than two pages), please describe the research direction(s) from the list above that interest you, how your previous research experiences have prepared you for this role, and how you hope this position will support your career development and prepare you for your next steps.

Please upload your application to the application portal.

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Buse Aktaş at buse.aktas@is.mpg.de and Dr. Antonia Georgopoulou at ageorgopoulou@is.mpg.de. 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 and non-binary individuals in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages them to apply.

Closing date for applications

The application deadline is March 30, 2026. The positions will be open until filled.