Research Engineer – Software Development or DevOps (m/f/div), 80–100 %

 

Embedded in Tübingen's rapidly growing science and technology campus, the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems is an internationally leading research institute doing cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence (AI) and related fields of machine learning, computer vision, robotics, haptics, and more. The institute has close ties to ELLIS, a Europe-wide research network in machine learning, the Cyber Valley initiative that connects researchers with start-ups and industry in the area, as well as the Tübingen AI Center, home to numerous leading AI researchers.

 

Description

Part of the institute, the Software Workshop is a unique central scientific facility at the intersection between software engineering and research. It conducts research in computer science and supports the departments and research groups of the institute in software development. Its main goal is to increase the quality and impact of the research at the institute, both internally and worldwide.

 

Roles and responsibilities

In the context mentioned above, the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems is seeking a Research Software to strengthen its team. You will work closely with the scientists and engineers of the institute. You will directly contribute to projects in various areas (e.g., machine learning, computer vision, robotics, haptics), helping researchers to translate research prototypes into supportable software. You will also maintain and develop part of their software infrastructure.

 

Responsibilities may include:

• Implementation of software solutions for research
• Translation of research code into robust software (e.g., optimization, refactoring)
• Contribution to research projects to allow deployment (containerization, virtualization)
• Management and diversification of their in-house software infrastructure (e.g., CI/CD)
• Dissemination of good software practices (reviews, tutorials, workshops)
• Maintenance of software libraries and infrastructure

 

Education and experience

• An M.Sc. or PhD in computer science, electrical engineering, or related discipline
• Several years of experience in software and DevOps engineering
• Team-player attitude
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English

 

You bring at least two of the following skills:

• Expertise in C++ and/or Rust, and Python
• Experience in code optimization and implementing scientific libraries
• Experience in Agile software development
• Experience with DevOps-related frameworks (Docker, Ansible, Gitlab CI/CD...)

 

The offer:

The position will be located at the Tübingen site of the Max Planck Institute of Intelligent Systems as part of the Software Workshop team, with possibility for some remote work. 

Salaries and contract will be based on previous experience according to the Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD) guidelines. This is a full-time position. The position is initially limited to two years with the possibility of transitioning into a permanent position.

 

Application:

To apply, please include in your application a cover letter, your resume, links to code that you have written (e.g., GitHub/GitLab accounts), and three references (letters or contact details). Upload these as one PDF file to the application portal.

If you prefer to send a hardcopy application, you may do so. Please address it to:

Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems
Personal and Recht
Max-Planck-Ring 4
72076 Tübingen

The position will be open until filled. Preference will be given to the applications received by 30.11.2025.

For more information or questions about scientific and technical aspects of the position, please contact Jean-Claude Passy at jean-claude.passy@tuebingen.mpg.de. For other questions, please contact Oliver Gäntzle at oliver.gaentzle@vw.is.mpg.de.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values on the Max Planck's campus and recruiting efforts. The institute strongly encourages applications from groups underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more handicapped individuals and especially encourages them to apply. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Closing date for applications: 19.12.2025