Imaging Systems Developer Intern OR Student Assistant at the Optics and Sensing Laboratory

 

The Optics and Sensing Laboratory (OSLab) at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Tübingen (Germany) has an open position for an Intern or Student Assistant to collaborate with research engineers and technical staff to configure, operate, and test diverse capture systems at the Institute, while creating the detailed documentation necessary to standardize how these technologies are used and maintained.

 

About them

They are supporting the development of highly realistic human and animal avatars for use in research, film, virtual reality, biology and medicine. Using unique 3D & 4D capture facilities, machine learning, computer vision and advanced graphics, they are modeling humans and animals shape and behavior.

 

About the Position

You will be working closely with their laboratory engineers — in a multi-camera capturing environment housed at the institute — to configure, operate, and test various camera and imaging systems (e.g., 360 cameras, FPGA-based frame grabbers, SDI-based interface cameras, Arduino controllers, motorized stereo rigs, etc.). They are looking for someone with hands-on experience who is enthusiastic about computer vision-related hardware and software, including a variety of camera systems and video technologies.

The position is available as of now and will remain open until it is filled.

 

Roles and responsibilities

• Configure, program, and deploy various signal controllers for camera synchronization
• Calibrate various camera systems (stereo rigs, 360°, RGB-D, and multi-camera setups)
• Assist in implementing functionality with FPGA components
• Verify system functionality and troubleshoot hardware/software issues
• Install required software, drivers, and hardware components
• Explore new configurations and optimize system performance
• Support deployment of camera and capture systems for testing and training purposes
• Document system setups, calibration procedures, and operational details; write user manuals
• Develop demo presentations of the technology
• Write and modify code (primarily in Python and C++) to support capture and control systemsEducation & Experience
• Bachelor's/Master's degree or vocational qualification in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field; or equivalent experience in developing and implementing hardware and software solutions for virtual production technologies
• Strong interest in hardware–software systems and hands-on technical work
• Familiarity with camera systems, imaging technologies, and electrical equipment
• Programming skills including Python and C++
• Good oral and written communication skills in English
• A natural team player and detail-oriented person

 

Duration

• For Intern: duration of 3-6 months, 50-100% (20-39 hrs/week)
• For HiWi: duration of minimum 12 months, minimum of 12 hrs/week (HiWi contracts are to be given and extended on a semester basis)

 

The Offer

• Working in a multidisciplinary collaborative project at MPI for Intelligent Systems (Tübingen)
• Cutting-edge technologies related to computer vision and multi-sensor system
• An open-minded and motivating working environment with international scientists, engineers and administrative staff
• The salary is paid in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD Bund) and the collective agreement on the federal pay scale (TV EntgO-Bund), according to your qualifications
• They provide a subsidy for the Deutschland-Jobticket (ÖPNV)
• Their connection to a day care center and the possibility of mobile working to help you to reconcile family and career.

 

Application

Candidates should send their:

1. 2-page letter answering:

a. What makes you a strong candidate for this position, and how does your background align with the role?

b. Describe the technical process and considerations involved in integrating multiple Apple iPhone 17 Pro devices into a synchronized multi-camera video recording setup — including hardware configuration, software tools, and any challenges you would anticipate.

c. Describe a relevant project where you applied hands-on experience with camera hardware and software elements , and the outcomes achieved.

2. Curriculum Vitae (with 3 references)

3. (Optional) GitHub or other account(s) showing them your programming skills

 

Application without these documents including the letter will not be considered.

Please send the requested documents in a single PDF file, via the application portal.

If you prefer to send a hardcopy application, please send it to:

Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, OSLab, Dr. Keiko Kitagawa, Max-Planck-Ring 4, 72076 Tübingen, Germany

Any questions regarding the position should be forwarded to Dr. Senya Polikovsky at senya.polikovsky@tuebingen.mpg.de or Dr. Keiko Kitagawa at keiko.kitagawa@tuebingen.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 in its workforce in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.