Technical Assistant position for Next Generation-Sequencing

The Deep Sequencing Facility of the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg is seeking a dedicated part‑time technical assistant to join our team at the earliest possible opportunity. As a central service unit, headed by Dr. Ulrike Bönisch, we support all research groups at the institute with a broad portfolio of modern NGS applications. Our core expertise lies in the continuous development of innovative technologies and their direct implementation in the diverse research projects conducted at our institute.

The position is initially for a fixed term of two years.

The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics (MPI-IE) in Freiburg, Germany, is an interdisciplinary research institution that conducts basic research in two key areas of modern biology: Immunobiology and Epigenetics. Central questions address the molecular basis of cell type identities, as they are regulated during immune cell differentiation, metabolic response and epigenetic chromatin adaptation.

Your tasks

• Preparation of samples for a wide range of deep‑sequencing projects, to reduce turnaround times while maintaining high quality
• Independent execution and evaluation of quality control steps
• Independent operation and routine maintenance of pipetting robots and sequencing instruments
• Contribution to the development of new techniques and automation of workflows
• Identification of bottlenecks and proactive development of solutions
• Active participation in laboratory seminars and team discussions

Your profile

• Completed vocational training as a technical assistant or a comparable qualification
• Practical experience in our core technologies: preparation of sequencing libraries, operation of pipetting robots, and modern sequencing systems
• Confident use of basic data analysis tools such as QC evaluations, simple scripts, and tabular data processing
• Routine in software‑supported lab management, including documentation, sample tracking, and digital process workflows
• Solid laboratory safety knowledge and responsible handling of equipment, samples, and reagents
• Very good English skills, spoken and written
• Basic understanding of a digitally networked laboratory: ability to view instruments, software, and workflows as an integrated system and to design processes in a structured, efficient, and non‑redundant manner

We offer

Located in a region that connects Germany, France and Switzerland, our institute offers an international research environment with outstanding infrastructure facilities and a positive working atmosphere that places a high value on work-life balance.

• Payment according to TVöD up to a maximum of E9b if the collectively agreed and personal requirements are fulfilled
• Social benefits in line with public service (VBL)
• Additional performance-related remuneration component
• Professional training and development opportunities
• Good public transport connections and a subsidy for a job ticket
• Challenging work in a modern working environment
• Catering provided facilities within walking distance
• Dual-Career-Support and Welcome-Service
• Family-friendly offers (affiliated day care center at the institute, parent-child room, breastfeeding room)

We value and promote diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, so we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from severely disabled people. We would also like to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore expressly encourage women to apply.

Application deadline

Have we sparked your interest? Please apply with your complete application documents (letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, certificates) via our online application portal by 15.07.2026.